From that moment on, everything changed

Eef Hilgers

What do you do when your life is suddenly turned upside down? In the documentary ‘From that moment on, everything changed’, eight children (7 – 15 years old) bring you back to the moment their parents told them that they were getting divorced. In a white studio, the children add color to all the details they still can remember. For example the pastry on the table, the way their parents moved, the flashes of thoughts and feelings they had. They all had a feeling that something was about to happen, yet they didn’t see it coming. For example, Joelle (11 years old) who thought her parents were taking her to a theme park instead. “I was shocked”, said Imre (12 years old). “I just couldn’t move anymore”, said Milo (11 years old). In the film the children take you on their rollercoaster of experiences after the four words “we are getting divorced”. How do you deal with all these questions, thoughts and emotions that are running through your head at that moment? And how did these children managed to deal with this?

Where to see in the Netherlands

Cinekid Festival Amsterdam (première) | 10.2021
Dutch Public Television broadcast at EOdocs | 12.12.21

From that moment on, everything changed (Vanaf dat moment was alles anders) and the seven other youth documentaries within the series “My Parents Are Divorced” can be seen here: Mijn ouders zijn gescheiden – 2Doc.nl

Where to see at International Film Festivals

Impact statement

Numerous screenings of the film have taken place in both cinema and classroom settings for students aged 9 to 12. Following the screenings, the young audiences had the opportunity to engage with a Spoken Word artist. During these sessions, the artist discussed the importance and value of using language to express emotions and personal experiences related to divorce.

Moreover, our collaboration with the Villa Pinedo Foundation marks a pivotal stride forward. By seamlessly integrating the documentary series into a dynamic educational program catering to students, teachers, youth workers, and local authorities, we embark on a transformative journey. These documentaries, rich with authentic narratives, serve as a potent catalyst, igniting conversations that delve into the experiences of children with divorced parents.

The power of these real-life stories lies not just in their emotional resonance, but also in their potential to reshape our society’s understanding of this often-overlooked aspect of family dynamics. By harnessing the films as poignant conversation starters, we aspire to spark a profound shift in how divorced parents and their children are perceived and supported.

In collaboration with Villa Pinedo, we arm our stakeholders with a comprehensive toolkit and a wealth of educational resources. This equips them to facilitate meaningful dialogues and provide invaluable guidance, ultimately empowering these children to navigate the complexities of their circumstances while preserving their innocence. This endeavor isn’t merely about creating awareness—it’s about catalyzing a positive, enduring change in our collective consciousness.