Abel Chacón Hoekstra took his camera into the forest. Private photo Abel Chacón Hoekstra (Economics & Policy), a recently graduated student, made a short film that was recently screened at an international film festival.
Hoekstra’s documentary is called Armonia ambiental, un retrato de la familia Mora, which, loosely translated, means: In harmony with the environment, a portrait of the Mora family. The documentary, which can be viewed below, made it to the Schnit Shortfilm Festival in San José shortlist.
What prompted this film?
‘Photography and videography are my hobbies. My family originates from Costa Rica. I was born in the Netherlands but raised in Costa Rica, which is also my current place of residence. I had some time off between completing my courses in Wageningen in December and the start of my exchange in Santiago de Chile in March. I wanted to take on a project to improve my filming skills. This film is my first longer documentary.
What is the film about?
‘It is about a family business in eco-tourism in the village of Providencia de Dota. A good friend’s family has the main role, which also promotes their business. The documentary shows how they coexist with their environment. They look back upon the era of agricultural expansion in the mid-twentieth century when inhabitants torched forests to raise cattle. This family takes a different approach. The film centres on their philosophy of nature conservation.’
How did the filming go?
‘At the end of February, I spent five days with the family shooting the footage. I couldn’t bring much luggage and had to make do with what materials I had. That called for some improvisation. But white curtains, an orange bottle and desk lamps, for example, enabled me to manipulate the daylight.’
How did your film make it to the film festival?
‘When I showed friends the documentary this spring, they suggested submitting it to the film festival. I heard my documentary had been nominated two weeks ago. I have now seen my project on the bid screen with an audience of over 250 people. That really feels like a reward for all the hard work. It is unreal.’
You graduated in Economics & Policy. Wouldn’t you rather be a filmmaker?
‘I will consider it. I have a gap-year and am considering returning to Wageningen for a master’s next year. Making a career as a filmmaker is challenging. I would like to continue making films in addition to a regular job. It will likely remain a hobby or side job.’
