A Butcher's Heart 2017
In the intimate documentary A Butcher's Heart (2017), directed by Marijn Frank, we meet 13-year-old Wessel as he stands at a crossroads shaped by family legacy and personal choice.
Director: Marijn Frank
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Butcher's Heart (2017) about?
This 15-minute Dutch documentary follows 13-year-old Wessel as he grapples with whether to follow in his family's footsteps as a butcher or pursue a deeper connection with animals. His journey becomes a reflective look at duty, personal values, and the emotional cost of tradition.
Who directed A Butcher's Heart?
A Butcher's Heart was directed by Marijn Frank, a filmmaker known for crafting intimate, human-centered stories.
Who stars in A Butcher's Heart?
Cast details for A Butcher's Heart are not publicly listed.
Is A Butcher's Heart (2017) worth watching?
While it's a short film, A Butcher's Heart delivers a quietly powerful message about identity and family expectations. Its authentic portrayal and emotional depth make it well worth 15 minutes, especially for fans of thought-provoking documentaries.
How long is A Butcher's Heart?
A Butcher's Heart has a runtime of 15 minutes.
About A Butcher's Heart (2017) — A 15-minute Dutch documentary on legacy, choice, and the weight of family tradition
In the intimate documentary A Butcher's Heart (2017), directed by Marijn Frank, we meet 13-year-old Wessel as he stands at a crossroads shaped by family legacy and personal choice. The Dutch short film captures the raw tension between tradition and individuality when tradition means following a path already carved by his father and grandfather—as a butcher. Frank's lens immerses us in a world where animal welfare and livelihood collide, framed by the fragrant, red-stained atmosphere of a small-town slaughterhouse. Wessel's quiet struggle unfolds under the weight of expectation: will he inherit a trade steeped in blood and honor, or will he opt for a quieter connection with living creatures? It's a poignant snapshot of adolescence caught between duty and desire.
A Butcher's Heart (2017) is more than a family drama—it's a cinematic meditation on identity, crafted in just 15 minutes yet packed with emotional heft. Through sensitive storytelling, Frank invites viewers into a deeply personal dilemma that resonates far beyond the meat counter. The film's delicate balance of realism and empathy makes it a standout in the documentary genre, perfect for anyone drawn to human stories told with honesty and heart. Stream or download A Butcher's Heart to experience this quietly powerful exploration of growing up—and growing into yourself.