Letting Go documentary
The second of three documentaries from the eleven-day trip Iain Pennington and I took in Scotland in September 2024.
When life falls apart, how do you find the strength to rebuild? This deeply personal documentary chronicles Jan Jacob’s battle with the challenges of chronic Lyme disease and its co-infections. From undiagnosed tick bites in his youth in the Netherlands to decades of physical and psychological turmoil, Jan Jacob has been on a long journey of resilience and self-discovery.
Amidst the frustrations of misdiagnoses and the limitations imposed by chronic illness, Jan Jacob finds solace and purpose in the art of repair—whether it’s restoring a beloved Land Rover, maintaining his home in the Scottish Highlands, or simply taking life one day at a time. He talks about overcoming isolation, navigating alternative treatments, and about what it means to live a fulfilling life under the shadow of his condition.
“Letting Go” is a testament to the power of persistence, the beauty of understanding what you can control, and the courage to keep going, no matter the odds.
Produced by Iain Pennington and me
Directed, shot and edited by me
Light/camera assist: Iain Pennington
Colourist: Iain Pennington
Sony FX6
Sony a7SIII / DJI RS2 gimbal
My set of Olympus OM vintage lenses
DJI Mini 3 Pro drone
Photo by Iain Pennington on 35mm film
Photo by Iain Pennington on 35mm film