The Promise is a compelling documentary by Dutch filmmaker Daan Veldhuizen, set to release in 2025. The film sheds light on a forgotten chapter of Dutch colonial history: the struggle for West Papua in the 1960s.
Using uniquely restored 35mm archival footage, Veldhuizen reveals how West Papua, then known as Dutch New Guinea, was transferred to Indonesia under pressure from international interests and geopolitical power dynamics. The promised referendum, known as the 'Act of Free Choice', turned out to be a sham.
The visual challenge in "The Promise" was to ensure that the message of the main subjects reached the viewer unfiltered and directly. The goal was to make it impossible for the viewer to look away, mirroring the decades-long avoidance of the Papua issue by the Dutch government.
To achieve this immersive experience we utilized an eye-direct system inspired by Errol Morris's Interrotron technique. This setup allowed our interviewees to maintain direct eye contact with the camera lens while seeing the interviewer's face, creating a more intimate and engaging viewing experience. Further we employed sharp Zeiss lenses and maintained coherent framing and lighting throughout the film. This technical approach, combined with the compelling content, creates a visual narrative that demands the viewer's attention.
The documentary uses uniquely restored 35mm archival footage to bring the history of West Papua to life, contrasting it with contemporary interviews of Papuans in exile. This juxtaposition of past and present emphasizes the ongoing impact of colonial decisions made in the 1960s.
By presenting both historical context and personal testimonies, "The Promise" creates a powerful visual and emotional experience that forces viewers to confront the long-lasting consequences of colonialism and the Netherlands' responsibility in Papua's past. The film's approach makes it difficult for audiences to distance themselves from this often-overlooked chapter of Dutch colonial history.
The documentary not only shows the diplomatic intricacies but also exposes the role of Western companies and elites in shaping West Papua's future. Through powerful testimonies from Papuans in exile, Veldhuizen paints a painful picture of neocolonialism and the ongoing oppression of the indigenous population.
"The Promise" is a poignant film that forces viewers to reflect on the long-lasting consequences of colonialism and the responsibility of the Netherlands in Papua's past.
Openingfilm Movies that Matter - The Hague 2025
Director: Daan Veldhuizen
Cinematography: Jean Counet, Daan Veldhuizen, Pierre Rezus
Edit: Daan Veldhuizen, Ruben van der Hammen
Sound: Wouter Veldhuis
Line producer: Natasha Mohrs
Producer: Witfilm
(C) 2025 Witfilm
