The 2022 IDFA opened with the world premiere of All You See by Niki Padidar, a visually striking and emotionally layered documentary that explores what it means to belong, who gets excluded, and how outsider status is continually reinforced. Through deeply personal and often humorous encounters with three other immigrants to the Netherlands, Padidar weaves her own experiences into a poignant narrative about identity and perception. The film masterfully examines the tension between being seen and being reduced to projections of others.
"All You See" is a remarkable collaboration between cinematographers Jean Counet and Jefrim Rothuizen, with Counet handling the documentary portions and Rothuizen focusing on the fictional elements. This unique blend of styles contributes to the film's visually striking and emotionally layered narrative, exploring themes of belonging and identity.
The film's journey to becoming the opening feature at IDFA 2022 mirrors Niki Padidar's own experience as a newcomer in the Netherlands. Just as Padidar faced challenges in being truly seen and understood in her adopted country, her creative vision for "All You See" encountered resistance from producers and advisors who nearly derailed the project due to her unconventional approach.
Padidar's perseverance and unwavering commitment to her artistic vision ultimately led to the film's success. In a serendipitous turn of events, it was Padidar's own edit of the film, submitted almost by chance, that caught the attention of IDFA selectors. This unexpected development not only secured the film's place at the festival but elevated it to the prestigious position of opening film.
The parallel between Padidar's personal journey and the film's path to recognition underscores the central themes of "All You See." Both narratives highlight the struggle for authentic representation and the power of maintaining one's unique perspective in the face of external pressures to conform. Padidar's triumph in bringing her uncompromised vision to the screen serves as a testament to the film's message about the importance of being truly seen and understood.
Director:
Niki Padidar
Production:
Menna Laura Meijer for mint film office
Executive producer:
Anjet Blinde for mint film office, Jeffrey de Roode for mint film office
Cinematography:
Jean Counet, Jefrim Rothuizen
Animation:
Anton Mishenin
Editing:
Niki Padidar, Albert Markus, Festus Toll
Sound:
Diego van Uden
Sound Design:
Tom Jansen
Music:
Fin Greenall
Screenplay:
Niki Padidar
Involved TV Channel:
VPRO
World Sales:
mint film office
Screening copy:
Jeffrey de Roode
