Pèrdi and Mane Hòmbu by Pantalla Chica Productions to Celebrate Dutch Premieres
WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao will be represented by not one, but two films at the 2026 Netherlands Film Festival. The short films Pèrdi and Mane Hòmbu have been selected for the 46th edition of the festival. Both productions by Pantalla Chica Productions (PAC) will be screened out of competition and will celebrate their Dutch premieres in September.
With this double selection, Curaçao is making its presence felt within the Dutch film landscape. Two different stories, two Curaçaoan directors and one important national platform. The selection not only increases the visibility of the films, but also highlights the Curaçaoan filmmakers, actors and crew members who made the productions possible.
Pèrdi, directed by Ryan “QD” Navarro, follows Alejandra, a young nurse who travels to Curaçao after being promised a permanent job and a better future. Her hopeful new beginning, however, turns into a harsh reality of deception, exploitation and survival. The film addresses human trafficking and the devastating cycle of exploitation that can remain hidden beneath the image of a Caribbean paradise.
Mane Hòmbu, directed by Angelo “Ango” Lourens, tells the story of Wendell, a reserved auto mechanic who struggles to confront his grief after his partner suffers a miscarriage. The film explores masculinity, vulnerability, love and unresolved loss.
“That two of our productions have been selected for the Netherlands Film Festival in the same year is a special recognition for everyone who worked on these films, both in front of and behind the camera. We are extremely proud of this,” said Sulin S.F. Passial, producer at Pantalla Chica Productions. “Both films are firmly rooted in Curaçao, and we are proud that these stories can now also reach an audience in the Netherlands.”
Both films were produced by Passial on behalf of Pantalla Chica Productions and were made possible with support from the Netherlands Film Fund through the Studio Caribe program. Mane Hòmbu received additional funding from the Curaçao Film Office, while Pèrdi received support from the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.
Pèrdi and Mane Hòmbu will be screened on September 28, 2026, at 8:45 p.m. and September 29 at 2:15 p.m. at Kinepolis Jaarbeurs 9 in Utrecht.
With two films included in this year's festival program, Curaçao is demonstrating that stories from the island have a place not on the sidelines, but on the big screen.