The film ‘Maalstroom’ has completed production as a Dutch-Belgian co-production written and directed by Teddy Cherim, with Marten van Warmerdam serving as producer. The project brings together a cast led by Jim Deddes, Tenzing Woing, and Barkhad Abdi, the Somali-American actor known for his Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Captain Phillips.’
The narrative centers on Jan, a struggling barge skipper facing financial hardship who accepts a shipment of sand to be transported from Dunkirk to Rotterdam. Early into his journey, Jan encounters 11 refugees concealed within his cargo hold. As the vessel travels northward through the canal system, the presence of these undocumented passengers becomes a catalyst for Jan to reevaluate his circumstances and gain new understanding of experiences beyond his own. Deddes portrays the lead character Jan, reuniting with Cherim following their prior collaboration on ‘Joardy Season.’ Woing takes on the role of Edward, Jan’s deckhand, while Abdi plays Bahdoon, a character specifically developed for him by Cherim.
Abdi’s previous credits include acclaimed films such as ‘Good Time,’ helmed by the Safdie brothers, and Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Blade Runner 2049.’ His performance in ‘Captain Phillips’ earned him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, as well as a BAFTA award. The supporting cast comprises Abdulaal Hussein, Hana Hussein, Anas Derow, Merhawi Kesete, Hiba Ali, Issa Musa, Sabine Berhe-Hagosse, Orwa Zaid, Hanna Mussie, and Mohammed Terwis.
Cherim characterized the project as addressing weighty subject matter while maintaining moments of levity, deriving humor from the inherent absurdity of the onboard scenario and broader European approaches to migration policy. The production received support from multiple funding organizations including the Netherlands Film Fund, the Flanders Audiovisual Fund, and others. Paradiso Filmed Entertainment plans to distribute the film throughout the Benelux region in the following year.
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