They appeared in the ominous deep pool near Ezinge, on the coat of arms of Uithuizen, on old sea charts, and just beyond the seawall: the mysterious Waddenzeevolk.

In the film of the same name by Koos Buist (Sloot), we follow the protagonist as he first encounters these beings in his early youth — creatures inseparably tied to the coastal landscape. Through poetic imagery, we see his connection to the clay, dikes, salt marshes, and water.

During his search for the Waddenzeevolk, the protagonist discovers countless signs of this semi-aquatic existence — from feather fish among the basalt blocks along the shore to tracks that lead him back to the sea, where he ultimately drowns in his quest.

This short, fairytale-like film draws you into another world that exists right beside our own, enhanced by the evocative music composed by Emil van Steenwijk.

“Waddenzeevolk is a poetic, impressionistic reflection of what a landscape can stir in the depths of a person — and at the same time, an ode to youth. Koos Buist portrays this with eye-catching beauty and striking originality.” — Leeuwarder Courant*