Minister Hakim of Economic Affairs pushes for $1 million in support

Successful pre-production event for feature film 'TULA'

Curaçao, June 24, 2011 – Last night, a pre-production event was organized at Landhuis Primas for the international feature film 'Tula. The Revolt' about the great slave revolt on Curaçao in 1795. The aim of the event was to underscore the importance of the film locally, build support, and ask attendees to support the project.

Early in the evening, producers Jeroen Leinders and Dolph van Stapele were able to deliver good news right away. Minister Hakim of Economic Affairs expressed strong support for the project. 'It is not about what Curaçao gains from making this film, it is about what Curaçao misses if this does not go ahead.' Hakim pledged to push for $1 million in government support. Earlier, Prime Minister Schotte and Minister of Culture Jansen had already declared their full 100% support for the development of this film.

Gonzalo Cuales hosted the evening, during which cultural expert Pacheco Domacassé, among others, gave a speech. He focused primarily on the socio-cultural, educational, and economic importance of film. 'An additional peculiarity here is the fact that a dramatized audiovisual product reaches a much larger audience and also leaves a deeper impression than a story from a book,' stated Pacheco. The attendees were then able to enjoy the song 'Aurora Cries,' which was both sensitive and hopeful.
The filmmakers aim to have the film shoot take place on Curaçao itself, rather than in a studio in America, for example. 'To achieve this, it is essential that Curaçao also retains a significant share in the financing of the project,' says Leinders. 'That way, we can keep control over it. And that is important because, although the story of Tula is an international story, it is, of course, first and foremost a film by, for, and of the people of Curaçao.'

For there is already significant international interest in the film, which will cost around $10 million. Earlier this year, the producers signed a contract with IFDC, an agent in the US.
Van Stapele: 'This is the moment when we, as Curaçao, can show that we consider it important for our story to go around the world as an example for so many who are fighting for their freedom.'

In the Netherlands, the distribution of the film has been entrusted to Inspire Pictures, with whom the producers were already able to sign a contract last year.

For more information, see www.tulathefilm.com



How to respond / more information
You must log in to respond