The first Makandra Film Festival opened at Pathé Arena in Amsterdam-Zuidoost with 11 documentaries made in Suriname, by Surinamese filmmakers and about Suriname. The films address subjects including identity, family, traditions, music and language, and are scheduled across five themed evenings: rhythm, spirituality, future, music and roots.

Among the films is Fayalobi by 18-year-old Chinasa Moeridjan, which follows two grandmothers reflecting on their lives before and after Suriname’s independence. The festival runs at Pathé Arena until Friday, after which the films are to be shown elsewhere in the country a week later.