Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam Releases 4K Restoration of 'The Girl with the Red Hair'
The Eye Filmmuseum is set to release a newly restored 4K version of Ben Verbong's acclaimed classic, "The Girl with the Red Hair" (Het meisje met het rode haar), in cinemas across the Netherlands. This significant re-release, focusing on the story of resistance fighter Hannie Schaft, begins on April 23rd at the Eye Filmmuseum, national film theaters, and through the Eye Film Player.
Screening Details and Special Events for Visitors
A special premiere event, featuring the film's cast and crew, is scheduled for Friday, April 17th, at the FilmKoepel in Haarlem. This location, a former prison, holds historical significance as it is near where Hannie Schaft was briefly held after her arrest.
For those interested in deeper insights, the Eye Filmmuseum will host additional events. On April 17th, author and legal expert Sophie Poldermans will introduce a special preview screening of the film. Poldermans is the author of "Desnoods met wapens" (2023), which explores the lives of three young women in the armed resistance, including Hannie Schaft. Furthermore, on Monday, May 4th, director Ben Verbong and cinematographer Theo van de Sande will reflect on the 4K restoration process at the Eye Filmmuseum. More details on viewing options and events can be found on the Eye Film website.
The Film's Enduring Legacy and Impact
"The Girl with the Red Hair" (1981) remains one of the most recognized Dutch war films, standing alongside titles like "De overval" (1962), "Soldaat van Oranje" (1977), and "De aanslag" (1986). Director Ben Verbong recently viewed the film after nearly 45 years, remarking on its unexpected contemporary relevance. Lead actress Renée Soutendijk, who portrayed Hannie Schaft, reflected on the historical drama, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal motivations behind actions, especially for a figure driven by a strong sense of justice.
The film's screenplay by Ben Verbong and Pieter de Vos is based on the book by Theun de Vries. Renée Soutendijk received the Vittorio De Sica Award for her performance, and the film itself was honored with the Dutch Film Critics' Award and selected for the Golden Bear competition at the 1982 Berlin Film Festival. The cast also features actors such as Peter Tuinman, Loes Luca, Lou Landré, Lineke Rijxman, Adrian Brine, and Huub Stapel, with music composed by Nicola Piovani.
Hannie Schaft (Haarlem, 1920-1945) became a prominent symbol of resistance and the most famous Dutch resistance woman of World War II. Her story continues to inspire new generations, leading to numerous books and even a musical (2015) dedicated to her legacy.
Bringing a Classic Back to Life: The 4K Restoration
The digital 4K restoration was carried out by STORM (Jack Kuipers) under the supervision of Theo van de Sande, the film's original cinematographer. The restoration utilized a 4K scan of the original camera negative from the Eye collection.
A crucial development in this restoration project was the rediscovery of the original, long-thought-lost negative by Ben Verbong in 2025, after a search spanning several years. Rumors had suggested its destruction, but a tip from Adriaan Bijl led Verbong to find it in a Dutch warehouse. The negative was subsequently brought to Eye Filmmuseum and scanned in 4K for the restoration process.
To discover more about cultural events and exhibitions in Amsterdam, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a comprehensive guide. You can also explore other museums in Amsterdam or browse what's on during your visit.
