Film Screening: The Promise (2025)

Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 1:00–4:00 PM (HST), Hamilton Library, Room 306

A documentary film by Director & Writer, Daan Veldhuizen

A forgotten struggle, a lost future. In the 1960s, West Papua was on the path to independence. But international interests, geopolitical power struggles, and economic motives dictated otherwise. Through uniquely restored and colorized 35mm archival footage, The Promise brings this untold history back to life, revealing how an entire people is systematically betrayed and oppressed. With gripping stories of Papuans in exile and their ongoing struggle for recognition, director Daan Veldhuizen paints a painful picture of how colonialism gave way to neocolonialism – and how the world remained silent.

Runtime: 1h 55m

Following the film screening there will be a brief discussion, joined by members of UC Santa Cruz’s Center for Southeast Asian Coastal Interactions via Zoom.

Screening of The Promise is for Dr. Gillian Bogart’s ASAN 600S course, but the campus community is welcome to attend.