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Raw Herring

Herring fishing is deeply rooted in Dutch cultural and culinary identity. The arrival each year of 'Hollandse Nieuwe', the first herring of the season, is eagerly anticipated. The silvery catch is even celebrated on Flag Day in June.

Few people are aware, however, that since last year there has been very little ‘Hollands’ about Hollandse Nieuwe. In the 16th century, the Dutch herring fleet prospered and the fish was a major part of the economy. These days, the herring fishing grounds are shifting increasingly to the north and the boats no longer sail under the Dutch flag. Award-winning filmmaker Leonard Retel Helmrich and his sister Hetty Naaijkens-Retel Helmrich followed the last two Dutch herring boats during a fishing period in the North Sea.

For years, the crews on board the Wiron 5 and Wiron 6 have left behind wives and children for weeks at a time. The men form a close-knit group, familiar with the routines on board and the hard, physical labour. They care little that they are the last Dutch herring fishermen. They have more important things to think about. Like the Norwegians and Swedes, their main competitors for the best herring. Or a good meal and a cold beer at the end of a long day.

In this beautifully shot film, we follow the herring from sea to auction, all the while surrounded by course fishermen’s humour. Hollandse Nieuwe is a compelling portrait of camaraderie, life at sea and a Dutch tradition that is fast disappearing.

The film will also be screened as part of the Golden Ticket lunch on 10 May. This screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director of the film.

This film is selected for the FFF Feature Length Food Film competition 2014.

Raw Herring

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