The New Wilderness
(De Nieuwe Wildernis)
At the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Europe, where humans have shaped every square meter of land, lie the Oostvaardersplassen — a unique experiment in letting nature run its course. In just 40 years, 6,000 hectares of newly formed Dutch polder have truned into one of Europe’s most dynamic and productive wetlands. The New Wilderness charts the cycle of life in the natural area over four seasons.
Underwater Filming
I filmed the underwater sequences for The New Wilderness. Most of the water in the Oostvaardersplassen is shallow and so murky that it was often a challenge to see anything at all. In winter it involved filming in freezing conditions.
Photo by Wout Overkamp
Production Details
Cinema documentary
94 minutes, 2.39:1
Original title: De Nieuwe Wildernis
Directed by Mark Verkerk and Ruben Smit
Produced by EMS Films
Cinemas releases in the Netherlands (2013), Belgium (2013), Germany (2015), and Japan (2016)
Adapted to a three-part television series for Dutch national public television
Awards
Best Film, Rembrandt Awards 2014
Golden Calf Audience Award, Netherlands Film Festival 2014
Credit
Underwater Cinematographer
