In the EO series Lost children documentary maker Sahar Meradji follows so-called problem families. Families whose parents have psychological problems,where financial concerns predominate or whose children need extra attentionfor whatever reason. Last week, from Monday to Thursday, the EO broadcast anepisode every day.
‘Lost Children’
The documentary focuses on three families. The first consists of Marjolein,Ronald and their three children. All five are gifted, which entails quite afew psychological problems. While they themselves enlisted the help of youthservices, they have been fighting with child protection for years now. Familytwo consists of Astrid and Peter with their four children. Due to financialproblems and unprocessed traumas, the atmosphere in their home is bad to saythe least. And then there are Merel and Gerson, who have two children.Daughter Nohemy has autism and an emotion regulation disorder, while son Isaiis very busy, causing both parents to become overworked.
Vulnerable on television
Although many Twitter users are shocked by the images and seem to have fewgood words for the parents, there are also people who call for less judgment.After all, it takes a lot from the parents to let themselves be captured attheir most vulnerable, if you ask them. You can also read in many reactionsthat in situations like this there are only losers.
In addition to viewers who indicate that they are impressed by the docuseries,there are also viewers who wonder what the goal of the makers is. Is it aboutraising awareness and calling for help, or is the EO just about the ratings?It’s a question that’s been buzzing on Twitter.
Curious about the reactions? Read a selection here: