In a working-class neighborhood in North Amsterdam, almost everyone is deep in debt. Every month a parade of heavies, a bailiff, a police officer and a locksmith moves through the streets to evict people from their homes. It’s the ultimate, most dramatic consequence of the centuries-old hunt down on debtors. While the locals struggle with fines, guilt and shame, bailiffs and social workers face locked doors. You can’t get blood out of a stone. So who pays the price in the end and who is to blame?
I photographed for 2 years during the shooting of a primetime tv documentary series and podcast episodes. Debt Society, directed by Ester Gould and Sarah Sylbing , was a national TV hit in the Netherlands, led to public debate and won several awards including the Silver Nipkow Disk. The principle camerawork has been done by Niels van Coevorden and Jefrim Rothuizen, with a little addition by me. The photos have been published widely in newspapers and websites. The pictures were also used to make the strong visual brand of the series, magazine, website and impact campaign.