Monnikendam, whose career began in 1963 at KRO, was a master at capturing the human condition through his unique and engaging documentary style.

During his impressive career, Monnikendam managed to touch viewers with his films, including Rayon 69 (1982), Lijn 6 (1983), De Tiende penning (1985), and De illegalen (1991). Before he started filming he would live on location. This in-depth approach allowed him to fully immerse himself in the lives of the people he portrayed, allowing him to create films that not only reflected reality but also offered a deeper insight into the complexity of human stories. (source: Spreekbuis.nl)

His last 2 films, Mother Dao, The Turtlelike (1995) and Souls of Napels (2005) have been shown in all corners of the world. Mother Dao has since then become broadly recognized as a lyrical masterpiece and one of cinema's greatest achievements. 

Mother Dao, The Turtlelike