Yesterday, Q-dance released the documentary ‘Behind Defqon.1 – Capturing the Festival’ on its YouTube channel, a rare behind-the-scenes look at the impressive media production behind the world’s largest harder styles festival. The film was made by Auke Brinkman, who previously directed ‘Sefa: The Road to Defqon.1’, and this time presents a portrait of Stijn Verlinde and his media team.
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The idea for the documentary originated in the fall of 2023, when Auke approached Stijn Verlinde with the wish to follow his team. “I was convinced people would find it fascinating to see how such a media production actually works,” Auke says. “I followed Stijn and his team in the lead-up to the festival, during the weekend itself, and even in the editing phase. The result: a glimpse into the production engine behind the world’s biggest hardstyle event.”
The man behind the aftermovie
Central to the film is Stijn Verlinde, who has been responsible for the visual storytelling of Defqon.1 since 2012. The Flemish filmmaker travels the world to capture major festivals like Tomorrowland. “I’ve been making the Defqon aftermovie since 2012, that was truly my dream,” he shares in the film. Today, he leads a media team that captures the festival in images viewed by millions each year.
As the creative lead, he directs a group of creators – from camera crews to editors – all with one goal: to convey the festival experience as powerfully and innovatively as possible. “For me, it can always be better. It’s never finished. Even with livestreams, everything has to look better. I can’t make the same thing again,” Stijn says.
That drive for innovation and perfection is felt throughout the documentary, which not only shows the technical process but also the deep motivation behind the team.
The magic and pressure behind the scene
The documentary offers a unique look at the key moments of the Defqon.1 weekend — from the chaos and energy of POWER HOUR to the emotional weight of the end shows and the intensity of the livestream. Viewers see how every moment is carefully captured, from iconic helicopter shots to the gradual construction of the aftermovie, layer by layer, into a compelling whole.
At the same time, the film shows that the passion Defqon.1 fans feel is equally alive within the crew. The days are long, the nights are short, and the pressure is constantly present. “I love realism in documentaries. I want to show how things really are,” says Auke. “That principle was essential in this film.” And yet, among cameras, tripods and lenses, a strong sense of brotherhood emerges — where everyone knows their role and the unique value they bring. Because everyone knows what’s at stake: capturing the energy that makes Defqon.1 so special.
The documentary ‘Behind Defqon.1: Capturing the Festival’ is now available on the Q-dance YouTube channel.
Header photo by: Max de Moor
Photo by: Caitlin Hardus
