Valthe, 1942. A group of Jews go into hiding with chicken farmer and later resistance hero Bertus Zefat. First in the chicken coops, later in the hiding place in the Valtherbos. The story of The Hunted started as a musical in the woods, was seen in the theater last year and can now be seen temporarily on the silver screen.
The idea to film the play arose last year. “We did the performance again because of eighty years of freedom. Nico Westerhof asked if he could make a film of it. It’s a hobby of his, he does it damn well and then you get something beautiful out of it,” says theater maker and writer of the play Josh Hassing.
Six performances were filmed with seven cameras. In addition, more material was needed to further enhance the film. “We spent four months putting the film together,” says Nico Westerhof. “I have made quite a few films, but I often found myself editing this film with tears in my eyes. I really have to say that, that was the case again. It was really great to do.”
Bruin Bergmeester found the film “very fascinating”. When asked about the moment that he remembers most, he bursts out. “The moment Bertus…” Resistance hero Zefat did not survive the war. All people in hiding do.
Several visitors to the film in the Astra Theater in Klazienaveen enjoyed the film. “You first have to get used to the play, but when you realize that it was like this in the 1940s, you get goosebumps,” says Gerard Robben. “I’m from after the war, I would like to keep it that way. But I do think they should keep telling this. It’s good that you can see this until May 10.”
And although Ms. Reins was invited by the filmmaker, she does not regret coming. “The film is beautiful, the story is also impressive. That above all.”
According to Josh Hassing, Zefat’s story must continue to be told. In addition, he says, several schools are also interested in the story. “We may have to shorten it a bit, but it is good enough to keep running for a long time,” says Nico Westerhof.
Hassing is already working on the next project. “In 1917 there was a large peat fire in Valthermond. I am now making a very large production with that story. We will play it live in September 2028.”
