30 mei, 1969 ^{Gritu di un pueblo}

Background of the uprising

On 30 May 1969, a strike began at a Shell refinery on Curaçao that escalated into a major popular uprising. Parts of the capital Willemstad went up in flames and the Dutch government sent marines. This documentary highlights this historical turning point. Filmmaker John Leerdam investigates what drove the population to the streets: were they just poor working conditions, or also long-suppressed anger about discrimination?

Personal testimonies and deeper causes

Through archive material, conversations with experts and street interviews, the documentary unravels the origins of the riots. Those involved, including union leaders, marines and local residents, share their personal stories. Residents talk about the chaos and looting, while workers recall the large wage differences compared to their Dutch colleagues. The film also shows the deeper causes of the uprising: a colonial education system that affected the self-image of the Curaçaoan population. Leerdam sketches an incisive portrait of a community in their struggle to break through colonial relations. The film has been digitally restored by Eye Filmmuseum, based on the original 16mm masters.