parool

Documentary filmmaker Kiriko Mechanicus (31): ‘In my high school boyfriend’s phone, I was saved as ‘hot Asian chick’’

Documentary filmmaker Kiriko Mechanicus (31): ‘In my high school boyfriend’s phone, I was saved as ‘hot Asian chick’’

Thirty-one-year-old documentary filmmaker Kiriko Mechanicus recently won a Gouden Kalf award for her short film, How to catch a butterfly. In a candid interview, she discussed topics ranging from ethnic fetishization to the performative nature of identity.

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Related articles

Mohamed (34) managed to leave Gaza and now lives in Amsterdam city center: ‘I saw the elephant at Artis and burst into tears’

Mohamed (34) managed to leave Gaza and now lives in Amsterdam city center: ‘I saw the elephant at Artis and burst into tears’

Mohamed Yaghi, a 34-year-old former sound engineer, has relocated to Amsterdam with his family after fleeing the conflict in Gaza. Although he is now safe in the Netherlands, he struggles with the psychological trauma of the war and the difficulty of adjusting to his new life.

More cultural funding to the regions? Halsema warns: "The labor market is in Amsterdam"

More cultural funding to the regions? Halsema warns: "The labor market is in Amsterdam"

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has warned the Dutch government against diverting cultural subsidies away from the capital, citing the risk of damaging the city's significant creative labor market. She also defended the autonomy of the arts sector, emphasizing that cultural institutions must remain free from political pressure and secure for all visitors.

Singer Jaïr Faria moved to Los Angeles for his career: 'This is where I want to be'

Singer Jaïr Faria moved to Los Angeles for his career: 'This is where I want to be'

Singer Jaïr Faria has moved to Los Angeles to advance his music career after signing deals with Roc Nation and Giant Music. He is currently back in the Netherlands to support Froukje on tour while continuing to work on music for his upcoming 2027 debut album.

Charles Loyen (1969-2026), director of De Trap, lived for his theatre school: ‘He spent his holidays painting the classrooms’

Charles Loyen (1969-2026), director of De Trap, lived for his theatre school: ‘He spent his holidays painting the classrooms’

Charles Loyen, the 57-year-old director of the Amsterdam acting school De Trap, has died after leading the institution for fifteen years. He is remembered for his deep personal commitment to the school, having guided it through difficult times and maintaining its operations.

Play a giant game of Twister at the Stedelijk or see a special performance of Cabaret: things to do in Amsterdam this week

Play a giant game of Twister at the Stedelijk or see a special performance of Cabaret: things to do in Amsterdam this week

Amsterdam hosts a busy week of cultural events, including the 26th edition of Museumnacht and several notable art exhibitions at local galleries like Foam and Andriesse-Eyck. The city also features diverse theater and film programs, such as the Suriname Trilogy and the Makandra Film Festival, alongside a special performance of the musical Cabaret at DeLaMar.