The Netherlands may be best known for its windmills and tulips (and marijuana “coffee shops”), but it’s also a country that is at the forefront of LGBTQI equality, free speech laws, and animal rights. Additionally, the Dutch economy is one of the best in the world, and they’re in the top 5 of almost every quality of life index. We speak to director Jonathan Blank about the movie.
When and where did the idea for “SEX, DRUGS & BICYCLES” come up?
Like all great ideas, this one came to me while I was in the bathroom reading Kierkegaard. Okay, maybe not. No way was I reading Kierkegaard. Have you ever tried to read Kierkegaard? I don’t recommend it. Anyway, the idea for “Sex, Drugs & Bicycles” came to me after the election of 2016 while I was thinking about all the politicians who tell Americans that if we were to have things that every other developed country has – like universal healthcare – we’d end up like Venezuela. I knew that wasn’t true. I’d made a documentary about Holland back in the 1990s. At the time it was the most liberal country in the world. So I decided to go back and see how they were doing now. Turns out they’re doing pretty well.
Was it difficult to put together and, for that matter, find interviewees?
The great impresario, Sol Hurok used to say “If people don’t want to come, nothing will stop them.” Fortunately, the people did want to come and be interviewed by me. Of course, making movies is challenging. And getting people to agree to be on camera is also quite challenging. But I think that the challenge is a big part of the fun. And it makes it more rewarding. Also, Dutch people, in general, are quite friendly and willing to help.
Did the documentary change much over the course of filming? Lose or add anything along the way?
I lost the last bit of my sanity along the way. Does that count? When I started, I hadn’t envisioned the Monty Pythonesque animations. They occurred to me during the editing process, and I think they were a big addition to the film.
Tell us about David Sedaris. Had you known him previously?
I did not know David Sedaris. But I contacted his agent, and she thought the movie was a cool project so she helped me out. It’s great to have him and his incredible sense of humor in the movie. I think he’s fantastic and his take on the “Black Pete” controversy in Holland is both pointed and hilarious.
Is there anything that any of your interviewees wouldn’t discuss on film?
Not really. Dutch people are very open minded and very opinionated. They also don’t have fear of reprisals at their jobs for saying the wrong thing. Freedom of speech and thought are essential aspects of Dutch society. So people were really incredibly open with me.
How did you go about seeking distribution for the film?
I approached everyone I know and asked for their help! Seriously. Fortunately, it worked.
What countries can the film be seen in?
The film will be released in the US on February 26th, premiering on PBS’ Link Voices TV series. After that it will start rolling out to other countries, but I don’t have the schedule yet. People can check out website and social media for updates.
Tell me, do you think other countries will start following Holland’s lead? Or are we too stuck in our own ways?
The social democracies of northern Europe (i.e., Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Germany) are quite similar to The Netherlands in many respects. They all have low poverty, high standards of living and strong safety nets.It’s worth noting that the US is the only developed country that does not provide universal healthcare. But we are engaged in a lot of pointless debates about weird issues that distract us. I’m cautiously hopeful that things will evolve here is a positive direction.
Sex, Drugs & Bicycles is an award-winning documentary that exposes the nightmare of paid vacations, universal healthcare and windmills. It will air on PBS February 26th. Learn more here and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.