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Dutch production Good Neighbors at UNAFF 2019
Still from Good Neighbors, courtesy of BASALT FILM.
Tue, Oct 22 - Tue, Oct 22 2019
STANFORD UNIVERSITY, JORDAN HALL, BUILDING 420, MAIN QUAD, ROOM 040 - San Francisco Consulate Region
Good Neighbors
Good Neighbors is a Dutch production by BASALT FILMS/Simone van den Broek and director Stella van Voorst van Beest. The documentary focuses on loneliness among elderly people in the Netherlands. The film has been chosen to screen at the UNAFF (United Nations Association Film Festival) on the 22nd of October at 4:50 PM.
Synopsis
When Rotterdam citizen Bep de Bruin is found dead in her home, lying there unnoticed for 10 years, the city is in shock. How could this happen? Ada (59) and her best friend Wilma (70) decide to volunteer for the local government’s response: a campaign against loneliness. Together, they go door to door to check in on elderly citizens, looking for lonely people that fit the profile and need help. This is how they meet Jan, who has barely left his home in seven years. In fighting to stay independent, his loneliness intensifies, and Ada and Wilma are upset by his insufficient quality of care. They also encounter Tilly, a strong and stubborn woman who has contact with no one but her beloved dog, and refuses every offer of support. Overwhelmed by the loneliness they encounter, and by their fear for what this means for them and their city, Ada and Wilma stop observing — and take action.
About Director Stella van Voorst van Beest
Stella van Voorst van Beest was born and grew up in Rotterdam. She studied Social History at the Erasmus University (History of the 20th Century and Communication Studies). After that she studied Documentary and Editing at the Dutch Film Academy in Amsterdam. She graduated in 1994. She works as a Director and Editor. Her Films are characterized by a strong visual, observing style.
About Producer BASALT FILM/Simone van den Broek
BASALT FILM (2012) is the Rotterdam based company of Simone van den Broek. Basalt Film produces socially relevant documentaries of high artistic quality for National and International cinema and television a.o. Matthew’s Laws, 72 min, 2012. Grand Prix Visions du Reel, Grand Prix Dutch Feature Length Documentary, Special Merit Prize TIDFF, Best Feature Length Documentary RIDM. Basalt Film is EDN member and part of EAVE network.