Venserpolder (2019)

Directed by: Teddy Cherim | 11 minutes | short film, drama | Actors: Emmanuel Ohene Boafo, Kimberley Agyarko, Glenn Ascension, Nana Poku, Quayson Kwabena, Yakuba Mohammed, Nana Ansah, Patricia Konadu, Polina Amoakoah, Fridolin Dela Kwaku Fiakpui, Comfort Ohene Boafo, Ahmed Mustapha Gbeku

‘Venserpolder’ is a short film about the close-knit, almost completely independently operating, Ghanaian community in the Amsterdam district of the same name. The centerpiece of the film is 28-year-old Williams. He has been living in the Netherlands for years, but his family (father, mother, younger brother) live in Ghana. Williams has it right here. His cleaning company is more successful than ever and the orders are pouring in. At the same time, we also see the other side of Williams life. An employee expresses her displeasure when she notices that a client of William’s refuses to look him straight in the eye. Williams has no problem with it. “The Dutch are ashamed that they can afford a cleaner.”

When his mother calls, he hardly has time to talk to her. It is clear that his mother is not happy with the situation. She expresses concern that her son no longer speaks Twi (to which he proves otherwise) and is concerned for the health of Williams’ father. William waves her fears away.

But not much later he hears that his father has passed away. Williams turns out to be the son of a beloved king of a Ghanaian tribe. This fact puts his future in a completely different light. Where he previously assumed that he could work in the Netherlands for the rest of his life, expand his business and perhaps finally win Cynthia, that beautiful Ghanaian woman, he now feels the pressure of the community and his family in Ghana. . As crown prince, he is expected to return to Ghana.

‘Venserpolder’ was written by Ashar Medina. He previously wrote the screenplay for One Night Stand film ‘Tom Adelaar’ and Kort! movie ‘Polyp’ (both 2018). The direction is in the hands of Teddy Cherim, who you may know from ‘Strong stories (2010) and ‘Goodwill Dumping’ (2019). In just 11 minutes, the cast and crew paint a clear picture of the Ghanaian community in Amsterdam. Leading actor Emmanuel Ohene Boafo effortlessly succeeds in drawing us into his emotional world. The tragedy of an immigrant, but different from what you would expect.