By Bianca Peters, co-producer of the WOW! nature film
What an incredible response we keep receiving to the WOW! columns. Thank you so much for that! It’s truly wonderful to read how many people are touched by the stories about nature, people, and culture on the islands. And, yes, we also get plenty of questions about what WOW! actually is, when the film and documentaries will be released, and how you can get involved yourself. That curiosity has inspired me to give you a clear overview in this column.
Let’s start with the big news: The WOW! documentaries are in full production, and we expect them to air on Dutch television in the second quarter of next year and, of course, also on the islands. The feature film will follow after that, with a planned release in 2027 in Dutch cinemas as well as on the islands. We can’t wait to experience that moment together.
But WOW! has become much more than a film project. We are continuing with the WOW-ies program for schools and local talents, where children learn to observe their surroundings with wonder and respect. At the same time, we are expanding our nature database – a growing, open platform where knowledge, visuals, and stories come together. And we will soon launch the WOW! podcast – stay tuned for the exact date – featuring island residents, scientists, artists, and young change makers. We are also expanding the talent and education trajectory, ensuring that new generations learn how to protect, and depict, nature.
Many people ask: What exactly is WOW!? A film, a campaign, or something else? WOW! started as a film, but it has grown into a movement: A platform that showcases the nature of the six Caribbean islands at the heart of the Kingdom and connects it with everyone who is curious about our breath-taking, natural world and our shared future. It is about wonder – that moment when you pause and think: Wow! This is how beautiful our world truly is.
Why now, and why the islands?
Because here, the connection between people, nature, and the economy is so tangible. The islands are rich in biodiversity and culture. Their landscapes tell stories of resilience, connection, and change. What happens here affects us all: It mirrors how we, as a kingdom, relate to nature, development, and identity.
Will the film only show the beauty, or also the challenges?
Both. The strength of WOW! lies in balance. First, we let wonder take the lead; the coral reefs, mangroves, rainforests, birds, and people who live here. Then we show the vulnerability, the challenges, and the hopeful initiatives – from local fishers working sustainably to young people replanting mangroves or starting education projects.
Who is WOW! for?
For everyone. For nature lovers, children, policymakers, travellers, teachers, students. In short, anyone who feels that nature matters to us all. Whether you live in Groningen or on Saba, we are all part of the same story.
What can you do?
Start small, close to home. Follow our updates, visit local parks with respect, and share stories that spark hope and wonder. And when the documentaries and film are released, come watch, and bring someone who hasn’t seen it yet, as wonder spreads best from person to person. And, if you want to do more? Become a WOW! ambassador and share what WOW! stands for and what we are building.
Finally, is WOW! only a movement, or also an invitation?
It is an invitation to pause, look, listen, and allow yourself to be moved. Wonder is not an endpoint; it is the beginning of care. And care is the beginning of change.
So thank you for your questions, your enthusiasm, and your support. Together we continue building images, knowledge, stories, and our shared future. And hopefully, when you watch, listen, or learn, you will hear that one word that says it all: WOW!
