AMSTERDAM – At the fifth edition of the networking event Diaspora Dialogues – Bou di Watapana, three prominent Caribbean creatives shared candid insights about their paths in the Dutch media landscape. Organized by Stichting WeConnect and Pakhuis de Zwijger, the event brought together emerging talent and established voices from the Caribbean diaspora.
The featured speakers included journalist and author Milouska Meulens, singer and producer Kris Berry, and documentary filmmaker Wensly Francisco, who also serves as Talent Coordinator at the Dutch Public Broadcasting (NPO). Each speaker offered personal stories about how they carved out space for themselves in what they described as an often inaccessible media industry in the Netherlands. They also shared practical advice for young creatives navigating similar challenges.
“Create from what you know, and make sure it adds something new to what already exists,” said Francisco. As a teenager, he was discouraged from pursuing a media career and initially served as a professional soldier. He later found his calling as a filmmaker, creating documentaries on Curaçaoan topics such as queer acceptance, COVID-19, and environmental pollution.
Milouska Meulens emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself. “For a long time, I thought: this is how it’s supposed to be. But after George Floyd’s death, I knew—I’m only going to create what I find meaningful.” She is currently working on a short story collection and a Gouden Boekje (Golden Book) about Tula, the Curaçaoan freedom fighter.
Kris Berry, known for her music career, spoke of her personal journey. She came to Leeuwarden as a scholarship student, pursued a degree in business, but eventually returned to her true passion: music. “You don’t have to prove yourself. You are allowed to be here,” she told the audience.
The Diaspora Dialogues aim to serve as a platform for Caribbean Dutch individuals working in media, culture, and other sectors. By fostering conversation and knowledge-sharing, the event promotes greater visibility, recognition, and collaboration within the community.
