I deeply admire those who choose to follow their heart and carve their own path. It is temping to go down the beaten path and follow the herd, but that’s not the best choice for everyone. It takes courage and determination to step away from the familiar, especially when it means going against the well-intentioned advice of those around you. Over the years I’ve created a series of film portraits of people who realized they were unhappy on the conventional path and had the bravery to pursue their own. While creating these film portraits I always find it magical to go truly in depth with someone in a short period of time. Through a documentary-style approach, I strive to capture their story in the most authentic and genuine way possible.
Björn van der Doelen was a professional football player from The Netherlands, until he quit when he was 39 years old. He just had enough of it. And there were so many other things in life he loved doing. Music was one of them and after he quit as a football player he could really focus on his singer-songwriter career.
When Iris got her master in psychology back home in France she was well prepared to pursuit a beautiful career. Instead she felt a strong urge to travel first and so she did. Travelling however opened her mind and broadened her horizon so much that she couldn't go back to a normal life anymore. Eventually she ended up in Portugal where she lived in her van and started playing music as a busker.
Dancing has always played a very important role in so many cultures around the world as an expression of happiness and celebration. As a DJ from The Netherlands, Arie has been facilitating that for many years for which is very grateful. With his passion for all these different kinds of music styles he knows exactly how to get people on the dance floor and keep them dancing.
During his studies in architecture, Hassan found out about woodturning and fell in love with it. It all started as a hobby but before he finished his studies he decided to go all in on woodturning, which he does for a living now in Saudi Arabia. While he gets his inspiration mostly from nature, his architectural background helps him greatly to visualize and design the shapes he has in mind.
Inge is an entrepreneurial and positive minded lady living in The Netherlands, who loves to create atmospheres that make people feel at home. Through her multiple businesses in the hospitality industry she is able to bring people together and connect them. Unveiling other people's stories and motivations is what motivates her.
When travelling to India for the first time, seeing a completely different lifestyle and philosophy then he was used to back home in Romania, Bogdan was left mesmerised. This is where he practised meditation for the first time and it became the most beautiful gift in his life. He fully emerged himself into it and eventually started teaching others about meditation.
When Maisha realised she had given up her personal life in pursuit of her medical career in Germany, she simply felt the need to breathe. Eventually she quit her job and planned to travel Europe for a year, but quickly found herself in Portugal, the country she fell in love with long before. This is where she realised that the simpler her life got, the happier she became.
How often do you stop and think about what's truly important to you? It's one of the questions Paula asks during her SUP coaching sessions in The Netherlands. At one point when she was recovering from a burn out she discovered stand up paddling and immediately she experienced an immense peace. Right then and there she decided to pass it on.