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Synopsis
Synopsis
English: Slavery was abolished on Curaçao almost 160 years ago, but its legacy and pain continue to affect the descendants of those who were enslaved to this day. Led by an inspiring Caribbean woman, Judith Harris, people on Curaçao are helping each other to break the vicious cycles of the past. They are working on building self-confidence and tapping into their hidden inner strength, with spirituality playing a connecting role.
This documentary follows three women from the group in their personal environments and shows how they are gaining more control over their own lives and, in turn, influencing their surroundings. The desire is very strong, but how do you realize your dreams? At the same time, a similar development is taking place in another community far from the city, led by Naideline Vrutaal, with the motto: “Nos tur ta igual (We are all equal).”
People come together to break the vicious cycle of the past.
Producer: Catrien Ariens
Producer: Catrien Ariens
I try to observe and to understand, to get involved with the people and the places that I want to photograph. My starting point is always a mix of curiosity, surprise and fascination. What counts is what belongs to the subject, to the project I am working on.
The writer Frank Marinus Arion has best described my photographs in his forword to the book on Curaçao: “The sole criterion that the artist appears to have employed is the impression that the behaviors she photographed have made on her. (- -). In these pictures I often gained impressions that ‘did something’ for me and imbued a kind of familiarity with the environment in which these originated. Here I can enjoy them all the more because I know the background so well. And so much so because Ariëns often reinforces my own impressions: various aspects which I have always considered unique are also seen as such by her”.
Learn more about her work: https://catrienariens.com/
Partner: Lucia Martis
Partner: Lucia Martis
Lucia Martis is director and administrator of the ProFor foundation: an organisation that promotes the participation of residents in vulnerable positions through courses, training, information sessions, methodology development and projects. The organisation provides one-on-one assistance to people with low incomes, for example, offering support with their finances, and sometimes also to people who have been here for a long time, undocumented migrants. The target group consists of various nationalities, with expertise in Spanish speakers and the Caribbean region. ProFor originated from a national organisation in 1989.
More information:
Host: Durwin Lynch
Host: Durwin Lynch
I am a lecturer and researcher focusing on exploring meaningful and effective public engagement in science. My research and teaching aim to connect science with society, bringing together different perspectives and seeking common ground and alliances between the university, industry, policymakers, and societal stakeholders like grassroots organizations, NGOs, and citizens.
When I was younger, I discovered the fun of writing poems or short stories and represent my highschool during the Arte di Palabra contest on the island of Curacao. Since coming as a first-generation migrant to the Netherlands I have been supporting others who also took the journey of becoming an international student. As migrant we carry burdens that we can't always process well - we hide it, numb it. But that is unhealthy! Poetry can help to express emotions. This event brings together my love and appreciation for documentary, poetry and discussing sensitive, controversial and polarising topics in a constructive trauma informed way.
Contact: d.lynch@vu.nl
Learn more about my work at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam https://research.vu.nl/en/persons/durwin-lynch
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