Wan Pipel
A classic about a young Surinamese man living in the Netherlands who returns to his homeland when his mother is on her deathbed. The film is broadcast every year around Independence Day on Surinamese television.
It has been five years since economics student Roy last visited Suriname. Once in Paramaribo, he finds himself torn between two cultures and two loves. He becomes increasingly convinced that he belongs in Paramaribo. Although he is in a relationship with the Dutch Karina, he begins an affair with the Hindustani Rubia.
Romance and politics are beautifully intertwined in Wan Pipel, a milestone in the history of Surinamese cinema. It was the first major feature film to be shot entirely in Suriname. The fact that it was released shortly after Suriname’s independence (1975) further added to its historical significance. Nevertheless, the film received a lukewarm reception upon release, and the production company Scorpio Films even went bankrupt. Today, the film is regarded as a classic and the magnum opus of Pim de la Parra.