Film: Manual for the displaced

In this special program, we present the poetry film Manual for the Displaced, inspired by Robin Block’s eponymous poetry collection. The powerful film brings to life themes of displacement and identity that are central to Block’s work. After the screening, the creators – Robin Block (NLD), cellist Alfian Emir Adytia (IDN), and cinematographer Jeremy Flohr (NLD) – will share their insights and engage in a Q&A, moderated by Francis Broekhuijsen, with the audience. In addition to the film, Robin and Alfian will perform live pieces from the film, blending poetry and music in a unique experience. Don’t miss this chance to experience both the film and the artists in action!

Robin Block

Robin Block is a poet, musician, and performer. In his sensory performances, he weaves together language, sound, and movement. Much of his work focuses on the colonial history between the Netherlands and Indonesia, as well as contemporary Indonesian culture. His poetry collection Handleiding voor ontheemden (Manual for the Displaced) has won several awards in the Netherlands and Belgium and was published in translation in Indonesia. Poems from this collection were incorporated into the video project Manual for the Displaced, with the pilot film Jangan Lupa winning awards at various international film festivals. As a musician, Block has released several albums and toured both domestically and internationally. 

Jeremy Flohr 

Jeremy Flohr is a filmmaker, visual storyteller and audio producer whose work lies at the intersection of colonial history, personal narratives, and social issues. He has produced films for organizations such as New Dutch Connections and National Committee 4 and 5 May. Notably, he collaborated on the Traces of Slavery series in 2018, and in 2020, he created the documentary DIASPORA, which delves into the ongoing relevance of colonial heritage for young generations from Indonesian backgrounds. His work has been showcased in various museums, including the Jewish Historical Museum and The Hague Historical Museum.

Alfian Emir Adytia 

Alfian Emir Adytia is an Indonesian cellist and composer currently based in the Netherlands. He is known for his boundary-pushing performances that blend diverse genres, including classical, avant-garde, improvisation, Indonesian traditional music, and electronics. His artistic collaborations also extend to dance, visual arts, and film. Emir has performed on major international stages, such as the Cello Biënnale Amsterdam, Gaudeamus Muziekweek, and the Amsterdam Minimal Music Festival, and his music has earned multiple accolades, including prizes and nominations for compositions. His work often challenges traditional music boundaries, offering a unique sound that reflects his cultural heritage and global artistic vision.