On the vast plains of East Groningen stand old, grand manor farms. Each one more beautiful and imposing than the next. Their stately appearance stems from the immense prosperity of the gentleman farmers who lived there during the Grain Republic of the 19th century, the golden age of the region. Now, many of these monumental farms are deteriorating. They are also called “Crying Brides,” once the farmer cathedrals of the past.

In Crying Brides, two manor farms reflect on their own decline. The residents fight with all their might to preserve the farms, but cannot stand up against greater forces. What must they do to stop the decay? Is salvation still possible? And how do the farms themselves perceive their impending downfall?

In Drieborg, Annemarie and Boelo are trying to save their state-listed monumental farm from the wrecking ball. Farmer Boelo ten Have is the sixth generation of his family to live and work on the farm. Out of despair, they have painted the farm pink. They try to reverse the decline with the help of subsidies. But will that succeed? Will help come in time? And what does the “pink farm” itself think of its decay?