Slave Island Winning the Best Belgian Documentary at Docville

We are extremely proud to announce that our feature documentary, Slave Island, just won the Best Belgian Documentary Award at Docville International Documentary Film Festival in Leuven!

The jury, consisting of Ignas van Schaick, Håvard Bustnes, and María Campaña Ramia, stated "By shedding light on the heartbreaking truth—children sold, beaten, and denied education—the filmmakers reveal a harrowing practice that many would believe belongs only to the distant past. Yet the film goes beyond shock value, unearthing the cultural and spiritual justifications—personified by Mr. Lucky and a Maramba shaman—that continue to perpetuate these atrocities under the guise of divine will. The films sweeping drone shots of Sumba’s stunning landscapes contrast sharply with the grim subject matter, while Raquel Ferreira’s and Hendrickx’s thoughtful editing seamlessly balances intimacy and splendor, heightening the film’s emotional core. Ultimately, it is the compelling narrative, centered on local activist Jeremy Kewuan’s courageous mission to rescue three enslaved children, that makes the film not just an urgent call for social justice but also a perfect example of Belgian documentary filmmaking—and therefore deserving of the top honors at Docville. For its uncompromising exploration of hereditary slavery in West Sumba, Indonesia, where vestiges of Maramba, Kabihu, and Ata social classes still shape everyday realities, the award for best Belgian Documentary goes to “Slave Island” by Jimmy Hendrickx and Jeremy Kewuan."

This award means so much to us, and we are incredibly proud of our amazing team who worked so hard to make this film. A huge thank you to the jury and the festival for this incredible honor and everyone who has supported us along the way.

Read more here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DH_2L3pNnA9/