A unique piece from the VU collection
Among the highlights of the VU collections is the first promotion film for VU, dating back to 1935. This black-and-white documentary, recorded without sound, provides an extensive look into daily life at Vrije Universiteit. Directed by Dick Laan – also known as the creative mind behind Pinkeltje – the film contains a wealth of beautiful and unexpected images. In honour of the opening of the new study halls, excerpts from the film that feature glimpses of the original University Library are showcased.
About Amsterdam. Zetel van de Vrije Universiteit
The scenes are introduced with text cards, which compensate for the lack of sound. The complete film, with a duration of an impressive one hour and three quarters, offers a thorough exploration of daily life at Vrije Universiteit. It includes scenes of first-year students, registrations, lectures, the Hospitium, and even a graduation ceremony featuring Doede Nauta, later a professor of theology at the VU, in the spotlight. The Pedologisch Instituut (PI) of Jan Waterink receives ample attention, as do VU gatherings nationwide. Noteworthy is the emphasis on fundraising for VU during screenings of this film. The administration is showcased in detail, including an impressive scene where a one-hundred-guilder note is revealed from an envelope and displayed to all. The film provides a unique perspective on the history and diversity of Vrije Universiteit.