In a small country like the Netherlands, housing is hard to come by. In the 1970’s and 80’s, the housing crisis reached a peak. As a result, some people took matters into their own hands. Defying the will and greed of landlords and real estate speculators, squatters or as they are termed in Dutch krakers have carved out their own way of life outside the system.
Nowadays, any unoccupied space is fair space. Is it a way of life based upon anarchy? Not at all. Dutch squatters are well-informed, well-educated and, most of the time, well-behaved. Experience a fascinating look at a different behind the scenes of the Dutch capital.
Producer: Michele Ernsting
Broadcast: May 24, 1996