From bustling theaters in Willemstad to sold-out venues in Amsterdam, the premiere tour of Kombiná has come to an end. We look back on four months of sold-out venues in four different countries and six cities. We’ll share some of the heartfelt reactions that we’ve gotten so far.
Kombiná has premiered in Rotterdam, Curacao, Bonaire, St Maarten, Saba and Amsterdam. Each screening was more than just a showing—it was a celebration of Caribbean architecture, culture, and the stories that shape them. Audiences were captivated, sparking lively discussions that connected people across different locations.
Our journey started with a sold-out venue at the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR) in October 2024. At AFFR, where over 80 films were showcased to an audience of 8,000, Kombiná earned the prestigious second-place Audience Award.
Addressing difficult topics
Kombiná – which translates to “mixed” – reveals how our projects reflect the local communities. Like Caribbean music, contemporary architecture is a symphony of influences, reflecting the strength and creativity of its people. Social challenges and mental health are important themes in the film, which brought emotions to many viewers. Lyongo: “It is a personal story in which I’ll share stories that shaped me as a human being. I hope that Kombiná inspires people. For me the title perfectly reflects the spirit of the film and these beautiful islands: a fusion of ideas, cultures, and solutions to create something greater than the sum of its parts.”
After the film, in-depth conversations often started. A theme that often came up in those discussions was the ongoing effect of the colonial past. An important story that is still very much in the discussion in the Dutch Kingdom and that – if you ask us – should be continued. Even though the subject was not specifically mentioned in the documentary, viewers were still keen to discuss it afterwards. Often the conversation started in relation to how powerful the film is and how well it reflects the resilience of the Caribbean people.
Heartfelt responses
The story of Kombiná is also picked up by the media – we were happy to be invited to do interviews on radio, TV and that our press releases were shared in local media. This increased visibility contributed to the film’s powerful impact. The fact that the film touches people is also clear from the reactions we have received. Here are a few out of the many beautiful responses that we’ve gotten over the last couple of months.
“Thank you for inspiring me to keep on pushing to become a designer. Your story showed me that I can overcome the challenges that I face by studying here in the Netherlands and that I can contribute something to my island after my studies.”
“This movie was so much more than just a documentary about architecture. It was about the soul of a place, and how Lyongo’s work and the work of his architectural firm integrates that into the built environment.”
“It was beautiful to see all the islands and the differences between them. This film really highlighted how each of the Dutch Caribbean islands faces challenges balancing progress with heritage.”
“In my 18 years as an architect, this is the first documentary about a Caribbean colleague. Capturing Lyongo’s work, in which he focuses on creating a better environment that’ll last for generations, is truly monumental!”
Next up
Line-producer and scriptwriter Emma Heinhuis also reflected on the premiere tour… “We are incredibly proud of our result. Maybe even more proud that our message is getting across and is being spread. Every detail was picked up by the audience. Even down the music choices, of which we were asked to make a Spotify list of. It remains a great achievement, especially when you consider that we did it with a team of 3. I am very grateful to have worked with such inspiring and creative people as Lyongo Juliana and filmmaker Pim Gelevert.”
Finally, Emma recommends everyone to watch the film. “Even if you know nothing about buildings! Whether you live in the Caribbean or, like me, in Amsterdam: our film is about people – and the people we show and the stories they tell, are truly unique. Get to know the Kingdom you live in. There is so much beauty to see. Fortunately, many more people get an opportunity to see Kombiná. We’ve submitted the documentary for different international film festivals and eventually make the film accessible to a wide audience online. The first admission has just been announced: the International Film Festival Curacao in April!”
