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Elevating Piet Hein

DOCUMENTARY  |  69 MIN. | 2024

What to do with the legacy of 17th century privateer Piet Hein? 

An accomplished Dutch naval officer, but mainly known for a single feat: the wholesale taking of a Spanish silver fleet, the only occurrence in world history.

Four centuries of commemoration later, he’s gradually put in a critical light as part of the colonial system.

Does he still deserve a statue? Or maybe even a higher pedestal? And what text should be put on the accompanying plaquette?

Light-hearted but thoughtful exploration of the Dutch and Cuban uneasy dealings with a shared colonial heritage.

In co-production with
NTR

With the support of
Mondriaanfonds
Fonds Bijzondere Journalistieke Projecten
Centrum voor Beeldende Kunst
Gemeente Rotterdam