Moluccan filmmaking in the spotlight during a remarkable series of events
More and more Moluccan makers are making themselves heard in the world of film. Think of Mano Som, who presented his video installation MALUKU 2.0 at Museum Maluku last year. Or Uriël Matahelumual, who in 2024 became the first Moluccan filmmaker to appear at the International Film Festival Rotterdam with Goldfish for Breakfast. And Jim Taihuttu, known for his Golden Calf-winning direction of the film Wolf. This is only a small selection from a growing group of talented makers. A new generation is rising, each with a style and voice of their own.
Over the coming weeks film lovers can enjoy plenty of work by Moluccan filmmakers, during a series of events at Rialto de Pijp and Cinema de Vlugt in Amsterdam and at Museum Maluku in The Hague. Read more below!
Cinema Maluku in Amsterdam
From 31 May to 1 June, Cinema Maluku takes place at Rialto de Pijp and Cinema de Vlugt. The film festival brings to life the shared history, journey and identity of the Moluccan community in the Netherlands. With films, documentaries, workshops and conversations with makers there is plenty of room for encounter and deeper engagement.
One of the films being shown is Beta Deng Salawaku by Geraldy Laimera, a young filmmaker from the Moluccas. His film shows how a new generation searches for a balance between tradition and personal freedom. Remarkably, Geraldy is coming over from the Moluccas himself to introduce his film in person.
In addition, on the afternoon of Friday 31 May, Henry Timisela, director of Museum Maluku, hosts a panel discussion with four Moluccan filmmakers: Noah Berhitu, Morris Maturbongs, Mano Som and James Hully. They talk with each other and with the audience about how their Moluccan background influences their work and which stories they want to tell.
Dates: 31 May to 1 June 2025 Venues: Rialto de Pijp & Cinema de Vlugt, Amsterdam
Cinema Maluku On Tour at Museum Maluku
On Thursday 5 June the film festival comes to Museum Maluku in The Hague (Museum Sophiahof) for a one-off screening of the documentary Salam Sarane. In this film, directors Gerano Hatumena and Yasser Ishraqi follow seventeen boys from different backgrounds on a remarkable journey to the Moluccas. Through personal stories, historical context and a special indoor football tournament, they bring the fellowship between Muslims and Christians strikingly into view. Salam Sarane shows that religious and cultural differences need not stand opposed, but can in fact come together in a shared identity based on respect and connection. Afterwards there is a Q&A with the makers.
Date: Thursday 5 June 2025 Venue: Museum Sophiahof, The Hague
Pandangan Maluku: local voices on screen
On Saturday 7 June, Museum Maluku and Totaal Moluks present the film evening Pandangan Maluku. This evening centres on short films by Moluccan makers from the Moluccas. With the premiere of Bisikan Sunyi, a mystical thriller by Geraldy Laimera, the director returns to the place where his Dutch debut once began. There are also screenings of Familio (Rocky Tahapary) and, again, Beta Deng Salawaku. Afterwards we talk with the makers about the future of Moluccan film and the importance of stories told from within. Besides The Hague, Pandangan Maluku also travels to Apeldoorn, Rotterdam and Elst.
Date: Saturday 7 June 2025 Venue: Museum Sophiahof, The Hague
During these events you discover how powerful and many-sided Moluccan filmmaking is. Makers from home and abroad bring personal stories, current themes and universal questions to the screen. They challenge the image of Moluccan heritage, give new generations a voice and make room for perspectives that often remain overlooked. Film proves a powerful means of connecting, deepening and imagining. Museum Maluku is therefore proud to be able to contribute to it.
