Dutch Film Series – Spring 2007

Films shown in EPS 4.104 at 7:00 p.m.

Simon (2004) – February 20th

Simon tells the story of the unlikely friendship between hyper-straight hash dealer Simon
and the shy Camiel, who is gay. When Camiel (Marcel Hensema) and Simon (Cees Geel)
collide in a traffic accident, their lives become intrinsically entangled. When they bump into
each other fourteen years later, Simon is severely ill. Camiel experiences at close range how
Simon and those around him come to terms with his illness. The strength and humor that
Simon shows in this difficult time leave a lasting impression on Camiel.

Dutch Light/Hollands licht (2003) – April 10th

There's an ancient myth that the light in Holland is different from anywhere else, but it has
never been put to the test. It's the legendary light we see in paintings. The German artist
Joseph Beuys, however, says that it lost its unique radiance in the 1950s, bringing an end
to a visual culture that had lasted for centuries. Dutch Light breaks new ground by
examining this renowned but elusive phenomenon. What is Dutch light? Is the light in
Holland really different from that in other parts of the world? What is true, what is myth,
what is fiction? And was Joseph Beuys right? Dutch Light addresses these fascinating
questions. And it is an ode to light and to observation. It turns looking into a new
experience.