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I never want to be famous (2005)

Tobias used to be a successful cellist. Following heart failure in 1997, his life took a dramatic turn. He was pronounced clinically dead and brought back to life with jolts of electricity. He was in a coma for several weeks and, when he woke up, he turned out to be physically and mentally handicapped. In this way, at the age of 39, Tobias found himself in a wheelchair and was no longer able to talk as a result of his brain damage. From that moment on, playing the cello was a thing of the past.

An important question resulting from his present situation is whether he can lead a meaningful life. Many people around him have their doubts about this. According to them, Tobias cannot be happy in this state. But he regularly says that he is very happy. When he wakes up, his face expresses his delight in a new day.
In the film, we hear Tobias, his mother, brother and sister and his best friend. Everyone is wrestling with the question of whether the Tobias they once knew would like to have lived on as today's Tobias.
There are few people who will be able to see the film and not wonder: what makes my life meaningful?

filmography/biography
2001: Ik neem gewoon mijn speelgoed mee (I just take my toys with me), 51 min. (Humanistische Omroep/Stichting Job)
2004: Godofredo leeft (Godofredo Lives), 58 min. (Stichting Job)

Mercedes Stalenhoef was born on 2 January 1966 in Arnhem. After secondary school, she studied art history at the University of Leiden. During her studies, she became fascinated by the documentaries of Frederick Wiseman. After seeing 'Titicut Follies' she decided to become a film maker herself. After working for a year in the United States, she settled in Amsterdam.
Since 1992 she has made several video productions for e.g.: Amnesty International, Fair Trade, Koffiecoalitie, Rijksdienst Oudheidkundig Bodemonderzoek and the Prinsenstichting.
Her video productions have been broadcast on Dutch television.

'I never want to be famous' is a production of Selfmade Films in coproduction with Humanist Broadcasting Company. This documentary is made with the support of the Dutch Film Fund.

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