Documentary series · NTR · NPO 2
De Reis van de Indiërs
Season 1 · 2021
As a third-generation descendant of Indian indentured labourers, Narsingh Balwantsingh travels in the footsteps of the millions of Indians who were taken to the plantations in the colonies.
A three-part documentary series, broadcast from 5 December 2021 on NPO 2 by the NTR.
A forgotten history
After the abolition of slavery, millions of Indians were recruited as cheap labour for the plantations of Great Britain, France and the Netherlands. In practice they became the new slaves.
It is a period of more than fifty years of colonial history that has largely faded from view.
From India via Suriname to Rotterdam
The series follows the route of the indentured labourers: from India via Suriname to the Netherlands. Along Narsingh’s own family lines, a big story becomes personal.
Directing and editing
For this series we did the directing and editing: from the shoots in three countries to the three-part series broadcast on NPO 2.
The sequel, Brieven aan de achterblijvers, followed in 2023.
View season 2 →
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