An ode to the Farmer

VLAM

TL;DR
We created a poetic manifesto video for VLAM, a single, mesmerizing shot zooming in on a farmer and his family, celebrating the essence of Flemish farming—pure, stylized, and deeply moving.

In short

Farming is raw, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in tradition. For VLAM’s “Helden van onze Velden” (“Heroes of our fields”) campaign, we produced “Ode aan de Teler” (“Ode to the Farmer”), a poetic manifesto captured in a single, breathtaking shot. Starting from a distance and slowly zooming in on a farmer standing proudly with his family in their field, the video is a serene yet powerful tribute to the work and lives of Flemish farmers.

The challenge

The challenge was to capture the soul of farming in its purest form. No distractions, no gimmicks, no music, just authenticity. We needed to show the resilience, dedication, and sustainability of Flemish farmers while ensuring the storytelling remained as raw and honest as their work.

The insight

Sometimes, less is more. By focusing on one family, one field and one camera angle, we let the message shine: farming is a legacy built on patience, perseverance, and connection to the land.

The outcome

The single-shot manifesto video became a timeless tribute, stripping away everything unnecessary to focus on the farmers who quietly shape our future.

In numbers

In detail

By keeping the focus clear and the execution clean, the video delivered a message that was both intimate and universal: farmers are the true heroes of our fields.

No cuts, no frills. Just one long, continuous shot. The camera starts far out, capturing a vast field bathed in natural light. Slowly, it moves closer, pulling viewers into the life of a farmer. 

As the shot closes in, the focus shifts to the farmer with his daughters standing proudly by his side. A snapshot of pride, tradition, and continuity. The minimalist approach lets the voiceover take center stage, delivering a poetic tribute that flows seamlessly with the visual simplicity:

With hands, rough and strong,
He shapes nature’s wonder.
A harmony of pride and toil,
He grows fruit, vegetables, and potatoes.”

This stark purity turned the video into an emotional experience. Viewers weren’t just watching; they were connecting. To the farmer, to the land, and to the story of Flemish agriculture.

Its stylized nature ensured it resonated across audiences. From the farmers themselves to the urban viewers who often forget the origins of their food. By keeping the focus clear and the execution clean, the video delivered a message that was both intimate and universal: farmers are the true heroes of our fields.

The full manifesto in dutch:

Ode aan de Helden van onze Velden

In 't rijk der groene weiden,

staat een held de dag voor te bereiden.

Waar de aarde vruchtbaar bloeit,

en zijn liefde eeuwig groeit.

Met handen, ruw en sterk,

schept hij het wonder der natuur.

Een samenspel van trots en werk,

kweekt hij fruit, groente, en aardappelen puur.

Waker van het land,

omarmt duurzaamheid als plicht.

Zijn serres vers beplant,

de bodem en het water, in evenwicht.

Met aandacht voor wat groeit 

en eerbied voor wat bloeit

wordt energie van wind en zon gebruikt

waardoor een nieuwe wereld ontluikt.

Dank aan hen, die zonder afwijken,

werken onder zon en maan,

om ons leven te verrijken.

met bloed, zweet en een traan.

Respect voor wie de aarde kent,

want zij laten zich gelden.

Teler zijn vergt écht talent,

ze zijn de Helden van onze Velden.

Ready to turn simplicity into a statement? Let’s create something iconic: hello@supermachine.be.

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