Exploring South Africa's colonial history: film screening at the District Six Museum

In a poignant intersection of art, history, and memory, the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the District Six Museum are joining forces to present a thought-provoking film screening on 31 October 2025. Set to take place at the Avalon Auditorium, Homecoming Centre in Cape Town, the event aims to illuminate South Africa's colonial past and the enduring legacy of slavery through three impactful short films. The screening is slated for between 18:00 and 20:15, and entry is free—but seats are limited, making advance booking essential.

This film screening is part of the Netherlands’ #cocreateIDENTITY programme, which champions South African cultural initiatives and fosters collaborations between Dutch and South African creators. The initiative aims to confront critical issues surrounding identity, heritage, and societal transformation, providing a platform for dialogue and reflection on the historical narratives that shape contemporary society.

Each of the films to be screened presents a unique lens onto this multifaceted history, crafted with artistic rigor and an aim to provoke introspection:

• Whispers and Shouts (18 mins) by Elise Fernandez documents the CAPE X NL: Whispers and Shouts exhibition at the Camissa Museum, showcasing a collaborative project that examines the legacy of Dutch slavery in the Cape. Through archival material, art, and public memory, this film captures the resonance of the exhibition with local cultures and its evolution into a permanent installation at the Castle of Good Hope.
• WAT WAS HIE? (30 mins) is directed and choreographed by Luke De Kock and tells the powerful story of the erasure and resilience of the indigenous San and Khoi peoples. Using embodied performance and poetic narrative, the film reclaims historical spaces shaped by slavery and colonialism, probing the haunting question: What was here?
• Fugitives (18 mins) by Philip du Plessis is a documentary produced by the Biography of an Uncharted People project at Stellenbosch University. By employing forensic artistry and archival resources, the film reconstructs the identities of enslaved individuals who escaped before the abolition of slavery in 1838, giving a voice and visual identity to lives that have long been rendered invisible.

Following the film screening, audiences will have the rare opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the filmmakers and project collaborators, fostering an environment for dialogue about the creative and historical contexts underpinning these vital works.

For those interested in exploring the resonances of South Africa's colonial history through the lens of contemporary art and memory, this screening promises an engaging evening of reflection and conversation.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, 31 October 2025
• Time: 18:00 – 20:15
• Venue: Avalon Auditorium, Homecoming Centre, Cape Town (Buitenkant and Caledon Street)
• Entrance: Free (booking essential)
• RSVP: kaa-rsvp@minbuza.nl