The International Emmy Awards are the prizes for the best television programs created and broadcast outside the United States. They are not to be confused with the (Primetime) Emmys, intended for American programs, which were awarded in Los Angeles in September. ‘Restaurant Misverstand’, a program by Roses Are Blue, won the ‘non scripted entertainment’ category of the South African That Bridgethe Mexican I fall laughing and the Australian The Summit.
In the VRT1 program, Dieter Coppens and chef Seppe Nobels run a restaurant together with eight people with young dementia. It is a way to show the outside world what people with early-onset dementia can still do after their diagnosis. Due to their illness, they regularly face misunderstandings and are often forced to stop working. In Flanders today, an estimated 143,000 people live with dementia and approximately 4,500 of them are younger than 65 years old. (Read more below the photo)
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Dieter Coppens reacts very enthusiastically to the Emmy: “I am very happy. This award is a reward for the courage that the participants and caregivers of ‘Restaurant Misverstand’ have shown by allowing people to look into their hearts and minds at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. We hope that the program has shown that in this fast-paced society we can perfectly focus on what is still possible so that everyone with an illness or condition can find their place in society.”
READ ALSO. Star chef Seppe Nobels draws five lessons from ‘Restaurant misunderstanding’: “I no longer have any substitute shame”
Seppe Nobels is also “insanely proud”. “The splendor that the employees brought to the table, the warmth that prevailed among the group and the quality that the TV makers gave to the program, were tasted across borders. It is therefore very nice to win such an incredibly nice international prize with the entire team.” (Read more below the photo)
READ ALSO. “Sometimes I stood with my plate in the basement or on the street”: Gie Goossens wants to make Lewy body dementia better known in ‘Restaurant misunderstanding’
The program was already in its third season this spring. On average, around 926,000 people watched the three seasons. “’Restaurant Misverstand’ is a program that makes a difference and it is now also being recognized by the rest of the world,” says Frederik Delaplace, managing director of VRT. “Dieter Coppens and Seppe Nobels are the perfect guides to let the subjects tell their story openly. It is amazing to see how the courageous participants have given young dementia a face. ‘Restaurant Misverstand’ has clearly touched the hearts of viewers. You don’t win an International Emmy Award every day. We in Flanders can be extremely proud of this recognition.”
READ ALSO. Geert and Els have early-onset dementia: “If I no longer know you, it is no longer necessary for me”
READ ALSO. Lieve (62) is one of the participants in ‘Restaurant misunderstanding’: “It’s getting harder and harder”
© EPA-EFE
