Student Malou Rosenbrand of the Audiovisual Specialist course made a documentary about the Weeffabriek in Geldrop: ‘Rafelranden’ The interwoven story of the Weeffabriek.
Within SintLucas and on their internships, students work with real clients and projects. So too during this project. In four months, Malou made a documentary about the Weeffabriek, about which there is much to do within the municipality of Geldrop. (The former Hofdael is now a place where people from Geldrop and Mierlo are connected in terms of culture, leisure and education, but still has financial challenges). We talk to student Malou about her approach, the process and dreams for the future.
Thorough preparation
Malou explains enthusiastically: “Making the documentary was a big project, in which daring to start was important. I started with a plan of action. The first month I focused on research: delving into the subject out of genuine interest and, above all, making connections with relevant ‘storytellers’ for the story. Then I made appointments with them and was able to conduct the interviews. During an interview like this, you are busy with many things. My tip to other students is: ‘Stay relaxed, keep listening and trust your own direction. If you radiate that, it will really work out.’
Staying objective
When making a documentary, it is important to remain neutral. Malou explains: “This subject was quite far away from me, so it was not a challenge to stay objective. What helped in the process was that I started spotting (collecting the material that is useful) immediately after an interview. Then, after all the interviews, I put the puzzle together and made it into one story. It still remains a bit ‘Kill your darlings’ then. Through the voice-over, I tried to create a strong connection between all the ‘puzzle pieces’. This allowed me to incorporate my own style.”
Strong interest in premiere
The documentary premiered at the Weeffabriek in the presence of those involved, press, fellow students and other interested parties. “That interest didn’t need to be, but it is very nice to receive a lot of positive reactions from the audience.” A “fuss” had arisen within the press because one interview, that of the councillor, was withdrawn. Malou explains, “It’s a shame that that happened, because it was an honest and open conversation conducted from good intentions. I kept away from the political discussion. I wanted to make an objective documentary that paints a realistic picture of the situation. That succeeded.”
In-depth documentaries
In the future, she wants to make more personal documentaries where she can go into depth. “I want to make documentaries with my heart, in which I experience all the freedom and can touch and amaze people by looking at themes from a new perspective. It is a dream to be accepted at the Film Academy in Amsterdam after SintLucas at ‘directing documentary’. Everything I have learned now, I will definitely take with me. For that I am grateful to my teacher and mentor Pierre van der Sanden, as well as contact person Hannie Derks within the Weeffabriek. “
