Dutch Filmmaker's Family Documentary Explores Trauma and Identity

Tom Fassaert's 'Between Brothers' signals a shift in documentary storytelling towards relational and trauma-informed approaches.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:31am

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Dutch filmmaker Tom Fassaert's work, highlighted by his new film 'Between Brothers', isn't simply about family secrets; it's a powerful exploration of intergenerational trauma, the subjective nature of memory, and the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking. His willingness to insert himself into the narrative, acknowledging his influence on the story, signals a growing trend in documentary – one that prioritizes emotional truth over detached objectivity.

Why it matters

Fassaert's approach, where the filmmaker is openly present and acknowledges their relationship to the subjects, is part of a broader shift towards 'relational documentary.' This trend recognizes the impossibility of complete objectivity and embraces the subjective experience, building trust with the audience. Additionally, Fassaert's exploration of intergenerational trauma resonates with a wide audience, as a 2023 Pew Research study found that 48% of Americans report having significant unresolved family conflicts.

The details

Fassaert's films blend elements of road trip, historical mystery, and family therapy, exemplifying the blurring of documentary genres. He also utilizes archival footage, which further complicates the narrative and raises questions about authenticity and the construction of memory. The accessibility of digital archives and found footage is revolutionizing documentary filmmaking, allowing filmmakers to reconstruct the past in new ways, but also presenting ethical challenges.

  • Fassaert's new film 'Between Brothers' was released in January 2026.

The players

Tom Fassaert

A Dutch filmmaker whose work, including the new film 'Between Brothers', explores intergenerational trauma, the subjective nature of memory, and the evolving landscape of documentary filmmaking.

Dr. Emily Carter

A media studies professor at the University of California, Berkeley who explains the growing trend of 'relational documentary' filmmaking, where filmmakers acknowledge their presence and influence on the story.

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What they’re saying

“It's about recognizing that the act of filming *changes* the reality you're filming. Filmmakers like Fassaert are saying, 'I'm not invisible, and my presence matters.' This honesty builds trust with the audience.”

— Dr. Emily Carter, Media Studies Professor

What’s next

As audiences increasingly seek authentic and emotionally resonant stories, the future of documentary filmmaking will likely continue to embrace vulnerability, acknowledge complexity, and prioritize the human connection, as exemplified by Fassaert's work.

The takeaway

Fassaert's 'Between Brothers' signals a shift in documentary storytelling towards relational and trauma-informed approaches, where filmmakers openly acknowledge their influence on the narrative and explore universal themes of family, identity, and the weight of the past.