By Iekje Smit
What does gas extraction mean for the people who live with its consequences? In the oral history project Ooggetuigen van de Gaswinning (Eyewitnesses of Gas Extraction), residents, professionals and others involved share their experiences in extensive filmed interviews. The project is an initiative of Diepduik Media, carried out in collaboration with social, cultural and knowledge institutions. The interviews are preserved at the Groninger Archieven and made accessible to a wide audience through Filmbank Groningen.
Photographer Marieke Kijk in de Vegte has been involved since the start and portrays every eyewitness in her own distinctive way. Her portraits are on display in an exhibition during the Groninger Filmdagen.
The Groninger Filmdagen are proud to put this project in the spotlight. Eyewitnesses of Gas Extraction captures what the festival theme, Rooted Film, is all about: stories of the people who live here, stories that give films their meaning and spark conversation.
HET DEBUUT, launching during the Groninger Filmdagen, gives debut directors from the North of the Netherlands the equipment, guidance from an experienced mentor and network they need to make their short film, which then premieres at the Filmdagen and is broadcast by RTV Noord.