Letting Go

One of a series of short form documentaries I worked on with Iain Pennington in Scotland in 2024.

Produced by Remco Merbis and Iain Pennington
Directed, shot and edited by Remco Merbis
Camera / light assistance: Iain Pennington
Colourist: Iain Pennington

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.

Sony FX6
Sony a7SIII / DJI RS2 gimbal
My set of Olympus OM vintage lenses
DJI Mini 3 Pro drone