LUCKY LOBSTER

LUCKY LOBSTER

A stubborn old fisherman lives on his fishing boat in the harbor, clinging to his old-fashioned lifestyle while the world around him changes and the modernization of the harbor increasingly imposes itself.

directed, written & filmed by: Els Remijn
editing, consulting & post-production: Ton van Zantvoort
sound design: Ronnie van Overveld
broadcaster: Omroep Zeeland
language: Dutch
duration: 71 minutes
release: September 12th 2024

LUCKY LOBSTER
Logline:

A stubborn old fisherman lives on his fishing boat in the harbor, clinging to his old-fashioned lifestyle while the world around him changes and the modernization of the harbor increasingly imposes itself.

Synopsis:

Cor Fondse is one of the last traditional fishermen living on his fishing boat together with his dog in the port of Breskens in Zeeland, the Netherlands. His funny decorated ship serves not only as his home but also as an unusual dining place where he serves customers at a long table, offering them his beloved Oosterschelde lobsters, eels, and oysters. He does this in his own unadapted and blunt way that clearly deviates from the norm.

Cor opposes the modern age and all the written and unwritten rules that come with it. Therefore, he creates his own safe place on his traditional ship where his rules apply and with which he protects himself against the rapidly changing world around him. He firmly holds onto the old fishing culture that is slowly but surely disappearing in this rapidly changing world.

In winter, when tourists disappear and it becomes quiet in the port of Breskens, Cor seeks refuge on the water and docks his ship in other harbors in Zeeland. As he sails over the Oosterschelde waters, things go wrong, and makes him reflect on his turbulent life.

Over time, Cor finds it increasingly difficult to serve his customers. As he watches the harbor change before his eyes with the arrival of modern apartment buildings, his health deteriorates, and he is confronted with the transience of life. Does this force him to change course? And does that lead to the disappearance of one of the last remaining traditional fishermen from the port?

The tragically comic story of LUCKY LOBSTER sometimes leads to humorous scenes but also shows the struggle of one man with the inevitable changes of life and the demise of the fishing life of the old days.

directed, written & filmed by:
Els Remijn

editing, consulting & post-production:
Ton van Zantvoort

sounddesign:
Ronnie van Overveld

omroep Zeeland
Michel van Sluijs en Margot Schotel

With special thanks to

Cor Fondse & Mack
Margriet de Groot- Fondse
Jan Willem de Groot
Gaby Erasmus
Willem Tulpe
Pete Steketee
Mark van Dorpen
Jan en Angélique Zoeteweij
Cas Zoeteweij

Daan en Monique Touw
Wessel Touw
Ben Lamberts
Philippe Deweirt
Els Liegeois
Martin Schrooten
Pol Poldervaart
Ton Krab
Naomi Quaak
Piet Vasseur
Adrie Oosterling

Gemeente Tholen
Haven Breskens
Haven Stavenisse
Haven Yerseke
Café De Platte Knoop
Café de Kleine
Bravis ziekenhuis
Open Studio B.V. Amsterdam

This film was made possible with the support of Omroep Zeeland, Amarte Fonds, Gemeente Tholen and NEWTON film.