Fanon

Fanon, directed by Jean-Claude Barny, is a 2024 biographical film that delves into the life of Frantz Fanon (Alexandre Bouyer), the influential Martiniquan psychiatrist, writer, and revolutionary activist. The narrative focuses on Fanon's tenure from 1953 to 1956 as head of a ward at Blida-Joinville Psychiatric Hospital in Algeria. During this period, he transformed institutional psychiatry and authored The Wretched of the Earth, a seminal work on colonization and decolonization. The film also portrays his clandestine support for Algeria's independence movement. Its narrative structure interweaves past and present, highlighting Fanon's enduring influence on contemporary struggles against oppression.

This special screening of Fanon is presented in collaboration with Africadelic and Caribbean Creativity, and in commemoration of both the 100th anniversary of Frantz Fanon’s birth (July 20, 1925) and 63rd anniversary of Algeria’s independence (July 5, 1962). The evening will be introduced by psychiatrist Glenn Helberg.

Glenn Helberg

Glenn Helberg is a Dutch psychiatrist of Curaçaoan descent, known for his commitment to cultural diversity in mental health care. For many years, he has advocated for a more inclusive approach to psychiatry that takes into account the socio-cultural backgrounds of patients, particularly those with a migration background. Helberg is also a prominent voice in public debates on postcolonial issues, racism, and the lasting impact of slavery. He calls for recognition of historical injustice and emphasizes the importance of healing, collective memory, and the intergenerational transmission of trauma. His work operates at the intersection of psychiatry, politics, and social activism.

July 5

This Dutch premiere of Fanon takes place on July 5, a day of significant importance in the life of Frantz Fanon for two reasons. First, on July 5, Fanon became the target of an assassination attempt in Rome, where he had traveled that day for medical treatment following a car accident. Second, July 5 marks the date when Algeria gained its independence from France in 1962, a moment Fanon had dedicated much of his life's work toward. Although Fanon did not live to witness Algeria’s independence, as he passed away from leukemia on December 6, 1961, the date remains a powerful symbol of the struggle he advocated throughout his life and writings.

About Africadelic

Africadelic is a platform that is committed to the programming and promotion of African and African diasporic cultural creativity, diversity and activism in the Netherlands. The annual Africadelic Festival is an ode to the African continent and its worldwide diaspora, and offers a showcase of the cultural wealth and profound influence Afrodescendants have on global culture and society. Scheduled from May 21-31, 2025, this year's festival offers another week filled with concerts, films, and talks. At the same time, we are organizing one-off events throughout the year, including this special screening of Fanon.

About Caribbean Creativity

Caribbean Creativity is an Amsterdam-based non-profit organization that is, since 2008, committed to the programming and promotion of Caribbean and Caribbean-themed cinema in the Netherlands and beyond. Over the years, Caribbean Creativity has hosted over 300 screenings in Dutch cinemas and at film festivals, including numerous premieres. In 2020, they launched YardVibes, a streaming platform featuring content from independent Caribbean and African filmmakers. YardVibes currently offers over 100 titles, including feature films, web series, documentaries, and short films, with new content added monthly.