
🌟 Vals Paradijs Makes History
At the Septimius Awards 2025 inside the iconic Pathé Tuschinski Theatre, Amsterdam, the groundbreaking documentary Vals Paradijs (False Paradise) was crowned Best Short Documentary.
This film, by Feroz Amirkhan, Pavan Marhé, and visionary director Patrick Bisschops, is the first Surinamese-Dutch documentary to ever receive this global honor—an achievement that rewrites cultural history.

📖 Telling a Forgotten Story
Vals Paradijs dives into an underexposed chapter of Suriname’s colonial past—the period of indentured labor after slavery’s abolition in 1863.
Instead of the promised paradise, thousands of Indians faced exploitation and hardship on Surinamese plantations.
The film uncovers the story of Fakirchand Rajvanshi, a young Indian deceived by false promises, symbolizing the lost hopes of an entire generation.

🏆 International Recognition, Emotional Triumph
Standing on the same stage as Hollywood’s elite, the filmmakers proudly carried their community’s story to the world.
“This award shows that our story and our community are finally getting the recognition they deserve,” said Feroz Amirkhan.
“We were among big names, yet our story was heard and honored,” added Pavan Marhé.
🌍 More Than a Documentary – A Movement
The film is sparking a cultural wave across the Netherlands and beyond:
150,000+ viewers on NPO 2
Sold-out screenings at Pathé & AFAS Live
Over 1 million online views
What began as a film has grown into a movement for awareness, pride, and dialogue.
🎥 The Vision of Patrick Bisschops
Director Patrick Bisschops elevated Vals Paradijs with cinematic depth and emotional intensity, blending personal narrative with historical context. His artistry turned the story into a visually stunning and emotionally moving monument to memory.
🕊️ A Monument to Memory
With its Septimius Awards victory, Vals Paradijs is not only a prize-winning film but also a symbolic monument to a forgotten history.
The filmmakers now aim for educational programs, new screenings, and a potential sequel, ensuring the story continues to inspire generations.
✨ Vals Paradijs has opened the door for global recognition of Hindustani and Surinamese histories—and this is just the beginning.
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