Ouwe Jongens Krentenbrood

A poetic documentary portrait of veteran and amateur boxers from Rotterdam’s south, Oude Jongens Krentenbrood reflects on what boxing means to the men who practise it—not just as sport, but as ritual and a way of life.

I shot and edited the work, using handheld camerawork and a variety of lenses to move intuitively through the gym, capturing moments as they unfolded. Stylised slow-motion, expressive close-ups, and tactile details build a visual rhythm that contrasts the physical intensity of boxing with the introspective tone of the narrated voiceover.

The challenge was to remain invisible while filming—responding in the moment, yet shaping a strong visual mood that gives weight to the boxers’ quiet reflections. Directed by Romy Tielman, the piece was independently released online.

CREDITS

DIRECTOR: Romy Tielman
CAMERA & EDITING: Margarita Kouvatsou