WILLEMSTAD – Eleven young participants have presented a series of short documentaries highlighting lesser-known stories from the history and culture of Curaçao, following a two-month filmmaking program.
The documentaries were screened on Saturday evening during a final presentation at The Movies Punda, marking the conclusion of the “Youth Short Documentary Bootcamp.”
The initiative was organized by the Herdenkingscomité Slavernijverleden in collaboration with Moon 25 Pictures.
In total, nine short films were produced, covering a range of historical and cultural topics. These included the story of the ship Salao, the origins and development of tambú music, and the life of renowned poet Pierre Lauffer.
Throughout the bootcamp, participants received training in research, storytelling, filming, and editing. Using their own mobile phones, they learned how to document stories from their immediate surroundings and translate them into compelling visual narratives.
According to the organizers, a key focus of the project was intergenerational knowledge transfer. Participants were encouraged to engage with older members of the community and capture stories that are often not documented in written sources.
The program forms part of the broader #KURASHI movement, which aims to raise awareness about history, identity, and cultural consciousness within the community.
The screening not only showcased the work of the young filmmakers but also highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing Curaçao’s heritage through new and accessible forms of storytelling.