Once the Dust Settles

The annual Palio bareback horse race, set in the central plaza of Siena, Italy, dates back to the Middle Ages and lasts a scant 80 seconds, conferring glory on the winner and ignominy on the losers. Documentarian John Appel captures all the drama, action and anguish that accompany this fiercely upheld tradition, focusing specifically on the district of Civetta, which, embarrassingly, hasn't won the race in 23 years.

Walking in the forest without being able to see, coming down the stairs or going shopping when one is paralysed, falling asleep with post-traumatic stress disorder: for the protagonists of Buddy, all of this is made possible by the presence of an assistance dog at their side. Edith, 86 years old and blind since adolescence, remembers all of the dogs she has had with her, and their portraits—even if she cannot see them—cover the walls of her house.

Portrait of the popular folk singer André Hazes. He was followed for several months by filmmaker John Appel. Love, hope, happiness, sadness, concerts, family, and fans play a major role in his life. Appel filmed Hazes during performances and business meetings, as well as at home with his family and during a vacation in Benidorm. The result is both hilarious and moving at times.

A portrait of the Netherlands on the basis of wedding speeches, party meetings, funerals, public manifestations, political rallies and protest marches. The documentary captures the spirit of the times and shows a country is divided into all sorts of clubs and subcultures. It is a country that, despite all its blessings, lives in fear and moral confusion. But what exactly are we afraid of? A kaleidoscope of scenes confronts the viewer, disconcertingly and sometimes touchingly, with this and other questions and moral issues.