FiLM: RAFELRAND (Niena Bocken, 55 min. 2023, NL/EN) + Afterparty @ Vondelbunker

On the 23rd of June we will have a meeting between the squatters of Maastricht’s Landbouwbelang (LBB) and the squatters of Amsterdam. The intention of this meeting is to make a stronger connection between the squatting scenes from two different parts of the Netherlands that have been fighting for the same ideals over the past 21+ years.

The Landbouwbelang is the last remaining big cultural free-zone of Limburg (and of Netherlands) and it will likely be evicted soon by the municipality of Maastricht to make way for another corporate project, commodifying everything that already exists within the massive industrial walls of the LBB (living space, music, foodbank, art space and more)
After 21+ years of being a foundational element in the Netherlands’ underground music and art scene, a cultural hub for the region where many great initiatives were started and thrive to this day, the municipality and its partners will once again put a large community out on the street. In Amsterdam, many of you already know the sense of loss that comes with this reckless behaviour from the municipality and the government in general. This is something hundreds, if not thousands of people in Maastricht and the region are going through right now (after already having lost other great squats like the Mandril).

The event that we are putting together is meant as a show of solidarity amongst squatters in a time where we are being marginalized and splintered more than ever before in this country. With the beautiful and inspiring achievements we have seen over the past few years in Amsterdam (AFGA, Mokum Kraakt, Vossiusstraat), we have seen that despite the government trying to close in on us with laws we can still get a lot done when we come together and resist.

Aside from this being an event to show solidarity to the LBB squatters, who are going through a difficult time right now, this is also an opportunity for us to exchange ideas, brainstorm, form new alliances and make new friends.

First we will screen the documentary “Rafelrand”, made by Niena Bocken, who follows 4 residents of the LBB for a year while they come to terms with the inevitable end of the place that transformed their lives. The documentary is in Dutch. With English subtitles.

After the documentary screening members of the LBB community will share their reflections. The rest of the program will be for questions, suggestions and conversation.

After the event we will throw an afterparty (20:30 – 01:00) in the Vondelbunker, Vondelpark 8A (inside the bridge over the Vondelpark, below the trams) with live ASBEST BOYS, COCKSMOKER & BOWL!

It would be great if we all showed up and extended a hand to the LBB.

Hope to see you there!

RAFELRAND – LIMBURGS LAATSTE VRIJHAVEN AAN DE KANT
Regie: Niena Bocken | Duur: 55 min (Lange documentaire)

Als gemeente Maastricht een stadsgebied aan de Maaskade wil verkopen aan vastgoedontwikkelaars dreigt het grootste en oudste kraakpand van Limburg ten onder te gaan. Het Landbouwbelang werd 21 jaar geleden gekraakt en tot op de dag van vandaag bewoond door een commune. Wat betekent het dreigende einde van de parallelle samenleving voor hen en voor de stad?

Entrance is free | Free donation is welcome to help cover the travel and food expenses of the LBB