December 17, 2025
International recognition for VRT MAX series: second season of 9 Parties for the Hangover now available
The award-winning web series 9 Parties for the Hangover returns with a second season. The series by Veerle Dejaeger and Nidal van Rijn has received three international gold distinctions.
International recognition for Flemish talent The first season of 9 Parties for the Hangover achieved international success with three gold awards: at the Indie Short Fest (Best Web Series), the Milan Independent Awards (Best Web Series), and the Indie X Film Fest (Best Web Series and Award of Excellence). In addition, it earned nominations for a Golden Rose in the multiplatform category, a selection for C21, and a nomination at the Hollywood Independent Filmmaker Awards & Festival.
This recognition demonstrates how Flemish talent and stories resonate beyond borders. The web series, a co-production of VRT and Sputnik Media, was made possible with support from the Flanders Audiovisual Fund and the Tax Shelter scheme of the Belgian federal government.
New loves, old friendship In the second season, Celie (Veerle Dejaeger) and Aster (Nidal van Rijn) try to revive their friendship two years after their dramatic breakup. This time with one rule: they will be “normal” friends and venture into real romantic relationships. Their new partners Max (Nathan Naenen) and Raven (Jean Janssens), however, have no idea what they’re getting pulled into.
The story explores the complexity of modern friendships and romantic relationships - themes that strongly resonate with young viewers. Across eight episodes, the audience is taken from a graduation party to a chaotic wedding day, as the boundaries between friendship and love become increasingly blurred.
Talent On and Off Screen The cast combines familiar faces with emerging talent. Veerle Dejaeger, known from wtFOCK and recently seen in Onopgelost, earned a master’s degree in business engineering alongside her acting career. Nidal van Rijn, Ketnet host and actor from 2DEZIT, is currently deepening his acting training at RITCS.
Nathan Naenen and Jean Janssens strengthen the cast with experience from wtFOCK and international productions such as Jimpa, where Janssens starred alongside Olivia Colman and John Lithgow.
Digital Storytelling With 9 Parties for the Hangover, VRT MAX focuses on short, intense stories that perfectly match the viewing habits of younger audiences.
The international recognition proves that Flemish talent and stories can tackle universal themes that resonate and are appreciated beyond our language borders.
