Stories from the Netherlands

A four-day festival showcases films from the Netherlands

The Dark House

The Indo Cine Appreciation Foundation, in association with the Royal Netherlands Embassy, New Delhi, The Honorary Consulate of Netherlands, Chennai, and Cinemas Du Monde at The Alliance Francaise of Madras, organises a Netherlands Film Festival from September 12 to 15 at the Edouard Michelin Auditorium of Alliance Francaise, 24, College Road. For details about the fest, contact 28212652.

The schedule

September 12, 6.15 p.m. Love is All (Alles is liefde) A film with several amorous ups and downs. Klaasje has divorced Dennis who cheated on her. Dennis would like her back, but when she moves in with a young lover, it looks as if he has missed the boat. Meanwhile, Klaasje's best friend Simone is the pivot of her family, but her husband Ted feels redundant. Pool attendant Victor looks forward to marrying the love of his life, Kees, but Kees has doubts. Victor's sister Kiki, a sales assistant at a department store, is dreaming of a prince on a white horse, but she doesn't know that a real prince is crazy about her. Do all these stories end happily?

September 13, 6.30 p.m. The Dark House (Dom zly) Single mother Maria starts receiving anonymous death threats. Together with her kids, she flees to her parental home, where her sister lives now. In the secluded seaside house, she is confronted with her traumatic childhood memories.

September 14, 6.30 p.m. The Hell of '63 (De hel van '63) When conditions are right an infamous ice-skating race is held in the north of the Netherlands. The 200-km race must be completed by midnight. This film is based on the facts of the fateful day in 1963, when, due to plunging temperatures and rough terrain, thousands of skaters suffered frostbite and shocking injuries. Only a small number would cross the finish-line, but for those who did, it was to be a life-changing event.

September 15, 6.30 p.m. Sniff the Dog in Wartime (Snuf the Hond in Oorlogstijd) Adolescent Tom lost his parents and home in the Nazi bombin of Rotterdam. The orphan finds a home on uncle Tjerp's Friesian farm. Even grumpy Tjerp can't resist their instant bond. As Tjerp feared the boy takes grave risks wanting to revenge his parents on the German occupation garrison. A series of dangerous adventures follows.