"Butterflyman": Absurdist Short on Isolation & Comedy

Three Key Takeaways

Butterflyman explores themes of isolation and self-assertion through an absurdist, comedic lens inspired by the filmmaker’s own social anxieties.
The film’s creative process involved thoughtful editing choices that reshaped key scenes, emphasizing the director’s unique vision.
Selection at Nòt Film Fest marks a meaningful milestone, closing Butterflyman’s festival journey with hopes for wider audience connection.

Jeroen Zeegers, writer-director of the short film Butterflyman, brings a quirky, heartfelt story of introversion and self-discovery to the spotlight at Nòt Film Fest in Italy.

Featuring performances by Wietse Tanghe, Manou Kersting, Ivan Pecnik, and Lore Uyttendaele, the film showcases a talented crew including cinematographer Victor Maes and production lead Michaela Joan Borcher.

Zeegers’ blend of absurd comedy and poetic sensibility invites viewers into the cocooned world of Joop, a butterfly keeper confronting suspicion and isolation.

Q&A Interview

What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?

It began with the image of a man working in a tropical butterfly garden, and this setting gradually evolved into a kind of cocoon — a warm, safe place where a butterfly (or a man) can be shielded from the outside world, yet also, in a way, trapped and isolated. For the main character, the butterfly zookeeper Joop, I drew heavily from my own personality and the social anxieties I struggled with in my youth. And because I’ve always loved weird comedies, I set out to create a slightly absurd story about a protagonist determined to protect his butterflies.

What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically? Was there a moment on set or in post that completely changed how you saw the story?

We made a few minor changes to the story in editing and cut one or two scenes that simply didn’t work.

Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you—something only you could have made?

I really love how the scene turned out in which Joop begins to suspect who took the bite out of the butterfly. Without any spoilers: the scene with the dramatic zoom.

What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?

Cutting some of the scenes in the edit.

"I drew heavily from my own personality and the social anxieties I struggled with in my youth."

What do you hope audiences take away from your film?

I hope they don’t take it too seriously and can enjoy it — whether they find it funny, poetic, or a bit of both.

"Our team was really motivated to work and make this film (and not just for a paycheck)."

How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?

In my next film, I’d lean more into the comedy and sprinkle in a few extra slapstick moments.

What’s a tool, technique, or resource that really helped you during production?

There are too many to name, really. I was lucky to have a wonderful cast and crew, each bringing their own talents.

If you have a tight budget, it's much harder to find cast and crew. But when I speak from my experience with this film: our team was really motivated to work and make this film (and not just for a paycheck).