Film 070: The Promise
On Wednesday 10 December, we return to Filmhuis Den Haag for a collaborative programme marking International Human Rights Day. Together, we will screen the powerful documentary The Promise. This Dutch production opened our festival earlier this year, setting the tone for a week of documentaries, fiction films and shorts that explore human rights in diverse and meaningful ways. Alongside film screenings, the festival also features talks, workshops and in-depth conversations with activists, experts and filmmakers. Our next edition takes place from 20 to 28 March 2026 in The Hague, but this event offers a first glimpse of what’s ahead.
About The Promise
A forgotten struggle, a lost future. In the 1960s, West Papua stood on the brink of independence, but global politics and economic interests intervened. The Promise brings this turbulent history to life through beautifully restored 35mm archival footage, revealing how an entire people were systematically betrayed and oppressed. The 1962 transfer of West Papua to Indonesia, promised as a fair referendum, became a façade, followed by decades of persecution, displacement and violence. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the film exposes how Western powers and corporations prioritised profit over human rights, leaving the Indigenous population in the shadows. Through the stories of Papuans living in exile, director Daan Veldhuizen portrays the painful shift from colonialism to neocolonialism, and the world’s ongoing silence.
Post-screening talk: Film & Impact
Following the screening, we host a conversation on film and impact: how can films contribute to real, tangible change? The discussion is organised by Film070 and Movies that Matter.