 |
 |
||||
| < < < < | |||||
Film: 'What we know about China is precious little'
by video/filmmaker: André Bijma, (Beerta, 1967)
The films of film and video maker André Bijma from the Hague are observations of life around him. He approaches his subject with a commitment to people and their environment. His work reveals his interest in the world that is taking place in front of his camera. He became familiar with the world of Transvaal and its inhabitants through thorough research. To begin with, Bijma made a few short video films which were screened at various festivals. With the film What we know about China is precious little he shows us another image of Transvaal than the media present. Bijma knows Transvaal like the back of his hand and shows us the lives of its people and the small events that get little attention. He visits former resident Piet van Dorp and his book collection, for instance, and the former Iraqi sculptor who now makes his living as a hairdresser. The film was screened in the open air on a beautiful summer evening for an audience of old and new residents of Transvaal.
In collaboration with: Ahmed Aynan, sound and assistant cameraman/ clapper loader; Casper Sikkens, editor; Jellie Brouwer, voice over; Ilse Bijstra, production; Boerenplein community centre and the Yunus Emre school, Transvaal residents.
Running time: 36 minuten
Location: Transvaal district
Working period: winter 2002 to summer 2004
Viewing: 29 June 2004
Location: Mandelaplein in Transvaal
Thanks to: Gemeente Den Haag, afdeling Cultuur, Mondriaan Stichting, Stroom HCBK, Fonds 1818, Wooncorporatie Staedion