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E.heinhuis@lyongo.com
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Premiere tour Kombiná
From Willemstad to Amsterdam, the premiere tour of Kombiná has come to an end. Together with lyongo architecture we’ve hosted six premieres in the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands. We’re happy to share that about 800 people have attended our events and have seen the documentary.
Each screening was more than just a showing—it was a celebration of Caribbean architecture, culture, and the stories that shape them. Audiences were captivated, sparking lively discussions and reflections that connected people across different locations. The film not only showcased the beauty of the islands but also left a lasting impression, inspiring those who experienced it to think deeply about identity, tradition, and the future of Caribbean design.
A journey to define Caribbean architecture
Everyone recognizes the vibrancy of Caribbean music—reggae, calypso, soca, and salsa resonate worldwide as symbols of the region’s cultural synthesis. However, the same understanding of Caribbean architecture is less clear. While images of Curaçao’s colorful facades, Bonaire’s historic slave houses, and Saba’s gingerbread trims are iconic, they represent only a fraction of the region’s architectural diversity.
What defines contemporary Caribbean architecture? This question has inspired architect Lyongo Juliana for decades as he and his firm worked on projects across the Dutch Caribbean islands. After 25 years of contributing to the region’s architectural landscape, they’ve decided to document this search for answers in a documentary. Together with our foundation, Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied and two private clients they have shared Lyongo’s journey through film.
Kombiná—which translates to “mixed”— reveals how migration, multiculturalism, and local traditions intersect to shape a unique architectural identity. Like Caribbean music, contemporary architecture in the region is a symphony of influences, reflecting the resilience and creativity of its people.
Audience reactions
Following its sold-out debut at the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR) in October 2024, Kombiná has captivated audiences with its exploration of contemporary Caribbean architecture. At AFFR, where over 80 films were showcased to an audience of 8,000, Kombiná earned the prestigious second-place Audience Award—a testament to the film’s emotional and intellectual impact on architects, urban planners, students, and community members alike.
From the bustling theaters in the Netherlands to intimate gatherings on the Caribbean islands, the premieres have been met with enthusiasm, reflection, and deep emotional responses from viewers. The premieres stirred powerful emotions and sparked meaningful discussions. “This was the first movie that I saw about Caribbean architecture in my almost 20 years as working as an architect.”
The film, which blends architecture with social and cultural themes, deeply resonated with audiences. One viewer shared: “This movie was more than about architecture. It was about the soul of a place, and how Lyongo integrates that into the built environment.”
A recurring sentiment was the appreciation for seeing the diversity of the Caribbean islands and how each handles modernization while preserving tradition. As one attendee remarked: “It was beautiful to see all the islands and the differences between them. The film highlighted how each island faces challenges balancing progress with heritage.”
Looking back and forward
The film inspired conversations about architecture’s role in fostering social cohesion. Lyongo reflected: “I’m very proud that we were able to debut our film at such a prestigious festival as the AFFR. We’ve decided to organize a premiere after that on every island that we’ve filmed, plus one in Amsterdam – which basically meant that we had to host five events. With venues that ranged from 70 people to 180 persons. But I’m happy that we’ve made that choice and to hear the positive reaction of the audiences. This film tells an honest story about who I am and where I come from. It’s about designing from the heart and hopefully encourages young designers to keep going despite tough challenges.”
We’re happy about the succes that the premiere tour of Kombiná has had. With lyongo architecture we’ve submitted the documentary for several film festivals during this year and even got the first approval. We hope to show this impactful documentary on many more Caribbean islands, in the Netherlands and in cities that have a big Caribbean community.
Premiere tour Kombiná
From Willemstad to Amsterdam, the premiere tour of Kombiná has come to an end. Together with lyongo architecture we’ve hosted six premieres in the Dutch Caribbean and the Netherlands. We’re happy to share that about 800 people have attended our events and have seen the documentary.
Each screening was more than just a showing—it was a celebration of Caribbean architecture, culture, and the stories that shape them. Audiences were captivated, sparking lively discussions and reflections that connected people across different locations. The film not only showcased the beauty of the islands but also left a lasting impression, inspiring those who experienced it to think deeply about identity, tradition, and the future of Caribbean design.
A journey to define Caribbean architecture
Everyone recognizes the vibrancy of Caribbean music—reggae, calypso, soca, and salsa resonate worldwide as symbols of the region’s cultural synthesis. However, the same understanding of Caribbean architecture is less clear. While images of Curaçao’s colorful facades, Bonaire’s historic slave houses, and Saba’s gingerbread trims are iconic, they represent only a fraction of the region’s architectural diversity.
What defines contemporary Caribbean architecture? This question has inspired architect Lyongo Juliana for decades as he and his firm worked on projects across the Dutch Caribbean islands. After 25 years of contributing to the region’s architectural landscape, they’ve decided to document this search for answers in a documentary. Together with our foundation, Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied and two private clients they have shared Lyongo’s journey through film.
Kombiná—which translates to “mixed”— reveals how migration, multiculturalism, and local traditions intersect to shape a unique architectural identity. Like Caribbean music, contemporary architecture in the region is a symphony of influences, reflecting the resilience and creativity of its people.
Audience reactions
Following its sold-out debut at the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR) in October 2024, Kombiná has captivated audiences with its exploration of contemporary Caribbean architecture. At AFFR, where over 80 films were showcased to an audience of 8,000, Kombiná earned the prestigious second-place Audience Award—a testament to the film’s emotional and intellectual impact on architects, urban planners, students, and community members alike.
From the bustling theaters in the Netherlands to intimate gatherings on the Caribbean islands, the premieres have been met with enthusiasm, reflection, and deep emotional responses from viewers. The premieres stirred powerful emotions and sparked meaningful discussions. “This was the first movie that I saw about Caribbean architecture in my almost 20 years as working as an architect.”
The film, which blends architecture with social and cultural themes, deeply resonated with audiences. One viewer shared: “This movie was more than about architecture. It was about the soul of a place, and how Lyongo integrates that into the built environment.”
A recurring sentiment was the appreciation for seeing the diversity of the Caribbean islands and how each handles modernization while preserving tradition. As one attendee remarked: “It was beautiful to see all the islands and the differences between them. The film highlighted how each island faces challenges balancing progress with heritage.”
Looking back and forward
The film inspired conversations about architecture’s role in fostering social cohesion. Lyongo reflected: “I’m very proud that we were able to debut our film at such a prestigious festival as the AFFR. We’ve decided to organize a premiere after that on every island that we’ve filmed, plus one in Amsterdam – which basically meant that we had to host five events. With venues that ranged from 70 people to 180 persons. But I’m happy that we’ve made that choice and to hear the positive reaction of the audiences. This film tells an honest story about who I am and where I come from. It’s about designing from the heart and hopefully encourages young designers to keep going despite tough challenges.”
We’re happy about the succes that the premiere tour of Kombiná has had. With lyongo architecture we’ve submitted the documentary for several film festivals during this year and even got the first approval. We hope to show this impactful documentary on many more Caribbean islands, in the Netherlands and in cities that have a big Caribbean community.
