The Clearing
2026, film, 89 min
During the colonial "rubber boom" in Sumatra, the sexual indenturement of women workers was an open secret suppressed until today. Found and new footage synthesize with sonic, narrative and visual fabulation in this essay of recognition and resistance.
REVIEWS
"A powerful investigation through cinema, with its material as a weapon against oblivion” — Antonio Miguel Arenas
2026, film, 89 min
During the colonial "rubber boom" in Sumatra, the sexual indenturement of women workers was an open secret suppressed until today. Found and new footage synthesize with sonic, narrative and visual fabulation in this essay of recognition and resistance.
REVIEWS
"A powerful investigation through cinema, with its material as a weapon against oblivion” — Antonio Miguel Arenas
AWARDS
Best Film Human Rights Dox Competition DokuFest
Best Film Human Rights Dox Competition DokuFest
FESTIVALS
FID Marseille International Competition (France)
DokuFest Human Rights Dox Competition (Kosovo)
FID Marseille International Competition (France)
DokuFest Human Rights Dox Competition (Kosovo)
Credits
writer/director
Sabine Groenewegen
producer
Manon Bovenkerk for near/by film
Sabine Groenewegen for Rebel Research
editor
Diana Toucedo
composer
Malu Peeters
camera
Sabine Groenewegen,
Juan Palacios
Ary Jimged Sendy
sales agent
Kino Rebelde
supported by
Netherlands Film Fund, Amsterdam Art Fund, Cultuurfonds
Sabine Groenewegen
producer
Manon Bovenkerk for near/by film
Sabine Groenewegen for Rebel Research
editor
Diana Toucedo
composer
Malu Peeters
camera
Sabine Groenewegen,
Juan Palacios
Ary Jimged Sendy
sales agent
Kino Rebelde
supported by
Netherlands Film Fund, Amsterdam Art Fund, Cultuurfonds