"Zij Gelooft in Mij" November "Zij Gelooft in Mij" ("She Believes in Me"), a documentary centering around the life of the popular Dutch singer Andre Hazes opens the IDFA (the International Documentary Filmfestival of Amsterdam) this year. Hazes was followed by John Appel's camera for a period of two years in order to make what promises to be a fascinating record of one of Holland's most well-loved performers. More to come in the reviews. The The IDFA begins on the 24th of November and runs until the 2nd of December. Further, there will be a retrospective of 10 "favorite" films chosen by Werner Herzog as well as screenings of his latest film "Mein Liebster Feind/ My Best Enemy" which deals with the love-hate relationship between him and actor Klaus Kinski. More info: www.idfa.nl "Chinese Characters" is an event at the Tropical Museum in Amsterdam containing theatre, dance, a photo exhibition, talkshows, as well as several feature films and documentaries. It deals with topical developments in contemporary China. From November 15th through November 30th a voyage through China via seven movies is available here. more discussion circulating recently in Dutch newspapers about who will be taking over the allegedly near-bankrupt Amsterdam chapter of "Planet Hollywood" (,only 3 years after the grand opening attended by the impressive Arnold. Don't imagine he, or any of the other three "megas," will be returning for an eventual closing ceremony.) "VERTIGAL strategies," the 3-day seminar designed for professionals in the production end of the film business recently completed a course at the Dutch Film Festival and will be offering its following round in Vienna from November 11th until 13th. This training program, aimed at professionals involved with the marketing and promotion of European low and medium budget films, is organized by Salzgeber & Co, Medien in Berlin. Further information for those interested in attending can be requested by either contacting Claudia Weber or Bjorn Koll via e-mail: vertical@salzgeber.de Holland Film has announced that "Madelief, Krassen in het Tafelblad" (oftewel "Madelief, Scratches on the Tabletop") will be sent to the Oscars for competition in the category Best Foreign Language Film. Further news next March. A-Film Distribution, the newest distributor operating from Holland, opens its doors for full operation this month. Orientated toward international "art-house" movies as well as assisting in the promotion of Dutch-made films, they are a welcome addition to the scene in Amsterdam. Many of the lower budget artistic movies available on the market need such companies to further their interests and keep a balanced accessibility for the movie-theatres and movie-goers. Halloween may have passed, but the "All-Night Horror Show, Part vii" is still travelling throughout Holland (and will be until January 14th of the next century). Check it out at: www.goforit.nl When Dutch director Dick Maas says, "Do Not Disturb," does he really mean it? © 1994-2006 The Green Hartnett