“Ver van Thuis” (Far from Home) is a Dutch documentary created in collaboration with Urban Living Lab Breda. It tells the story of three women who fled war-torn Ukraine for refuge in the Netherlands and Belgium. Through their narratives, the documentary sheds light on the ongoing conflict in their homeland and its profound impact on their lives. Originally conceived for the “Explore the Cultures” festival organized by Urban Living Lab Breda, the documentary garnered significant interest from our local community, leading to additional screenings at Chassé Theater and Filmhuis Breda.
In this project, I undertook the roles of Producer, Director, and Editor under the commission of Urban Living Lab. As the project expanded, I collaborated with Amine Airad and Sofie de Beijer to bring the documentary to fruition, resulting in the final delivery of “Ver van Thuis” (Far from Home).
Urban Living Lab Breda (ULLB) is a dynamic and collaborative organization
comprised of several other institutions and instances who are committed
to foster positive change within their local communities. It involves a wide
range of stakeholders, including residents, students, educators, researchers,
entrepreneurs and policymakers. Within the institutions who participate
and collaborate with their event and activities are: Curio, Avans, De
Rooi Pannen, Breda University, Dutch Academy of Defense (Nederlandse
Defensie Academie) and Breda Municipality (Gemeente Breda).
During the initial stages of production, the vision for this project was to craft a concise three-episode documentary series. However, as the project evolved, we recognized the opportunity to expand our scope and create a full-length film to better align with the objectives of the cultural festival (Explore the Cultures – 2023) it was intended for.
Below, you’ll find a draft of the second episode, providing a glimpse into our creative process and storytelling approach before the decision to extend the project’s length. For access to the final, polished version of this documentary, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Urban Living Lab Breda.
“Ver Van Thuis” was a production that spanned over a year of meticulous planning, filming, and editing. Collaborating closely with two colleagues from different academic backgrounds, we embarked on a journey to give voice to the stories of a few Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands and Belgium. The documentary was not just a project; it was a testament to our shared commitment to amplify the voices of Ukrainian refugees and raise awareness about the ongoing war in their homeland and its social effects.
Our efforts culminated in a series of screenings at prominent venues, including the local Chassé Theater and the smaller Filmhuis Breda. Being able to showcase our work at such settings was a testament to the impact and relevance of “Ver Van Thuis.” Moreover, the documentary was an integral part of a cultural festival developed by Urban Living Lab Breda, further amplifying its reach and influence within the community.
Through the process of creating “Ver Van Thuis,” I gained invaluable experience in every aspect of documentary filmmaking, from conceptualization to post-production. It was a transformative journey that not only honed my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of the power of storytelling to effect meaningful change.
“Ver Van Thuis” served as a catalyst for my aspirations to become an impact producer in the future. Witnessing firsthand the profound impact that our documentary had on audiences reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of media as a tool for social advocacy and change. It inspired me to continue leveraging the art of filmmaking to shed light on pressing social issues and drive positive societal transformation.
