In 2023 I wrote the score to Vogels Kun Je Niet Melken, a touching documentary about nowadays challenges of farmer life in the North of The Netherlands. Written & Directed by Barbara Makkinga.
It gave me the opportunity to evoke the multi layered film in music.
The score was awarded a Buma MiMA Award 2023 for best music for documentary.
Synopsis
Farmer Bote de Boer from Tjerkwerd, Súdwest-Fryslân, eagerly awaits the return of the black-tailed godwit. Across Friesland, this meadow bird has become a rare sight, but on his land, it still returns in large numbers.
This year, everything is once again ready for its arrival. The groundwater level is high, the wetland areas have been prepared, and the old-fashioned meadow grass is rich with herbs and insects—exactly what the godwits love.
Astrid, Bote’s wife, supports her husband’s passion for the birds. If it were just the two of them, she would let him do as he pleases. But they are not alone—they have five children. The oldest sons dream of taking over the farm in the future. Yet, for that to happen, there must still be a farm left to inherit.
Musicians
Martin Fondse – piano, Wurlitzer, Hammond, electric guitar
Anna Serierse – vocals
Remco Jak – soprano saxophone
Kika Sprangers – alto saxophone
Joost Buis – trombone, lap steel guitar
Jörg Brinkmann – cello
Dirk-Peter Kölsch – drums, percussion
Daniël de Moraes – acoustic guitar
Fernando Lameirinhas – vocals
Music Supervision – Remco Jak