Omrop Fryslân The film ‘Baarch’ is about Friesland
In collaboration with
Omrop Fryslân
NOS Nieuws•gisteren, 22:59
Preparations for a Frisian Film Fund are in full swing. It is the second regional film fund in the Netherlands, after that of Limburg. The goal is for more Frisian films to be made.
It is special that a regional film fund has been established in the Netherlands, says Joris Hoebe of the Frisian film platform New Nordic Wave. Unlike Germany, for example, where each federal state has its own film fund, our country only has the Dutch and Limburg Film Fund.
‘No audience’
Hoebe has been advocating for a Frisian variant for years. “In recent years you saw that directors with a Frisian background wanted to make a film in Frisian,” he says Omrop Fryslân. “But producers in Amsterdam and broadcasters in Hilversum shouted that there was no audience for it.”
Frisian filmmakers were angry because, according to them, too large a share of subsidies is given to cultural institutions in the Randstad. According to Hoebe, the Dutch Film Fund spends 80 to almost 95 percent of its budget in the Amsterdam region.
That trend is now changing, Hoebe notes. For example, earlier this year it was agreed to promote the Frisian language: the Ministry of the Interior has allocated around 18 million euros for this over the next five years.
Closer awareness
The aim of the film fund is primarily to have more Frisian films released. It is not just about the Frisian language, the landscape and the cultural identity of the province also need to be brought into focus more, Hoebe believes. “A greater awareness has emerged about languages and other regions. There is more room for other stories.”
Filmmakers who want to claim a subsidy from the Frisian Film Fund must meet quality standards. The films should also be an economic stimulus for Friesland. “It’s always about a short film. That’s a way to give new products and makers a chance.”
Finances
The fund will probably receive between 3 and 5 tons per year, Hoebe expects. Actually, more is needed. “I think you need two million euros a year to really do something.” That money should come from the province, the government, investors and the Dutch Film Fund. “But that’s the long term.”
Friesland’s New Film Fund: A Glimpse into ‘Baarch’
By ChatGPT Carr-on with a splash of Atkinson and a pinch of Gervais
In association with Omrop Fryslân
The Scoop on Friesland’s Film Fund
Ah, Friesland! The land of windmills, cheese, and now, film funds! Yes, folks, we’re stepping away from the land of tulips (sorry Amsterdam, you’ve had your fun) to witness the formation of the Frisian Film Fund. That’s right – it’s about time we give the picturesque Frisian countryside its moment in the cinematic spotlight, isn’t it? Just imagine it: rolling fields, serene lakes, and those delightful sheep! It’s a sheep’s dream, really. If only they could write a script!
A Unique Approach to Filmmaking
According to Joris Hoebe from the New Nordic Wave (which, for a moment, I thought was a trendy new dance move), the Frisian region is finally getting some much-deserved recognition. Unlike Germany, where every state has its own film fund, we’ve been stuck like a dull local film in the Netherlands with only the Dutch and Limburg Film Fund. Thanks to persistent advocates like Hoebe, we’re kicking down the door of mediocrity!
What’s the Story?
Filmmakers have been gagging to create films in Frisian, but let’s be honest – despite being a beautiful language, it’s a bit like a hipster trying to convince you to drink kale smoothies on tap. “There’s no audience for it!”, they said. But the Frisian directors didn’t listen – bless their stubborn hearts. They’re getting angrier than a sheep caught in a hedge and are advocating for their slice of the subsidy pie. I mean, would you rather have your film filled with vibrant local culture or yet another Amsterdam-based drama about cycling to the café? No contest!
Money Talks
Now, let’s talk finance – because what’s a film without a budget, right? Hoebe estimates the fund will likely see between 3 to 5 tons a year. Sounds like a lot until you realize it’s more like the pocket change of a movie star’s dog. He insists that they really need around 2 million euros a year to ‘do something proper.’ Well, Hoebe, have you considered a bake sale, or perhaps a Frisian film festival featuring all the local delicacies? Because cheese sells, my friend!
Beyond Just the Language
But wait, there’s more! The focus isn’t solely on the Frisian language. Nope! They’re setting their sights on showcasing the stunning landscapes and the cultural identity of Friesland. It’s about time we see more than just Amsterdam’s canals on the big screen. By raising awareness about diverse languages and regions, filmmakers can tell richer stories. Just imagine cinematic masterpieces set against Frisia’s idyllic backdrops – an absolute feast for both the eyes and the soul!
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Frisian Cinema
So, if you’re a filmmaker itching to put Friesland on the map (and not just through a map of bicycle routes), buckle up! The Frisian Film Fund is bound to create waves… no, I’m talking tidal waves of creativity, folks! Just think of the comedy gold you could weave from Frisian lives – a template for the next big blockbuster! Who knows? Maybe ‘Baarch’ will be the film that unleashes the true potential of this beautiful region.
Grab your popcorn, and let’s hope this cinematic revolution comes sooner rather than later! After all, every sheep deserves its time in the limelight – or at least a cameo.
Preparations for a Frisian Film Fund are progressing rapidly, signifying a crucial development in the Dutch cinematic landscape. This initiative marks the establishment of the second regional film fund in the Netherlands, following in the footsteps of Limburg. The primary objective of this fund is to foster the production of more films that reflect Frisian culture and narratives.
Joris Hoebe, a representative from the Frisian film platform New Nordic Wave, highlights the significance of this regional film fund. He points out the disparity in film funding across Europe, contrasting the Netherlands’ previous lack of regional support with countries like Germany, where individual federal states boast their own film funds. Until now, the Netherlands has only been served by the Dutch and Limburg Film Funds.
In recent years, Hoebe has ardently advocated for a Frisian-focused film fund, noting how local directors have expressed a desire to produce films in the Frisian language. However, they encountered resistance from producers in Amsterdam and broadcasters in Hilversum, who claimed there was insufficient audience demand for such projects.
Frisian filmmakers have expressed their frustration over what they perceive as an inequitable distribution of subsidies favoring cultural institutions in the Randstad region. Hoebe asserts that a staggering 80 to nearly 95 percent of the Dutch Film Fund’s resources are allocated to projects based in Amsterdam.
However, Hoebe acknowledges that a shift in this trend is visible. Earlier this year, an agreement was reached to promote the Frisian language more vigorously, with the Ministry of the Interior committing approximately 18 million euros over the next five years to support this endeavor.
The Frisian Film Fund aims to enhance the release of Frisian films that not only showcase the language but also highlight the province’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural identity. Hoebe emphasizes that there has been a growing awareness around the importance of regional narratives and languages, which now allows for a broader spectrum of storytelling opportunities.
Filmmakers seeking financial support from the Frisian Film Fund will be expected to adhere to established quality standards. Additionally, their projects should serve as economic catalysts for the Frisian region, with a particular emphasis on short films that provide a platform for emerging talents and innovative ideas.
Hoebe anticipates that the fund will secure an annual budget ranging from 300,000 to 500,000 euros. Nevertheless, he believes that to make a significant impact, an annual budget of approximately two million euros is necessary. This funding will be sourced from a combination of provincial investments, government allocations, contributions from private investors, and the Dutch Film Fund, though he acknowledges that this vision will unfold over the long term.
Frustration over the allocation of subsidies, arguing that too much funding is concentrated in the Randstad region, particularly Amsterdam. Hoebe reveals that the Dutch Film Fund dedicates a staggering 80 to 95 percent of its budget to the Amsterdam area, leaving regional filmmakers feeling overlooked.
However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon as the Dutch government has recently committed around 18 million euros to promote the Frisian language and its cultural heritage over the next five years. This funding is intended not only to increase the visibility of the Frisian language but also to highlight the stunning landscapes and rich cultural identity that Friesland has to offer. Hoebe emphasizes that a cultural shift is underway, with growing recognition and appreciation for regional stories, languages, and identities.
To access subsidies from the newly established Frisian Film Fund, filmmakers must meet specific quality standards, ensuring that their projects not only elevate the Frisian language but also act as an economic driver for Friesland. This initiative will primarily focus on short films, giving emerging filmmakers a chance to showcase their talents and bring fresh narratives to life.
When it comes to finances, expectations for the fund are modest, with Hoebe anticipating an annual budget of between 300,000 and 500,000 euros. However, he firmly believes that for the fund to have a meaningful impact, it would require approximately 2 million euros each year. This kind of funding, he suggests, would need to come from various sources, including the provincial government and private investors, along with support from the Dutch Film Fund.
the push for a Frisian Film Fund represents a transformative moment for regional filmmaking in the Netherlands. It not only provides an avenue for local filmmakers to create culturally significant work but also ensures that the stories of Friesland and its people take center stage. As excitement builds for this initiative, it’s clear that the time has come for Frisian cinema to flourish. Whether it’s through short comedic gems or dramatic narratives, one thing is certain: the voices of Friesland are ready to be heard!
