Jacob's Desire

Jacob's Desire is a parable about a man, Jacob Savijn, in a straight-laced village. And about a boy, Wouter, who is afraid of Mr. Savijn, but who is also intrigued by him because he is not like anyone else. It is a controversial drama about sex and loneliness, based on a factual story out of the early 1960s. Imbued with the moralism of strict Protestant upbringing, it gives a portrayal of life and customs which are still thought of (and practiced) in the more remote parts of our country. The writer-director (a former radio-documentary maker) made his debut with this low-budget production. His scenario was awarded the Grande Prize of the Geneva-Europe Prize for Television writing 1999.