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World Fantastic Cinema

An Amsterdam Tale

Dorna van Rouveroy

Netherlands1999 89min 35mm Color

Synopsis

An American jazz pianist in Amsterdam, Benny, decides to stay after meeting Alma. She appears to be the catalyst that will make his dream come true – to open a nightclub where he and his cronies can play. After a few years the club is making a great profit. Never mind that it’s no longer a jazz club. Benny seems to prefer the financial security of pimping over the potential monetary instability of playing jazz piano. When Charley applies for a job, things start to change for Benny. He is fascinated by her. He begins to detest his role as seedy flesh peddler and renews his dream of music. Alma, however, has no time for Benny’s newfound morality. She threatens to force him out of their business arrangement. Benny then makes a deal with a shadowy underworld figure so he can earn some financial independence. However, his attempts to throw off the influence of Alma may drive Charley away.

Diretor

Dorna van Rouveroy

Born in Jakarta, Indonesia as the daughter of Canadian cinematographer Robert Rouveroy, Dorna van Rouveroy moved to the Netherlands. After graduating at the Film Academy in Amsterdam, she studied at the American Film Institute in LA. She directed three short films < Moe and Ken >, < Head Shot > and < The Family Rashomon >. Also she wrote screenplays for the feature film (offcial selection Beriln).