The Island of Marken
The Island of Marken is one of the most talked-about Documentary movies released in 1899, attracting audiences with its cinematic storytelling and memorable performances.
In September of 1899, the French cameraman Emile Lauste visited the Netherlands for the second time that year. [...] One of the subjects that Lauste briefly filmed was children on the island of Marken. We see the children passing by in a rowboat, and dancing in a circle. The traditional costumes and the watery environment looked very exotic to foreign audiences. The footage jibed very well with the perceptions that people had of the Netherlands in those days.
