A forgotten struggle, a lost future. In the 1960s, it seemed that West Papua was on the path to independence. But international interests, geopolitical power dynamics, and economic profit motives decided otherwise. With unique and impressively restored 35mm archival footage, The Promise brings this history back to life and reveals how a people were systematically betrayed and oppressed.
Genre: Documentary
Language: English, Bahasa, Dutch, subtitles: English
Length:1h 55m
As the Netherlands prepares for the independence of Dutch New Guinea, Indonesia resists. Under pressure from the United States and the United Nations, the area was handed over to Indonesia in 1962, with the promise of a plebiscite. However, the so-called “Act of Free Choice” turned out to be a farce. Since then, Papuans in Indonesia have faced widespread persecution, displacement and killings; one of the most ignored genocides in the world.
Against the backdrop of the Cold War, the film shows how the future of West Papua was determined not only in diplomatic backrooms, but also by the business community, where influential Western elites, including Prince Bernhard, seemed to put economic interests above human rights. While the vast mineral resources of West Papua continue to be mined to this day by mostly Western companies, the indigenous population is systematically oppressed.
With gripping stories of Papuans in exile and their struggle for recognition, director Daan Veldhuizen paints a painful picture in The Promise, showing how colonialism gave way to neocolonialism, and how the world remained silent.
Reviews
“The Promise is a masterfully crafted, gripping, and confrontational documentary featuring beautifully restored archival footage. The film exposes a deliberately obscured part of our history. With this film, director Daan Veldhuizen not only gives a stage to the Papuan people but also holds up a mirror to us, reflecting on the lasting impact of colonial power structures today.” Movies that Matter
“An important documentary that makes clear what has been happening in West Papua for decades.” De Volkskrant (****)
“The Promise is a highly important documentary, with an intelligent structure.” Cinemagazine
SG & USE/ITEC registration
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More information about SG & USE/ITEC can be found here.
Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos.
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Please be on time
The screening of the film begins promptly at 19:30 (with no pre-film advertisements), and the cinema hall will open at 19:10. We kindly request that you arrive at the ticket counter at least 10 minutes before the start of the film to ensure a smooth and timely experience for all.
The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the Student Film Committee and Natlab