De Benen van Amsterdam / Legs of Amsterdam
Synopsis
Portrait of Amsterdam’s most authentic bicycle repairmen.
In the fast-paced rhythm of everyday Amsterdam, Frans van der Meer runs his 90-year-old bike shop as one of the city’s most authentic bicycle repairmen. Frans not only knows his trade, but also harbours a piece of old Amsterdam, where the city is like a village, where neighbours are like family, and bicycles are like legs.
Technical data
Directed, filmed & edited
Wytse Koetse
Color grading
David van Tetering
Piano music
Bart van Liemt & Seppl Kretz
Awards & Reviews
**Winner Goldene Kurbel at The International Cycling Film Festival 2015**
“Koetse’s cinematography is superb. The variety of scenes he captures, from up-close action shots of Frans’ repair work to scenic views of the busy cycling neighborhood, are highly engaging giving the viewer an almost 360 degree experience of what it’s like to be both inside and outside of the fast-paced bicycle shop. It also can’t be understated just how fantastic the scenes are of the activity of visitors coming to see Frans with their bicycles in various states of disrepair. I loved watching the interactions that Frans has with his customers and their appreciation for him and his work. The shop and this film are tremendous in spirit.”
– Documentary Drive
