Never posting this much text but really wanted to share this, since it is so dearly important to me. Could not be more proud to announce the short documentary of Juliette and Sven called ‘Indisch Zwijgen’ will be premiered on the 6th of May in Pakhuis de Zwijger. In the film, three third generation Indo’s (Indonesian-Dutch) are followed during a process in which we try to break ‘Indisch Zwijgen’ (a term for silencing culture). Spoken-word artist Amara, Filmmaker Juliette and myself (as an audiovisual storyteller) will each translate our story into a work. “How does the hidden past affect their present life? How can they as a third generation convey what it means to be ‘Indisch’? The documentary forms a starting point for a conversation about a past in the Netherlands that has often remained underexposed until now.” Very grateful Sven and Juliette asked me to be part of their documentary. I met them 2 years ago during the graduation show of my ongoing project ‘The excavation of our grief’. Which is also about my Indo roots and the intergenerational trauma my family and I are carrying with us. I feel privileged being able to tell the story of my ancestors. It is something they could never do. I am taking up the space they did not get. In the film I have a conversation with the brother of my grandpa about the difference between the perspective of the first and third generation. Education and reflection about the past is important. It has given me more insight, but also has given me a better understanding of my present self. I have regained a piece of identity that I have been looking for a long time. A piece of which I could not know what shape it was, but which I knew was missing. Happy to be part of this beautiful film together with @amaravdelst , a person who inspires me a lot. You might know her from her performance on the Dam on May 4th at the national remembrance day. In the film she will share another important message. I invite you all to join us on the 6th of May, check out @indischzwijgen for all the event details or send me a DM! ❤️ Film stills from @indischzwijgen