Projects
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House of Hope
november 2025 | written & directed |
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In al-Eizariya, a town in the occupied West Bank near Jerusalem, the Palestinian Manar and her husband Milad have founded a Waldorf school called House of Hope. An elementary school, based on the Waldorf educational philosophy, that embraces non-violent resistance, supporting children in healing from trauma. Manar tries to offer young Palestinian students a safe haven, but she’s finding it increasingly difficult. In collaboration with a Palestinian crew, director Marjolein Busstra followed Manar and Milad at work as well as at home with their two children. The film crew kept returning over a period of three years. After 7 October 2023, tensions rise steadily inside and outside the home of the idealistic couple. The director’s photos, as well as phone recordings by Manar supplement their story. Without security or dignity, life is suffocating, says Manar. She has spent her entire life under Israeli occupation, but the increasing violence and the accompanying stress are taking their toll. Yet the school remains open and the children sing about peace. Premieres at IDFA 2025, nominated for IDFA Award Best Dutch Film. |
| photo publication | |
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We don`t talk
april 2022 | written & directed |
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We Don`t Talk is a confronting documentary of in-depth conversations between therapists and youngsters who are entangled in the complex network of sexual violence and exploitation. It takes us into the inner struggle of four characters in their process to break free from this world while they are all still, to a greater or lesser extent, connected to it and can`t seem to part with. Celebrated it`s World premiere at Movies that Matter 2022, where the film was nominated for the Dutch Movies Matter and Grand Jury Award. Read more... |
| photo film publication | |
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We don`t talk
april 2022 | Solo photography exhibition |
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ON SHOW Photoville New York June 3-18 This exhibition focuses on the persisting memories of traumatic experiences, and the process of redefining them. I subtly bring the invisible world to the surface and make it visible, without underlining the sensation, which would make it louder. There is beauty in being able to work with those memories and to change your perception, to see yourself in a new, softer, light. We have the capacity, in the space between memory and imagination, to alter ourselves in retrospect. Read more... |
| photo publication | |
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I ❤ My Muslim
february 2018 | written & directed |
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Carla is a 62-year-old Dutch woman who has converted to Islam and marries a 33-year-old Libyan freedom fighter. The film shows their daily routine in Amsterdam, and how political events in the Middle East effect their lives. Carla has a no-nonsense attitude towards the tensions surrounding Islam and the Muslim community in her own country. Even though Fouad seems to truly Carla, they seek a second younger wife to provide him with children. This will put their relationship to the test. The documentary has been selected by international film festivals including DOK.fest M�nchen and Movies that Matter where the film has been nominated for the Dutch Doc award. Read more... |
| photo film publication | |