our colonial hangover
Our Colonial Hangover analyzes the debate surrounding the racist component of the Dutch Black Pete character. Although the debate always heats up around the time of the Saint Nicholas celebrations every December, it reached an unprecedented level of ferocity in 2013. Black Pete is the black-faced assistant to that generous friend of children Saint Nicholas. Is this helper an insulting, racist stereotype, or is he part of an innocent tradition that should not be tampered with? It all begs the question of just how tolerant the Netherlands is. Director Sunny Bergman’s personal search brings to light unconscious prejudices, everyday racism and the legacy of the Dutch colonial past.
Director Sunny Bergman, produced by De Familie Film & TV, in coproduction with VPRO, with support of CoBO