De burgerwacht

In the small village of Noord Rhoon, a group of concerned citizens has established a Citizens' Watch. Frans Bromet investigates. The emergence of citizens' watches is a clear trend in the Netherlands. Hardly a village or neighborhood remains free of the 'WhatsApp Neighborhood Watch' sign. The centralization of government over the past decades has led, particularly in smaller municipalities, to a subtle but visible deterioration of the living environment. The space created by increasingly distant local government is being filled by residents. They organize themselves on social media and, for example, conduct patrols through the neighborhood. But to what extent is such a citizens' watch desirable? How does the local government deal with this? And where does the line lie between civic duty and meddling?

Directed by Frans Bromet, De burgerwacht leans on a strong ensemble — Frans Bromet — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2022.