Selling a Colonial War (2024)

Selling a Colonial War (2024) poster

In the Netherlands, colonial history is slowly but surely being rewritten. It has long been clear that what the Dutch government at the time described as “police actions”—the deployment of the army in response to Indonesia’s declaration of independence in 1945—was in fact an unlawful war. Nonetheless, the use of the term “war crimes” is still sensitive. This documentary reveals how far the Dutch rulers went in selling the war as a domestic affair, intended to restore peace among the population. Unique, often shocking images tell a different story. Filmmaker In-Soo Radstake holds extensive interviews with international experts who explain the complex relationships in the former colony and set out the global context.

Director: In-soo Radstake
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 133 min
Release Date:
Production: Holland Harbour Productions
Country: Netherlands
Language: English, Bahasa indonesia, Nederlands
Original Language: id
More Films by Director: In-soo Radstake
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Selling a Colonial War about?
In the Netherlands, colonial history is slowly but surely being rewritten. It has long been clear that what the Dutch government at the time described as “police actions”—the deployment of the army in response to Indonesia’s declaration of independence in 1945—was in fact an unlawful war. Nonetheless, the use of the term “war crimes” is still sensitive. This documentary reveals how far the Dutch rulers went in selling the war as a domestic affair, intended to restore peace among the population. Unique, often shocking images tell a different story. Filmmaker In-Soo Radstake holds extensive interviews with international experts who explain the complex relationships in the former colony and set out the global context.
Who directed Selling a Colonial War?
Selling a Colonial War was directed by In-soo Radstake.
How long is Selling a Colonial War?
Selling a Colonial War has a runtime of 2h 13m (133 minutes).
What genre is Selling a Colonial War?
Selling a Colonial War is a Documentary film.
Where was Selling a Colonial War produced?
Selling a Colonial War was produced in Netherlands.