The premiere of the Drenthe Vincent van Gogh film, which is about the painter’s stay in our province, has been postponed to 2024. The production was actually scheduled for 2023, the year that it is 140 years ago that the artist in Drenthe visited.
According to producer Rob Camies of ZODfilm (South East Drenthe film), more clarity is needed first about the financing.
The film, with the working title The Weed Burner, is part of the Van Gogh year that will kick off next year in Drenthe. With a packed program (including an exhibition, theater productions and a bicycle route) the Drenthe period of the famous painter is commemorated.
“We would have preferred to have gone for next year,” says Camies. “Our original idea was to keep the production small and in our own hands. But the more we thought about it, the more convinced everyone became that the film has potential for more.”
With this Camies is referring to a film with international allure, something that would not be out of place at European film festivals in Cannes, Venice and Berlin. “So the ambition is high.”
ZODfilm is now working with a large Dutch producer, whose name Camies cannot yet reveal. “Together with this party, we have submitted an application to the Film Fund. If it is granted, we can increase our budget considerably.” Current production is estimated at 4 to 4.5 tons.
With the green light from the Film Fund, that is more than two million in one fell swoop. With which the filmmakers can really unpack, according to Camies.
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