"Vals Paradijs" (False Paradise) Wins Best Short Documentary at Septimius Awards 2025

The Dutch-Surinamese film production, "Vals Paradijs", achieved a significant international milestone on September 4, 2025, by winning the coveted Best Short Documentary award at the prestigious Septimius Awards. The triumphant moment unfolded in the heart of the Netherlands' cultural capital, Amsterdam, within the magnificent, historic confines of the Tuschinski Theater, marking a high point for the film's creators and its compelling subject matter.

The Septimius Awards, renowned for its global scope and commitment to celebrating diverse, independent talent across all continental filmmaking industries, provided the perfect platform for "Vals Paradijs" to receive its distinguished recognition. The documentary stood out in a strong field of international nominees, its win underscoring the universal resonance of its powerful narrative. This victory is particularly meaningful for the filmmakers, solidifying the film’s status as a work of international merit that sheds light on a crucial, often overlooked, chapter of history.

"Vals Paradijs" delves into the complex, and often painful, history of Hindostani contract laborers who were brought from India to Suriname following the abolition of slavery in the 19th century. The film’s title, translating to "False Paradise," encapsulates the central irony and tragedy of their journey—a life promised as a new beginning that quickly devolved into harsh reality and continued exploitation on the plantations. By weaving together historical research with deeply personal testimonies, the documentary skillfully exposes the systemic deception and the challenging conditions faced by these laborers, who were fundamentally replacing the recently freed enslaved African population under a new, yet equally oppressive, system.

The core of the documentary is a compelling and emotional journey undertaken by cousins Pavan Maru and Feroz Amirkhan. Their search for their own ancestral roots acts as the narrative engine, driving the film across continents and through archival records. Their quest brings the past into sharp focus, transforming abstract history into a tangible, human story. This deeply personal approach allows the audience to connect directly with the legacy of contract labor, giving voice to those whose stories have long been marginalized or confined to academic texts. Their journey took them to former plantations, forgotten sugar factories, and historical monuments in Suriname, Guyana, and Trinidad, tracing the footsteps of their forebears and bringing their shared history to vivid life on screen.

The moment of recognition at the Tuschinski Theater was met with great celebration. Taking to the stage to accept the award were the principal creative forces behind the documentary: Patrick Bisschops, Pavan Maru, and Feroz Amirkhan. The trio embodied the collaborative spirit and passion that brought the complex project to fruition. Their presence represented the convergence of diverse talents necessary to produce a documentary of such historical weight and emotional depth. Bisschops, whose contribution was integral to the film's artistic and structural success, stood alongside Maru and Amirkhan, whose personal connection fueled the project from its inception.

The Septimius Award for Best Short Documentary is more than just a trophy; it is a profound validation of the film’s essential mission: to document, to educate, and to foster understanding. The win at a European-based, international awards ceremony in Amsterdam signifies a significant cultural moment—the history of the Surinamese-Hindostani community is gaining recognition on a global stage, ensuring that the legacy of the contract laborers is finally acknowledged and integrated into the broader narrative of colonial history and post-slavery exploitation. The success of "Vals Paradijs" is a victory for historical accountability and the power of independent filmmaking to reclaim and honor forgotten stories. The film now stands as a crucial cultural document, inspiring further exploration and dialogue about this period, and serving as a testament to the resilience of the Hindostani people.