Against the Grain - Award Winning Short Documentary

Against the Grain gives us a glimpse into the life of Arjen Dekker. He shares his passion for carving spoons from wood and dares to be vulnerable about his struggle with his inner saboteur.
Thanks to Luuk Compeer for doing an amazing job with the sound and to Arjen Dekker for sharing your story, spoons and music!
Thanks to Abundance Plus Film Fest for awarding our film and publishing it on your streaming platform!
If you want to check out what they have to offer, please use my affiliate link: abundanceplus....
If you're interested to get in contact with Arjen to chat about spoon-carving or have a conversation about your own struggle with your inner-saboteur, here is his email address: [e-mail] and here is his Instagram: / arjendekker12
For the gear-geeks out there, this doc was shot the Panasonic Gh5s, with the Sigma 18-35mm f1.8
#documentary #shortfilm #bushcraft #spooncarving #awardwinning

[@williamc4221]

People say they want happiness when what they really want is peace.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

I think they want peace because they think it will lead to happiness 🤔

[@Pas_cal]

You're right William. Happiness is an emotion, a pleasant one. But most important of all, I think, for feeling alive, is to feel and embrace every emotion. This process is all about acceptance, and ultimately, will bring us peace, with ourselves and our environment.

[@fatherburning358]

​@@Pas_cal absolutely true for my own present human condition. Peace to just BE.

[@babybeige4309]

Brilliant!

[@artnouveau7633]

The world we have created for us to live in has excluded everything in nature, and we live in a sterile and vexing place when what we need to nourish our spirit is nature

[@roberto.6798]

Nice story and great filmmaking. A craftsman with a great soul.

[@daneOcawdor]

Hey thanks for that. That's an important message and you did a lovely job of presenting it. A good time for me to hear it.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jacquiewithers1763]

"I am the big saboteur...It's me!" Beautiful and honest. Thank you.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

My favourite line!

[@arjendekker1508]

haha yeah, had a little realisation there!

[@jhernan594]

Thank you!!!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

You're welcome!

[@chopinho65]

I get the saboteur analogy with an artistic pursuit where if you give yourself fully to it you feel you might screw it up and you sabotage your pursuit even though it brings genuine joy…it’s a strange dichotomy. I feel it every time I look at my cameras! Btw that was a hell of a good looking spoon he carved!

[@Luuk11]

Just wanted to chime in, Arjen gave me the spoon and it's indeed a beautifull spoon. I'm still afraid to eat with such a nice piece of craftsmanship 😅

[@lisawilliams3719]

Thank you...this spoke to me on so many levels...a gift🙏

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

So glad to hear that 🙏

[@TimothyBuerki]

I resonate so much with him, and truly love his authenticity! Thank you for sharing this with the world, for your work in editing this footage, and providing it to all of us as little seedlings to find our own happiness and pursue it, when it is easy and when it is not, knowing it is still there, waiting for us.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

You're so welcome!

[@SaraFirmanSulis]

Arjen's smile as he describes his inner battle is so endearing ... simplicity and truth and a craft that engages.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

He does have a lovely smile!

[@projectbiker]

This is my favourite 7 minutes I have experienced on KZbin in a long time. Brilliant film making, you should be very proud. Please keep making more - I'm in.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

This is my favourite comment I've received on KZbin in a long time! Haha, thank you so much for your kind words :)

[@Tracer3]

We need to embrace these authentic people. Lovely video TY.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Agreed! And thank you 🙏

[@JonathanRobinson11]

Great piece. Compelling for its length.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Glad you liked it! Thank you

[@jaymesquires5050]

This is beautiful and heartfelt. Thank you.

[@jayodc_]

What raw emotion you captured in the simplicity. This man has a deep inner world, thank you for sharing

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙌

[@Alexandros_Patsialidis]

...we all have this same, deep, inner world. We just have to dare to explore it and live in it 🥲

[@KimberlieOtt]

This was so lovely. You captured his spirit, vulnerability and the gracefulness of his art. Beautiful film.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you for your kind words, Kimberlie! 🙏

[@kitchencarvings4621]

I too am a spoonmaker. It was a picture in Woodwork magazine that got me started. It was an article about traditional Swedish bowl making but the spoon in the bowl is what changed my life. I was already a professional woodworker but I had never imagined that a simple, utilitarian object could be beautiful, elegant, and a work of art in its own right. I've been doing it now for 25 years.

[@BeenaDeming]

Beautiful short film

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@missrachael1709]

You're a beautiful person, thank you for sharing with us.

[@arjendekker1508]

thank you:) very welcome

[@mariannewolf57]

I so appreciate the vulnerability, the deep wisdom of Arjen. Wonderful filmmaking!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you so much! 🙏✨️

[@johnnybrau]

This is more than beautiful... thank you 🙏

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Wow thank you! 🙏✨️

[@johndough1218]

You are super chill! God bless you Sir!

[@geovanikun]

Wow, this couldn't come at a more precise timing. His story really resonates with me on a deep level. Thank you Julian and Arjen for sharing this beautiful story and I wish everyone love and peace, no matter what you're going through 🙏

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

That's so great to hear. Glad you enjoyed it and that it resonated with you 🙏

[@arjendekker1508]

thank you!

[@lindas5964]

I totally get this guy! ❤

[@Alexandros_Patsialidis]

Thank you, brother, for sharing ❤

[@MrMegabart]

Amazing, this makes me (someone who rarely visits nature) want to just go into the woods, just drink a cup of tea, and clear my head. I wood also like to just sit down with Arjen and talk philosophy. Amazing video!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you! I hope you do get to go out into the woods with a cup of tea sometime, it does do wonders for clearing your mind!

[@arjendekker1508]

i can give you my adress haha welcome

[@Jesus4444me]

Thank you very much for this video. I think its something we all long for. Especially in this ever changing devils playground of a planet. Thank you for the words of wisdom at the end. My inner saboteur has fought me daily, and at 33 I have finally started seeking help with my mental health. I look forward to learning how to love and embrace my inner saboteur. Thank you again and God bless you all ♥️🙏🏼

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you for sharing. You are so welcome. I wish you all the best in your journey to embrace and overcome your saboteur 🙏

[@ksenismiles777]

Beautiful.. On many levels ✨💕🤗

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@austinwilkerson9640]

Thank you for sharing your story.

[@PaulCarterArt]

Life and art is a daily journey of awareness of learning the difference of positive and negative self talk. It’s a training to break through the negative layers of conditioning. Creativity is a powerful tool to train the brain and body. Thank you for sharing the journey🗝🧩🎨

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Well said, thank you! 🙏

[@TimotheeLee]

I can relate, the joy is in the doing and interacting with the wood. Uncovering the secrets, by carving, decides every chip.

[@kiviuq1552]

Beautiful. Thank you!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@veroniqueverstichelen7371]

❤❤❤❤ I can relate 100%....keep shining your light and DO what makes you happy...yoy know how to live in the now and that you're interconnected with the Universe..thank you!!💚💚💚🌌🌌🌌🌌🌳🌍

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

🙏🙏 thank you! ✨️✨️

[@veroniqueverstichelen7371]

@@julianmcintoshfilms I was speaking to the man in this video...I relate to him very well.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

@@veroniqueverstichelen7371 haha ok, I'll share your message with him 🙏🏻

[@arjendekker1508]

thank you for recognising and reminding me x

[@greenfaring2501]

Thanks for sharing this part of your life, and thanks for a very good film

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

You're very welcome 🙏

[@mikelogan2239]

"I am the big saboteur, it is me" I felt that. Amazing film.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@alala86]

Very sweet documentary, well done, Julian!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you!

[@lilole9324]

Thank you so much 🙏 Love this movie 🌱

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@jigpig6184]

Just beautiful

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@highspiritsfarm781]

Well done. Thank you for sharing his story. 🥰

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! And you're very welcome 🥰

[@MarkRayBeach]

Thank you. So, so much.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

You're very welcome!

[@SalvadorCarreres]

I love the transparency. I really relate to this man and love how he even shows vulnerability to us strangers. He found a way of life which makes him feel fulfilled which is something that we should all do. Congrats and keep it up! 😁

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

🙏🙌✨️

[@tamarahimmelstrand8985]

Beautiful spoons.

[@80sRadDad]

This is such a great piece of film! Bravo!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! 🙏

[@verablau]

Beautiful…..!!!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@angelsrest]

Amen brother!

[@NasierOmran]

Short and simple: the greatest mastery is the mastery of life itself.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Absolutely! 👏👏👏

[@teogalli7522]

what a great film! really inspiring, beautifully crafted. Thank you!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you very much!

[@tmi9074]

brilliant

[@игорьигорь-ы5ш2я]

Thanks for film. Well done and so inspiring!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! 🙏

[@johndough1218]

Fantastic story telling! Well done! A spoon we use several million times in our life! I will thank the elements next time I use one! Sounds crazy I know, however it is in looking at the present, where the Joy is!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Doesn't sound so crazy to me 🙏☯️

[@Iggylux]

You are my new hero, even if you are not my hero

[@jimmierodgers1597]

I enjoyed this very much: beautiful and humane simplicity

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@tenilledoram]

Wow, this man is incredibly articulate and poetic ❤

[@arjendekker1508]

wow thank you, thats really nice to hear

[@fatherburning358]

A wonderful film. Thank you for sharing a human story. Its brevity adds to its thought provoking poignancy. 😊

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Wow thank you so much for these kind words 🙏

[@Graeme_MacDonald]

loving this video man. good work.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BenOrvis]

Beautifully done, my friend. Excellent storytelling.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@GrahamFielder]

“I encounter where, I try to sabotage myself from being happy” hits

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

It does indeed!

[@arjendekker1508]

yes that is a place of frustration and i see now more often the moment where a new choice can be made

[@sodbustergrl.]

I love this. This is how I have always wanted to live. I don't because I would probably be alone. I don't know anybody who would like the simple lifestyle and getting back to nature and making a living making things. Being a woman I know my family would think I was off my rocker. Yet there remains this deep yearning in my soul.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you for sharing! Fortunately there's no need for you to be alone in this, there are many people who live more simply and in connection with nature. If they're not in your friend circle, then you can find like minded people by networking with new people or even by asking your friends if they know anyone like this that they could introduce you to :) good luck!

[@sodbustergrl.]

Thank you. I think I will start trying to net work and find like minds. Thanks for the suggestion and encouragement. 😊

[@karooblue7634]

❤.... your cat..... and your journey. Greetings from Sunny South Africa 🌍

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear that Arjen's story has reached you all the way in South Africa

[@rollandjoeseph]

We all need an avenue to be at peace with ourselves, whether it be a project , a place or stillness

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Absolutely right!

[@zygimantas5461]

Beautiful documentary, great shots, great colors, great story

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@earlyexperiments]

What a Beautiful film! Like and subscribed immediately! Bravo 👏

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it so much 🙏

[@derekjones2204]

Just when i think it is just me, I find this film. Thank you

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

You're not alone, brother 🙏

[@arjendekker1508]

Nice

[@sophiepanaccio8794]

Absolutely beautiful...with and without, inside and out...accept to receive from your own self 🙏🏻🧡🌼

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it 🙏

[@waggytail289]

This came along at a good time for me. I'm dealing with the reasons and voices (mentioned) as I work towards a big change in my own journey. Thank you. A lovely film.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

I wish you all the best for your big change! I'm sure it will all work out

[@waggytail289]

@@julianmcintoshfilms Thank you

[@arjendekker1508]

I would love to hear more about your journey :)

[@NoThanxs]

Ahhhhhh Thank You! It seems there is still some hope left for serenity in this world.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

I sure hope so too! 🙏

[@arjendekker1508]

wow thank you!

[@candyv4921]

Amazing, thank you ❤

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you! 🥰

[@estrela3889]

The moment you choose or don't choose to pick the axt... this is deep... thank you for exposing that!

[@arjendekker1508]

yeah right? even if it doesnt feel like a choice sometimes

[@thinkFishcatchFish]

The whole thing is deep… ‘once he cuts the wood, he knows how the wood wants to be worked’

[@cwebber]

great doc. and nice spoons too : )

[@sabineor]

beautiful story thanks for making this video :)

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

It's my pleasure 🙌

[@hattyflame3889]

Thank you 🙏 Beautiful 💗

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏 glad you enjoyed it!

[@c.jamieson6489]

A profound philosopher ❤

[@arjendekker1508]

thnx ill put this one in my pocket;)

[@searchingforwonder]

I enjoyed that very much.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@thestas]

this is one greatly directed documentary! Love it!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@ethanmurray9160]

incredible, very insightful

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙌

[@samuelrichardson8564]

Love this. Fully understand ❤

[@MarkM-ke6cn]

I've over-sabotaged. My creativity stifled. This inspired me. Might be time to light the stove in my workshop and declutter. Thank you.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

That's awesome! Hope you can learn to embrace that part of yourself, and move forward together 🙏✨️

[@arjendekker1508]

yess please, lets pick up the axe together!!

[@dalebettison8053]

Well done, loved that as a human and a cabinet maker....

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙌

[@ВасилийТюленев-ж2м]

It’s interesting! Thank you.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thanks 🙌

[@carolinewheeler107]

❤So Beautiful

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thanks 🙏

[@CathyLoveFerguson-gl9ts]

7:10 All ❤ and 🎉🎉🎉for this one... I am the same, I worry that if I put both feet in because people have wanted to back me and turn my skills into a businesses, that immediately I feel "failure to perform" becoming overwhelming and I can't bring myself to move beyond that all important first step into the unknown... the fear of losing your LOVE for the other things that also consume part of your heart will be lost is overwhelming... I have more than one saboteur and can't imagine making up my mind as to which "child" do you give up when they are all held so dear?

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you for sharing this with us, Cathy! I know it's tough to choose, and take that leap of faith. If I can offer one piece of advice, it's to put time and effort into a way of life that brings you the most joy and contentment. It doesn't have to be 100% all at once, but just little steps to starts with 🙏

[@CathyLoveFerguson-gl9ts]

Thank you Julian for your encouragement... will try to do my best to make the move and decide ❤️

[@arjendekker1508]

wow thanks for sharing this. I am now actually at the point where i am taking a leap of faith (in myself and life) by asking for and receiving the help from the people that are willing to back me up and it is quite terrifying for the exact reasons you describe. At this point though, receiving the help feels more attractive then staying where I am now.. As i say in the end of the film, i wish to take my children with me and to me it doesnt feel like giving them up anymore even though it does feel like that. I now feel that its actually healing to take the step im longing for. I hope the fear will soften and trust can grow and let my feet take the steps on the road i Know xx

[@arjendekker1508]

let us know how it goes:) @@CathyLoveFerguson-gl9ts

[@riccomeola]

Thank you! 0:45

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@mccarrell18]

Great work all the way around on this! Well done storytelling!

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@GZrox]

Beautiful piece! Thank you. This reminds me of "The War of Art" by Pressfield.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Wow, thank you for such a compliment 🙏

[@Shelleysnail]

Me too; me too.

[@Jorgestefano69]

Eloquent

[@gr8northernpike]

Through the mind, one creates a product… Through the heart, one carves a spoon.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Haha exactly! 🙌

[@silvopast2735]

Lovely! Thanks a lot. Isn't being easy for me to be shepherd at my 49. No too much future, not too much value of my past. Thanks for your smile.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Glad you enjoyed the film. I hope you are able to find value in your life :)

[@arjendekker1508]

thank you

[@smallriversfury23]

Really nice

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you 🙏

[@debbietodd8547]

Beautiful human, beautiful spoons, thank you for this.......now if only society and the powers that be would allow for people who choose this life (creative, slow, a spot in nature for a trailer) instead of condemning them and putting up so many roadblocks. These creative, sensitive, gentle souls DO NOT thrive in "regular society" , I speak from experience.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Absolutely, thank you. It's sad that everyone is huddled into one way of living. All ways of life are precious 🙏

[@arjendekker1508]

lets create this space for us together, come together as much as we can!!

[@parzival8331]

I want to do everything though, music, bushcraft, art, spiritual evolution, medical stuff, creation and helping is all i want.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

If you truly follow your heart, you will find a way to achieve your dreams :)

[@arjendekker1508]

haha me too. thats a lot right?

[@ClipsCertified]

Great Work my friend

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you!

[@OM-Tree]

Such a beautiful film that reminds us all that "Less is more". This is western Zen.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you so much! I love this compliment ☯️

[@riverlovejoyi1497]

There are so many of these style of videos on KZbin. They all lack context. Who actually is Arjen Dekker? What is his history? How did he get to this point? What does he see his future like in 5 in 10 years? What relationships does he have? And so on. Without the context of his life, this is a beautiful short film of a man carving lovely wood spoons and living in a van. Thus a fun 7mins, but ultimately of limitated use. First minute or so was the best. I lived in caravans for 4 years. It is not idylic, pressure and harassment from landowners, insecurity and little money.

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Hi! Yes, you are absolutely right. This is a short film that doesn't give a lot of context. But it's done that way on purpose for 2 reasons. 1, is that the point is to share a short message or lesson and 2, is because the kind of film you have described is 90 mins long and can take years to make and is therefore very expensive. Hope this explanation helps to shed light on why there are so many of these short style films on KZbin 🙏 If you genuinely are curious to know more about Arjen, his email is in the video description. You're more than welcome to contact him 🙌

[@LaJuliasEditSuite]

Beautiful work 🙌

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thanks Jules! 🎉

[@donmcallister3745]

Thank you for your film… there is beauty when you pick up your axe… hope you are able to reach for it more often than not… wish you Peace… 🌜🌞🌛

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you for your words, I will share them with Arjen 🙏🏻

[@arjendekker1508]

arjens here haha thank you. and thank you julian for keeping the fire going

[@annamariafrankovic6120]

I don't really know why we do still keep pushing. When all we need is exactly this, and we all know it..

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Fear, I guess. Fear of change and discomfort. Although we're totally burning out from our current lifestyle, our standard of living is very high 🤔

[@17plawa]

True, i can relate.. As i was living a high lifestyle in a big city. Once i decided to go back home to a simpler lifestyle, surrounded with Nature to find myself once again, i was terrified.. But, once i moved in; the everyday stress was gone.. It is worth it..

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

@@17plawa it's very worth it! 🙌✨️

[@Formula-Fiesta]

Excellent production

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thank you!

[@louisd2343]

Fantastic work !

[@julianmcintoshfilms]

Thanks a lot!

[@LaFerpection]

Buttery footage my friend :)

[@GrizAdams111]

Great video. I am a wood carver also and it was like he was speaking my own words.

[@arjendekker1508]

cool