John Appel (filmmaker)

John Appel (1958-2015) was a Dutch documentary filmmaker known for his humanistic approach and focus on intimate portraits of individuals facing challenging circumstances. His films often explored themes of identity, resilience, and the search for meaning in life.

Appel studied at the Netherlands Film Academy and quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the Dutch documentary scene. He gained international recognition for his films, which were screened and awarded at numerous film festivals.

Notable works include:

• The Last Victory (1997): A film following a group of elderly cyclists as they train for a competition.
• André Hazes - She Believes In Me (1999): A portrait of the famous Dutch singer André Hazes, revealing his public persona and private struggles.
• Wrong Time Wrong Place (2000): A film documenting the lives of residents in a small town in South Africa dealing with high crime rates.
• The Promise (2001): A film about a group of young Palestinians making a difficult decision.
• Happy (2005): A philosophical film about happiness.
• Questions to My Father (2012): Appel's autobiographical film exploring his complex relationship with his father.

Appel's films are characterized by their observational style, empathy, and willingness to delve into the complexities of human experience. He left behind a significant body of work that continues to be admired for its artistry and social relevance. He died of cancer in 2015.