If It Weren't for You

After working for a while as a nurse, director Anne-Marieke Graafmans decided to attend the Netherlands Film and Television Academy. She graduated earlier this year, and has already earned her the Tuschinsky Award for best graduation film and the 2011 VPRO Documentary Award. The film follows the quintessential Amsterdam couple Riek and Harrie in their house and garage, but also on the road, in their decrepit but beloved camper. Riek and Harrie are both coping with a great loss, but they find comfort, understanding, and most of all joy with one another. Graafmans depicts them lovingly: tinkering with the TomTom, singing songs together in the shower, shuffling along on dance night at the campsite. They share their love for one another effortlessly with the camera, but they also share their sorrow.