Cold Open · Essay · sep 26, 2024

Laura Hermanides on Witte Flits (2024)

One of LAB111's resident filmmakers opened the Netherlands Film Festival with her debut feature — a film that began as documentary and became something harder to categorise. Witte Flits follows the real-life debate around euthanasia for unbearable psychological suffering, asking whether the theoretical right survives contact with reality. In conversation with Hugo, Laura Hermanides reflects on what it costs to change form midway through a project, and what it means to follow a story wherever it needs to go — even when the destination is harder than the journey.

By Hugo Emmerzael

Film Journalist · Celebrating Cinema

Fresh off her feature debut opening the Netherlands Film Festival, one of LAB111’s resident filmmakers Laura Hermanides joins Hugo to discuss Witte Flits—a project that began as a documentary but evolved into a striking fictional narrative. The film tackles the complex, timely debate surrounding euthanasia, particularly in cases of unbearable psychological sufferings. Inspired by a real-life story, Laura examines whether the theory survives the reality, focusing largely on the profound challenge parents face in overcoming their love to set their child free of pain. In this candid conversation, she reflects on the film’s journey—from working with a 700-page journal written by the father and forming a lasting friendship with the mother, to developing a distinctive cinematic language. Laura reminds us of the enduring power of storytelling in uncertain times.

Get your ⁠tickets⁠ for Witte Flits @ LAB111.

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