Fokking Hell!

How could one possibly know what the life of a Dutch soldier deployed in Afghanistan looks like? Fokking Hell! offers an unique point of view by using footage shot by soldiers themselves, standing three feet away from an explosion or a fellow soldier firing a gun. The impressive images captured in Uruzgan are combined with interviews with soldiers of various ranks, talking frankly about their opinions and feelings towards the mission. This combination has resulted in a raw, candid documentary showing the real experiences of the Dutch soldiers in Uruzgan.

Political Interest

The Dutch army Task Force Uruzgan was part of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. 1,200 To 1,400 Dutch soldiers attempted to maintain order in Uruzgan, develop political and economic infrastructure and train Afghan police through July 2010. The main operating base is Kamp Holland in Tarin Kowt, the Uruzgan capital. Uruzgan is the desolate, barren central province in Afghanistan. The Taliban have maximum latitude and drugs traffic is the feeble main economic force.

Scenes ‘Fokking hell!’

Dutch soldiers leaving for Uruzgan
In this clip, Dutch soldiers are saying goodbye to their loved ones and leaving to fight in unknown territory: Uruzgan, Afghanistan. Are they ready for this dangerous mission?
Kamp Holland, Dutch military base
This clip contains images of Kamp Holland, the main Dutch military base in Uruzgan, Afghanistan.
Looking for weapons in Uruzgan
Dutch soldiers search a residential area for weapons in Uruzgan, Afghanistan. As this clip shows, the search can be very dangerous.
First gunfight in Afghanistan
Several Dutch soldiers explain how they experienced their first gunfight after being deployed to Uruzgan, Afghanistan.
Nocturnal gunfight in Uruzgan
Here we see a nocturnal gunfight between Dutch soldiers and enemies in Uruzgan, Afghanistan. We hear the soldiers talking and see images made with night vision equipment.
Soldiers longing for a fight
Dutch soldiers in Uruzgan talk about their personal experiences of being under attack. Young soldiers in the war zone often long for action. However, more experienced soldiers are weary of attacks and point to strong emotions such as anger, fear and guilt.
Victim of a roadside bomb
This clip contains the story of a Dutch soldier getting hit by a roadside bomb in Uruzgan, Afghanistan.
Task Force Uruzgan: goals and plans
A vice-admiral and colonel explain the goal of the mission of the Task Force Uruzgan in Afghanistan, including he role of the Dutch military concerning the aidwork in Afghanistan.
Adaptation program for Dutch soldiers
This clip contains festive images of the adaptation program for Dutch soldiers on the isle of Crete, Greece.