The world premiere of KLANTREIS was a great success at the Movies that Matter Festival. The film was shown to a sold-out audience at the Filmtheater aan het Spui, with 160 guests including cast, crew, and representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, the Dutch Parliament, VNG, Divosa, and several municipalities.

The evening was opened by Margje de Koning, followed by an introduction from Bahram Sadeghi who was hosting the evening. Director Ton van Zantvoort then personally addressed the audience. On behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, director Arjan van Noort emphasized that the system must keep human scale and practical experience at its core. Subsequently, Member of Parliament, human rights lawyer, and former activist Mpanzu Bamenga shared his perspective, reflecting on his own ‘Customer Journey’.

A highlight of the evening was the joint arrival of the main characters and crew. A large Arriva city bus, fully decorated in KLANTREIS style and driven by “bus driver Bart” in uniform from the film, transported a group of about forty people to The Hague—a playful and fitting translation of the ‘customer journey’ itself.

The audience visibly engaged with the film. There was lots of laughter at the recognizable and sometimes absurd situations, but also moments of silence at the more vulnerable scenes. This combination of humor and emotion left a deep impression.

After the screening, all the main characters were invited to the stage, creating a special and personal moment with the audience. Attendees were then invited to take a short civic integration quiz themselves, reflecting on the themes of the film.

Initial reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Visitors described the film as “moving”, “painfully recognizable”, “sharp yet warm”, and above all “a must-see for anyone involved with this system”. The documentary is regarded as a strong starting point for conversation and change.

KLANTREIS will be shown several more times this week at the festival and will have a nationwide release from April 23 in over 55 cinemas.

Check where the film is showing near you:
https://klantreisfilm.nl/#vertoningen

Additional screenings at the Movies that Matter Festival:

  • March 21 – 18:15 – Theater aan het Spui, The Hague (Premiere)
  • March 22 – 11:00 – De Regentes, The Hague (with discussion)
  • March 24 – 20:15 – Filmhuis Den Haag
  • March 28 – 13:45 – Filmhuis Den Haag (Q&A)

Private screenings can also be booked. Sign up here: https://klantreisfilm.nl/#doe_mee