A social project about nine families in Alkmaar (Netherlands) at their dining-table during a for them important meal. Initiative and story by Ema Najetovic.
A world tour through Alkmaar. Gastronomy and a taste of culture in different quarters where we were warmly – and sometimes also a little uncomfortably – welcomed. For how were the families to conduct themselves during the meal with two strange visitors present? They were asked to act as normally as possible, just as in “real life” so we told them many times. Here you will see a what they call a documentary exhibition. Behind the photos however, bursts of laughter, arms with goose pimples, silences, discoveries, hugs and respectful nods are hidden. Real fellowship.
Our journey started in the Dutch East Indies, where it was dignified and homey. Then on to Morocco where tradition rules. The Netherlands was characterized by its openness and amiability and Bosnia surprised and intrigued. In Syria we found curiosity and strength, in Poland knowledge and adventure. The Dutch Antilles were spicy Dutch and Surinam was melodious and humorous. We concluded our journey in Turkey with pride and self-restraint.
The families demonstrate the Alkmaar ethnicity either according to their size or to the current actuality. An ode to migration, to those who came to the Netherlands in the hope of finding a better life. They have partly taken, but have given more. Faith, hope and love, conceptions we all know. Let us see them in each other and never forget. We ask you to look at the photos respectfully and with an open mind. To recognize and acknowledge that we are all the same. Of course there are differences, but isn’t that just what brings colour to life?
