WOW!
Dutch Caribbean Islands
as you have never
seen them before
A film about the nature of the Caribbean Islands of the
Kingdom of the Netherlands from the makers of The New Wilderness
About the film
The cinema film Wow! showcases the incredible beauty, wondrous ecosystems, fragility and resilience of nature on and around the Dutch Kingdom’s six Caribbean islands; Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten. We take you on a journey to tropical rainforests, active volcanoes, playing dolphins, stately flamingos, steep cliffs, indescribably beautiful corals and unique flora and fauna. Let yourself be carried away in wonder, inspiration and connection between people and nature. Then the conclusion is that only 1 word fits this film; WOW!
For the next three years, intensive filming will be done on the islands so that we can launch the film in cinemas in 2026. Can’t wait that long? Like our Facebook and Instagram page now and don’t miss out on all the beautiful things we will be filming in the coming years!
About the 360 approach
Wow! We use the sense of wonder, pride and connection that this film brings to develop valuable educational, musical and creative programs around the film.
About the Team
EMS FILMS/M&N Media Group from the Netherlands and 360º of Innovation from
Aruba are jointly producing this film.
About partnership opportunities
This film cannot be made without the cooperation of partners. Are you interested in entering into a partnership with us in the field of knowledge, logistics or financially?
About the 360 approach
Wow! We use the sense of wonder, pride and connection that this film brings to develop valuable educational, musical and creative programs around the film.
About the Team
EMS FILMS/M&N Media Group from the Netherlands and 360º of Innovation from
Aruba are jointly producing this film.
About partnership opportunities
This film cannot be made without the cooperation of partners. Are you interested in entering into a partnership with us in the field of knowledge, logistics or financially?
Official partners
WOW! A 360º approach
Timeline
The WOW! Factor
Become a part of the WOW movement. Let yourself and your relations get blown away on a journey of wonder, inspiration and sustainable development. Connect with us and be part of real change!
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Tickets to gala premiere
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Pre-premiere
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Webinar/conference with 1 of the makers
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Networking event for partners
We will be meeting each other at the red-carpet premiere in 2026 and have a blast.
And you can bring a number of guests with you to the red-carpet event with an awesome photo moment. You may participate in a panel discussion prior to the film screening.
A few weeks prior to the red-carpet event, we will make the film available for a sneak preview.
A webinar or a physical event where the makers provide a ‘making of’ program consisting of film fragments and anecdotes ‘behind the scenes’.
We will organize a networking event for partners in 2024 with an interesting program to which you are invited with twelve relations.
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Name or logo in credits & website
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Social corporate responsibility
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Limited rights on selected film & photos
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Tax advantage
We place your name and logo on our page: wowthenaturefilm.com and in the credits of the film.We will also tag you during the online publication of our promotional clips on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Your organization contributes to a sustainable and significant project for the Kingdom based on social corporate responsibility.
You get access to a selection of images from our project photo database both nature- and behind the scenes photo’s - and can order and use unlimited photos up to and including the year of the premiere.
Depending on the country you are in, donations can be a tax deductible.
Become a WOW! partner or ambassador
Fill in the contact form or send us an email at: [email protected]
The Islands
Click to view the preview video of each of the islands.
consists of rocks of sedimentary and volcanic origin. The salt lakes have been formed as a result of sea level changes,…read more
has a volcanic core, with a hilly and semi-arid landscape and is surrounded by fossil coral reefs…read more
consists of a dormant volcano with four lava domes. The slopes drop steeply to the sea and the coast is rocky…read more
is known for the fact that the island is divided in two into a French and a Dutch part…read more
consists of a dormant volcano in the southeast of the island with a height of 601 meters…read more
The Islands
The team
EMS FILMS
For the past 25 years, EMS FILMS has produced internationally award-winning documentaries for cinema screening, streaming platforms, television broadcasting and museum use. Films and series such as De Nieuwe Wildernis, The Living Delta, Wild Amsterdam and De Wilde Noordzee find a loyal audience all over the world.
One of the focal points for EMS/M&N is also creating immersive exhibitions such as the 5D experiences This is Holland. EMS FILMS combines its creative and distributive know-how with the talents of a wide range of international partners to develop and produce projects ranging from web clips, TV series, educational modules to high-quality cinema productions. Our films are screened at hundreds of festivals and broadcasters worldwide, including VARA, ARTE, France Television, ZDF, The Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, Netflix and Disney+.
EMS FILMS
For the past 25 years, EMS FILMS has produced internationally award-winning documentaries for cinema screening, streaming platforms, television broadcasting and museum use. Films and series such as De Nieuwe Wildernis, The Living Delta, Wild Amsterdam and De Wilde Noordzee find a loyal audience all over the world.
One of the focal points for EMS/M&N is also creating immersive exhibitions such as the 5D experiences This is Holland. EMS FILMS combines its creative and distributive know-how with the talents of a wide range of international partners to develop and produce projects ranging from web clips, TV series, educational modules to high-quality cinema productions. Our films are screened at hundreds of festivals and broadcasters worldwide, including VARA, ARTE, France Television, ZDF, The Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, Netflix and Disney+.
360º of Innovation
360º of Innovation is a foundation in Aruba and Bonaire (i.o.) that aims to make islands more sustainable through the use of innovative and creative projects and processes. 360º of Innovation is formed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals who all have a deep passion for creating a more sustainable society.
360º of Innovation works at the intersection of social, technical and economic innovation in all sectors and areas of small island societies and works from the triple helix concept, where the connection between governments, business / NGOs and knowledge centers is important.
" It doesn't matter when we start. It doesn't matter where we start. All that matters is that we start."
Simon Sinek
Dream big,
start small,
move fastUnknown
The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.
Phil Jackson
Bianca Peters -
Co-producer
“Dream Dare Do Share”
Our Ambassadors
Please meet our WOW! ambassadors! Thank you all so much for supporting us and sharing your knowledge and network.
Eric Mijts
Researcher, Educator and Manager at the University of Aruba
Eric Mijts
Researcher, Educator and Manager at the University of Aruba
He is co-founder and coordinator of the Academic Foundation Year and facilitates and initiates international students research exchange programs. As a researcher Eric is also affiliated to the University of Antwerp and Ghent University and is an active partner in the Global Resilience Research Network, in the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and in the Metabolism of Islands think tank. His research and publications focus on multilingualism, language policy and planning, education for sustainable development and inclusion/exclusion processes.
One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her not to do so, because
Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern
Manager Nature Foundation St. Maarten
Melanie Meijer zu Schlochtern
Manager Nature Foundation St. Maarten
Her interests in nature and biology started when she was young. During her studies she became fascinated with the underwater world. During her Masters in Ecology, conducted at the VU University of Amsterdam, her final thesis focused on the ecology of the marine species Queen Conch, which led her to the Caribbean island of Sint Eustatius. Upon graduation, Melanie worked as the science officer at the Saba Bank Management Unit with the Saba Conservation Foundation. Here she conducted fisheries research, continued conch research and participated in different research projects such as shark tagging. After exploring the waters of St Maarten, she began working with the Nature Foundation at the beginning of 2016. Here she worked on several research projects, mainly the Save our Sharks project and coral restoration, in order to protect St Maarten’s marine life and natural habitats.
Melanie has developed a real passion for sharks and stony corals, due to their nature beauty and their complicated and dependent relationship to each other. She often uses the Foundation’s slogan ‘Nature is our Future’, as she believes without protecting our nature there is no future for humans.
- Phone: (721) 544-4267
Natasha Silva
Chief Conservation Officer at Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba
Natasha Silva
Chief Conservation Officer at Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba
Coming from a multi-cultural background, and having traveled to and lived in numerous countries, Natasha became increasingly aware of the interrelationship between humans and nature, and the effects that we as humans are having on our environment. These experiences melded and formed the basis for her academic development and ensuing career. In her current work, Natasha has seen island biodiversity, ecosystems and carrying capacities increasingly impacted by unsustainable behaviors resulting from both ignorance and opportunism. According to Natasha, the key lies in education and creating awareness. Conservation is as much ‘people work’ as it is ‘nature work’.
According to Natasha, the Wow! nature film could become key in the re-valuing of our islands’ incredible nature. “We have lost our deep connection to nature and the environment and underestimate our dependency on it. Wow! comes at just the right time to make our natural wonders visible to a larger public in a way never seen before. Ideally, Wow! will ignite public debate on how we as small island developing states urgently need to tackle current threats and opt for sustainable and nature-based solutions to ensure the wellbeing of our children and grandchildren.” Her motto: “Believe. Then Make It Happen”
- Phone:(+297) 585 1234
Bryan Horne
Founder and managing director of Dive Curaçao
Bryan Horne
Founder and managing director of Dive Curaçao
At an early age, TV shows like Sea Hunt captured my imagination. Because of shows like this, and many more, I was inspired and realized that there was this amazing new world waiting to be discovered below the waves. Since then, my passion for scuba diving has only expanded which led me to become a certified PADI Master Instructor and a Commercial Boat Captain.
I have been incredibly fortunate to have logged thousands of dives around the world that have included Submarine expeditions with the Smithsonian. But these same experiences also led me to realize that our blue planet is suffering because of our own apathy. Therefore, I consider it to be an ethical and moral obligation to be a passionate advocate for marine and terrestrial conservation, and to be actively involved in local efforts to protect coral reefs.
In 2015, I founded Dive Curaçao, with the mission of providing high-quality dive vacation experiences while promoting environmental conservation and sustainability. Under my leadership, the company has grown to become one of the most reputable and trusted dive destination platforms in the Caribbean. Dive Curaçao offers a range of vacations packages, trips and activities for divers and snorkelers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals.
Some people say that I am known for my friendly and approachable nature. But I don’t see that of course. However, I do see that my passionate approach to sharing a love for diving with others and my commitment to providing safe and enjoyable experiences, in an eco-friendly way, is why clients keep coming back. At the very least, I hope this is true.
Aside from running Dive Curaçao and of course diving when I can, I enjoy spending time with my very precious daughter that continually reminds me to be optimistic. Afterall it is her future, and many other children like her, that we are fighting for. Right?
- Phone:+5999 699 5297
- Email:[email protected]
Nicola Jaeger
Director, editor, photographer, translator and writer at Devocean Pictures
Nicola Jaeger
Director, editor, photographer, translator and writer at Devocean Pictures
- Phone:+599 319 4896
- Email:[email protected]
Tineke van Bussel
Research Communication Liaison for the DCNA
Tineke van Bussel
Research Communication Liaison for the DCNA
Tineke completed a BSc in biology and MSc in Biology (specializing in ecology) at the Vrije University of Amsterdam. As part of her MSc in Biology, Tineke had the opportunity to write her own research projects. Her first research project allowed her to explore Sint Maarten’s nature. She loved being back in the Caribbean and doing research. So once she finished on Sint Maarten she moved to Bonaire and completed a divemaster internship. Having finished her studies in the Netherlands, Tineke packed her bags and moved back to the Caribbean. She completed a marine biology course in Curacao and finished her Master’s studies on Bonaire with an ecological research project.
Tineke now works as the Research Communication Liaison for the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA). She is responsible for optimizing communication and outreach about nature and conservation management in the Dutch Caribbean, focusing primarily on research and monitoring efforts and on the interpretation of study results for a broad range of audiences.
Erik Houtepen
Head Consultancy Department at Carmabi
Erik Houtepen
Head Consultancy Department at Carmabi
Melanie has developed a real passion for sharks and stony corals, due to their nature beauty and their complicated and dependent relationship to each other. She often uses the Foundation’s slogan ‘Nature is our Future’, as she believes without protecting our nature there is no future for humans.
- Phone:+5999 525 4379
- Email:[email protected]
Aissah van Eer
M.Sc. Animal Science, Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture
Aissah van Eer
M.Sc. Animal Science, Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture
Tadzio Bervoets
Caribbean Conservation Professional
Tadzio Bervoets
Caribbean Conservation Professional
Marc van der Seijs
Sustainable Mobility and Behavior Advisor
Marc van der Seijs
Sustainable Mobility and Behavior Advisor
In addition, Marc is also developing a curriculum to teach local school children, but also to involve them in the development of sustainable mobility through themes such as safety and accessibility, sustainability, inclusivity, innovation and affordability. The focus on sustainability for the time being is on encouraging mobility that is already sustainable: on foot, by bicycle and by public transport.
In his private time, Marc is a nature photographer, training actor and voluntarily gives acting and theater lessons to school children and local elderly people on Bonaire. 'It's wonderful to be able to step into a completely different role sometimes!' After all, he regularly dives and snorkels and every Sunday morning he goes on a hike through the beautiful nature of Bonaire.
Arno Verhoeven
Executive Director DCNA
Arno Verhoeven
Executive Director DCNA
Ruby Pouchet
Community & Content Coordinator at Stinapa Bonaire
Ruby Pouchet
Community & Content Coordinator at Stinapa Bonaire
- Phone:+599 785 3086
- Email:[email protected]
Hendrik Wuyts
Director & DoP at Bonaire Vision Films & Photo International
Hendrik Wuyts
Director & DoP at Bonaire Vision Films & Photo International
To present myself as an Ambassador of Bonaire for WOW the Nature Film, it will be my tool to inspire individuals to make small but meaningful changes in their own lives, understanding that collective action is key to creating a more sustainable future for all.
Being part of the team of creators who has contributed putting Bonaire on the map by creating numerous destination films and exchanging stock footage for groups like BBC and WWF and numerous infomercial including ‘Bonaire Blue Destination’ and ‘Island A Drift’ our Captain Don story, I’m honored to contribute ones again in this new endeavor.
Some of my most exiting projects has been the creation of award winning documentaries: ‘The survival of ethnic minority people of Vietnam and Laos’ produced in 2015. This story parallels with the island of Bonaire, where once a secluded villages benefit from development but at same time become a victim of this unchecked exploitation. ‘Shark on the Ledge’ produced in 2012 in Palau for the Micronesian Shark Foundation tells a story about 4 Scientist, they went out on a 2 week voyage, trying to deployment satellite tags and acoustic tags on sharks on the far (most) Southern corner of Palawan waters at Helens reef, but it did not take long for the team to realize the devastating destruction of illegal fishing and long lining. 'Eye on.....' a series of documentaries which celebrates the huge natural diversity of this planet by looking through the lens of renowned wildlife photographer Dos Winkel, produced by EMS Films in 2002 .
Today, I continue to push the boundaries of cinematography, capturing the beauty and majesty of the ocean that surrounds Bonaire. As the founder of Bonaire Vision Films, I remain dedicated to sharing my passion of the underwater world, reminding us of the profound importance and breathtaking beauty that lie just beneath the surface of the sea.
Having witnessed the transformations over my three decades of scuba diving, I am aware of the alarming reality that 75 percent of the Earth's terrestrial surface has been profoundly modified as a result of human activities. Factors such as over-exploitation, climate change, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species have rapidly eroded the natural world, offering us insufficient time to preserve the critical biodiversity necessary for ensuring global food security and maintaining peace worldwide.
It is our duty to act and be part of helping this marine ecosystems and the interconnections between human actions and the health of our planet. As an Ambassador for WOW the Nature Film, I make my contribution towards this important cause.
Beyond my film making, I actively fights against global warming and pollution by adopting sustainable practices in my daily life by living of grid and embracing simplicity and a vegetarian lifestyle.
My message is clear: the protection of our planet requires a unified effort, and together, we can safeguard the beauty of both the natural world above and below the ocean's surface.
- Email:[email protected]
Chris Johnson
Head of the Netherlands Representation Office (VNP)
Chris Johnson
Head of the Netherlands Representation Office (VNP)
- Email:[email protected]
Yoeri Bulk
Director, editor, filmmaker & videographer at Devocean Pictures
Yoeri Bulk
Director, editor, filmmaker & videographer at Devocean Pictures
- Phone:+599 319 4866
- Email:[email protected]
Darelyn Koolman
Former Freeway Employee, Current Marriott Marketing Executive & Nature Lover
Darelyn Koolman
Former Freeway Employee, Current Marriott Marketing Executive & Nature Lover
- Email:[email protected]
Kai Wulf
Parks Manager at Saba Conservation Foundation The Bottom, Saba
Kai Wulf
Parks Manager at Saba Conservation Foundation The Bottom, Saba
- Phone:+599 416 3295
- Email:[email protected]
Virgginia Paragona
Former Freeway Employee, Producer at Wings Global Media & NATURE LOVER
Virgginia Paragona
Former Freeway Employee, Producer at Wings Global Media & NATURE LOVER
- Email:[email protected]
Erik Boman
Director of STENAPA
Erik Boman
Director of STENAPA
Shortly after, he was hired as the Data Monitoring Officer and began working towards his Ph.D. from Wageningen University, the Netherlands, with a focus on the biology and ecology of queen conch. After finishing his Ph.D., Erik took over as director of STENAPA in 2019, the organization that brought him to St. Eustatius and the Caribbean in the first place.
Elsbeth Rispens
Entrepreneur
Elsbeth Rispens
Entrepreneur
- Email:[email protected]
Anne Witsenburg
Director of the Aruba Monument Fund Foundation Aruba
Anne Witsenburg
Director of the Aruba Monument Fund Foundation Aruba
- Email:[email protected]
Dr. Manfred van Veghel
Director CARMABI
Dr. Manfred van Veghel
Director CARMABI
Leslie Hickerson
Manager Nature Foundation St Maarten
Leslie Hickerson
Manager Nature Foundation St Maarten
Roy Smits
Dive Friends Bonaire Managing Directo
Roy Smits
Dive Friends Bonaire Managing Directo
- Phone: (721) 544-4267
Arnell Menelik
Director Axum Café Sint Maarten & rapper & musician
Arnell Menelik
Director Axum Café Sint Maarten & rapper & musician
- Phone:(+297) 585 1234
Karel Boon
Diving instructor & hiking guide
Karel Boon
Diving instructor & hiking guide
- Phone:+5999 699 5297
- Email:[email protected]
Deedee Johnson
LL.M International Public Law
Deedee Johnson
LL.M International Public Law
Amber Saïda van Veghel
PhD candidate
Amber Saïda van Veghel
PhD candidate
- Phone: (721) 544-4267
Jonathan van der Vlies
- Phone:(+297) 585 1234
WOW updates
The WOW Effect: Bryan Horne on why he’s a WOW ambassador
As an ambassador for WOW the Nature Film, I would have the opportunity to promote a cause that is deeply important to me. Throughout my
The WOW Effect: A Day in the Life of an Ambassador Nicola Jaeger
WOW Ambassador Nicola Jaeger shares her experience hiking the Quill and discovering the little creatures in the green world, highlighting the importance of connecting with
Press
About partnership opportunities
This film cannot be made without the cooperation of partners. Are you interested in entering into a partnership with us in the field of knowledge, logistics or financially? Send an email to [email protected]. We would like to thank the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, the Ministry of the Interior in the Netherlands, the Governor of Aruba and the Lieutenant Governors of Bonaire and Saba for their support in making this film a reality.
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