Planet Soil

The VARA TV series is made up of three parts in which the 'Circle of Life' of the Netherlands' most talked-about nature reserve, the Oostvaardersplassen, is central. Close to Amsterdam, in one of the world's most densely populated countries, on a piece of land that was under water forty years ago, a nature reserve of international allure has developed. A unique experiment is taking place here: nature is allowed to run its course. The result of this is an untouched piece of wilderness in the reclaimed Flevopolder. It differs from all other Dutch landscapes. Internationally, this piece of nature below sea level is rare. It is used worldwide as an example of the development of new visions of nature and the role of people in it. For many, this area is unknown, because most of it is not open to the public.

Buddha's Lost Children is a feature-length documentary film about a Thai Buddhist monk who, armed only with his master boxing skills, wages an inspirational battle to help orphaned children, fight drug abuse, and preserve a vanishing way of life.

At the heart of one of the most densely populated areas of Europe, in a country where every square meter of land has been meticulously shaped by man, lie the Oostvaardersplassen – a unique experiment in letting nature run its course. In just 40 years, 6,000 hectares of newly formed polder has been transformed into one of Europe’s most dynamic and productive wetlands – home to some of Europe’s rarest birds such as the magnificent white tailed eagle, which hadn’t been seen in the Netherlands since the Middle Ages.

A number of Amsterdam school classes are followed for a year in various school gardens around the city. Here, the schoolchildren learn how to sow carrots, to fertilise the soil, when to harvest vegetables and what burrows through the garden while you are asleep.

In the feature film North Sea Untamed, the viewer is taken beneath the waves through the eyes of Peter van Rodijnen. He is an experienced diver and underwater cameraman. From the wild blue waters around the Scottish islands to the shallow delta of the Low Countries and up along the dramatic coastline of the Norwegian fjords. North Sea Untamed is a cinematic adventure and a voyage of discovery that will show the North Sea in all its glory.

Enjoy an homage to the stunning scenery, majestic wildlife and ageless forces of nature found throughout Holland's lush and vivid landscapes.

The city from the unique perspective of the many wild animals and plants that inhabit it. Seen through the eyes of the adventurous urban cat, Abatutu.

This is the international version of 'De wilde stad', with a new soundscore and a couple of edits.

An ode to the cat. A compilation of the funniest and cutest cat video's by Abatutu, the most famous cat in The Netherlands

See the earth through the eyes of an astronaut. André Kuipers takes you on a magical film experience. He shows us the breathtaking beauty of our planet from space. This captivating film experience combines beautiful images with the timeless music of Oscar winner Vangelis and a special contribution by Armin van Buuren. The result is an ode to our planet and that is best appreciated on the big screen!

Discover the underground life that keeps our planet alive!

Buddha's Lost Children Revisited is the sequel to the successful documentary Buddha's Lost Children made in 2006. Hidden in the hills of Thailand's Golden Triangle lies the 'Golden Horse Temple'. Buddhist munk Khru Bah and his young novices risk their lives to fight drug abuse in the surrounding mountain villages. Director Mark Verkerk made the film Buddha's Lost Children about this special monk and his students. At the request of many he returned to see how Suk, Pan Saen and little, cheerful Boontam are doing.

A unique wetland area of Europe is captured in an important moment of change: a time when new life is flooding back into the delta. Sweeping scenes capturing the beauty of these waterways contrast with intimate, eye-opening portraits of resident animals. Explore the delta through the eyes of the white-tailed sea eagle, the beaver, the hare, the stickleback, and the large blue butterfly.