Zorba Huisman: from documentary to fiction
Filmhuis de SpiegelExpected end time: 22:00 hour
Theater Heerlen - Kleine Zaal
A special film evening about humanity, creativity and the power of stories.
What happens when a story calls for a different form? During this special evening, Heerlen-based director and multidisciplinary artist Zorba Huisman takes the audience on her artistic journey. With the screening of her latest documentary *Vonnis* (selected for the 2026 Golden Calf competition), an in-depth post-screening discussion and an exclusive first concept presentation of her debut feature film, she offers a unique insight into her work and the next step in her creative journey.
Following the screening, Huisman will engage in a discussion, led by philosopher and moderator Lammert Kamphuis, about the film, her creative process and the social and human issues that preoccupy her as a filmmaker.
An evening where documentary, conversation and plans for the future come together. About the stories that preoccupy us, the forms they require and the courage to start afresh time and again as a filmmaker.
A programme by Via Zuid, in collaboration with Filmhuis de Spiegel, Parkstad Limburg Theatres and the NOX Foundation.
From theatre and documentary to fiction
The evening also marks a special moment in Huisman’s development. As a theatre director and documentary-maker, she has been moving between different disciplines for years. Her work is characterised by a strong visual language, topical social themes and a fascination with human drama. One principle is central to this: it is not the discipline that determines the story, but the story that determines the form.
For the first time, Huisman offers the audience a glimpse into the development of her first fiction film. In an exclusive concept presentation, she shares the initial ideas, artistic principles and questions behind this new work. This new step in her creative journey has been made possible by Via Zuid, which supported Huisman in the development of her first fiction project. A unique opportunity for the audience to be among the first to discover a new film project, even before it becomes a reality.
Zorba Huisman
Huisman is a former creator at Via Zuid, founder of the NOX Foundation and artist-in-residence at Parkstad Limburg Theatres (PLT). Building on this artistic foundation, she continues to explore new forms of storytelling that resonate with today’s world.
Verdict
In the documentary Verdict, Huisman enters the closed world of a prison. There, she follows two chaplains who are confronted daily with questions of guilt, responsibility and forgiveness. How do you continue to see the person behind an act? And can anyone ever escape the judgement of others? Using a poignant, sensory visual language, Huisman explores human vulnerability within a system centred on punishment.
For Spiegel Pass holders
To claim your passholder discount, you must first log in with your PLT account. Once you’ve logged in, you can order your tickets and the discount will be automatically applied during the checkout process.
