The documenatry Helene paints an intimate portait of Helene Kröller-Müller. In the early years of the twentieth century she and her husband were among the wealthiest peolple in the Netherlands. She used her money to become the first Van Gogh collectionist, of whom she acquired over 250 works of art. We have her to thank for the Kröller-Müller Museum and the country estate Sint Hubertus, built to her demands by the architect Berlage. The film follows historian Eva Rovers during her research for the biography of Helene, and contains a rich collection of quotes from the thousands of letters Helene wrote to her friend and soul mate Sam van deventer over a period of thirty years.
'This museum is born out of grief', Helene writes. Almost a century later, her grief still resonates. Seeking solace in art touches upon the magical effect that art can have on people. Helene's passion for art in general and for Van Gogh in particular, her avid collecting and her intriguing relationship with Sam van Deventer and her husband Anton Kröller are the ingredients for this compelling story.

Screenplay and direction Leo de Boer after an idea by Marianne Snijders, with Eva Roovers and Eva van Heijningen. 'Helene' is an iDtV Docs production for NtR and was made with the support of the Stimuleringsfonds Nederlandse Culturele Mediaproducties.

Playing time 52 minutes, spoken language Dutch, with English subtitles available.