Jip Tissink: Capturing the stories of love, loss, and remembrance

What was your journey leading up to BUas? 

Jip: ‘Before BUas, I initially started studying Communication in Utrecht, but I quickly realised it wasn’t for me, I missed creativity. I knew I wanted a programme that combined creativity with business and finance, leading me towards a management role. After researching, Creative Business at BUas stood out as the best option. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I couldn’t attend an open day, but the positive reviews convinced me.’  

‘I had always enjoyed creative work like video editing and graphic design, but it wasn’t until my time at BUas that I discovered my true passion for filmmaking.’ 

Can you describe the graduation project you worked on? 

Jip: ‘My graduation project was a deeply personal documentary. As part of the assignment, we had to collaborate with a company. I already had an idea in mind, something related to my father and paragliding. I connected with the EvE Foundation, which supports young people who have lost one or both parents.’ 

‘Over eight months, I explored the stories of my loved ones affected by loss, including my own experience of losing my father when I was nearly four. The documentary became both a tribute to him and a reflection on grief and remembrance.’ 

What did the process of making the documentary look like? 

 Jip: ‘I was responsible for everything, developing the concept, conducting interviews, filming, and editing. I spent a lot of time researching, speaking with experts, and having deep conversations with my mother, brother and close friends of my father. Since my father passed away twenty years ago, I wanted to understand more about him from those who knew him best.’ 

‘I decided to film in France, where my father frequently went paragliding. This meant organising a crew willing to travel. I brought in Yannick de Burbure as Director of Photography, he had also lost his father young, which created an instant connection.’ 

‘During filming, I realised how emotionally intense the process was. Initially, I had structured questions, but I quickly adapted, allowing the conversations to flow naturally. I also had to put myself in front of the camera, which was challenging but necessary for the film’s authenticity.’ 

‘One of the most significant moments was attempting tandem paragliding on 6th May, the anniversary of my father’s passing. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t allow it, but I eventually succeeded in August. The entire experience was powerful, blending past memories with new ones.’ 

Can you share some memorable experiences from your project? 

Jip: ‘Splitting filming into two trips was a great decision. The first focused on conversations and memories, while the second was about creating new experiences, including my flight. Both were highly emotional but in different ways, the conversations were intense, while the flight was uplifting.’ 

‘Another powerful moment was discussing love with my mother. As I was falling in love myself, I wanted to understand my parents’ relationship better. My father had written a love letter to my mother, which we included in the documentary. Seeing my mother and brother react to the film was overwhelming. My brother, usually not emotional, even shed a tear at the premiere.’ 

What are your plans for the future? 

 Jip: ‘The documentary premiered on 30th March, which would have been my father’s 60th birthday. I wanted this to be a celebration of his life, and it was an unforgettable experience.’ 

‘Now that I have my Creative Business diploma, I have registered with the Chamber of Commerce and started working on various freelance projects in video editing, camera work, and directing. I discovered my love for producing during my documentary, so I want to gain more experience in that area.’ 

‘I also plan to travel around Europe before focusing more on my career. Eventually, I hope to combine documentary filmmaking with editing and storytelling. Additionally, I am starting a video production company with my best friend Fleur van Opijnen, we will first gain experience separately and then take on projects together.’ 

Where can people follow your work? 

Jip: ‘You can find me on LinkedIn. We are also exploring options for releasing my documentary “Ga Maar Vliegen” online, so stay tuned!’ 

Credits 

• Jip Tissink – Director, Producer, Writer & Editor 

• Yannick de Burbure – Director of Photography & Colourist 

• Annabelle Zwarter – Cinematographer & Editor Assistant 

• Radha van der Klugt – Sound Recordist 

• Fleur van Opijnen – Production Assistant 

• Julia Vos – Production Assistant