Events

Watch Films that Make Noise this Year at PAARD

Together with The Hague pop venue PAARD, we are launching Films that Make Noise. A series of topical protest films in which the link between music and social change plays a prominent role. by Editorial Staff 13 January, 2026

For the first few months of 2026, Movies that Matter is collaborating with iconic The Hague pop venue PAARD to bring you Films that Make Noise – a series of conversation-starting protest films highlights the connection between music and social change. Each screening is followed by a talk that explores the film’s themes in greater depth.

Music has long been a catalyst for protest, from underground punk scenes to global anthems for justice, and this curated programme examines how artists and communities use lyrics and performance as tools for activism. Each screening invites audiences to reflect on the cultural and political impact of music in times of unrest, highlighting stories that resonate across borders and generations.

  1. Alles moet beter + Tra Fasi

    Dikla Zeidler / Charity Charly

    Alles moet beter follows three young people fighting for change in a world marked by institutional failure. Rohan (23), a victim of the childcare benefits scandal, struggles against a system that turned against him. Ruben (25) becomes a whistleblower after leaking documents about a controversial deal between the municipality and Chemours. And Sam (27), both a civil servant and a climate activist, stands trial for civil disobedience. Connected through the energy of protest music by artists such as Hang Youth, Ploegendienst, Sef, Sophie Straat, and YoungRubbi, their personal struggles and experiences become part of a broader call for accountability and change.

    Tra Fasi explores the alternative punk and rock scene in Suriname, with artist Shavero at its center. The film follows his journey as he tries to build and strengthen an alternative music community in Suriname. Through his story, Tra Fasi shows creativity, resilience, and the power of music to connect and inspire young people within a society where this genre often exists outside the mainstream.

    Screening on Friday 24 April in GR8. Post-screening discussion with Charity Charly.

  2. A Free Daughter of Free Kyrgyzstan

    Leigh Iacobucci

    A Free Daughter of Free Kyrgyzstan tells the story of the young Kyrgyz singer Zere Asylbek. With her courageous and independent voice, she inspires solidarity among women. At the same time, her combative lyrics are met with fierce criticism and threats. Zere and her family are concerned: will she be able to withstand the mental pressure?

    Screening on 25 March at GR8 during the Movies that Matter Festival. After the film, moderator Jesse Evers will talk to Zere Asylbek and the audience.

  3. Raving Iran

    Susanne Regina Meures

    Arash and Anoosh dream of a career as techno DJs, but this goal is virtually unattainable in Iran. So they mix at illegal rave parties and try to sell their album 'under the counter' in record shops. Their dream seems to vanish after one of them is arrested, but then an invitation to perform in Switzerland opens up new perspectives.

    Screening on Friday 20 February at GR8. Talk with Jesse Evers and Kourosh.

  4. Kneecap

    Rich Peppiatt

    When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed “low life scum” Naoise and Liam Óg, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue.

    Screening on Friday 23 January at GR8. Talk with Jesse Evers and Brunzyn.

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    These screenings are made possible by Fonds 1818.