MONIKONDEE, a participatory film project by Surinamese theatermaker Tolin Alexander and Dutch artist-filmmakers Lonnie van Brummelen & Siebren de Haan, premieres in the Netherlands at IDFA, where it screens in the Signed program. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the three directors.
In the remote rainforest between Suriname and French Guiana, Boogie—a Maroon boatman—delivers essential goods to communities facing crop failure from climate change and water pollution caused by gold mining. As self-sufficiency comes under growing pressure, local livelihoods grow increasingly dependent on money to survive, and ancestral traditions come under strain.
MONIKONDEE blends participatory filmmaking with the multi-voiced Maroon Mato storytelling tradition to portray resilience in the face of ecological disruption, economic pressure, and shifting social realities.
MONIKONDEE had its world premiere at Cinéma du Réel, where it won the Intangible Heritage Award. It has also received prizes and recognition at festivals in Morocco, Italy, and French Guiana. Cinema Delicatessen will release the film in Dutch cinemas starting 20 November.
More information on the project