The Children of Ruinerwold
On October 13, 2019, the Dutch village Ruinerwold becomes world news when a hidden farm is discovered. One of the children who lives there runs away and asks for help. Together with his sibling, he turns out to have led a secret, unrecorded life for years. The four oldest children tell their exclusive story in this 4-episode documentary series. They talk about their hidden existence, the faith of their father and the alleged abuse within the family. The documentary shows them as they celebrate a birthday for the first time, receive their own ID and visit their father in prison.
Episodes
After escaping the family farm, 24-year-old Israel is reunited with his older brothers, Shin and Edino, and sister Mar Jan. Together they recount their experiences growing up.
Allegations of physical and sexual abuse are discussed, and three of the older children decide to visit their father, who is being held in a secure hospital, following a stroke.
As their father’s trial starts, the four older children unpack the painful allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and finally meet their five younger siblings, all now young adults, who continue to support their father.
As their father’s physical and mental state delays the trial, the four older children regroup, concerned for the welfare of their five younger siblings.
Shin, Mar Jan and Edino talk about how they fled. They tell how they had nothing, could pay nothing, but still had to organize their lives 'outside'. It also becomes clear that no one knew what their past really was, until now.
