Batik, Beats & Bumbu

Documentary about Indonesian heritage and contemporary art

In Batik, Beats & Bumbu, filmmaker Claire Pijman follows young Dutch artists whose (fore)parents grew up in the Dutch East Indies. They show how they deal with a legacy that is not always easy to define. The documentary explores what it means to absorb something of a culture that seems distant, but feels close.

Art, music, and food as a connection

Myrthe Groot and Romee Mulder translate batik into contemporary fashion in their atelier Guave . DJ and photographer Sekan breathes new life into Indonesian pop music from the 70s and 80s through his record label Jiwa2 . Culinary artist Vanja van der Leeden looks beyond the traditional rijsttafel. The band Nusantara Beat builds a bridge between languages, styles, and generations with their music.

Identity and exchange at the center

In collaboration with artists from Indonesia, a story unfolds about identity and giving meaning to what you have been given. The documentary asks questions without offering ready-made answers. Are you interested in stories about culture, heritage, and contemporary art? Batik, Beats & Bumbu is showing at De Balie in Amsterdam.