TRACKS, 11min., Netherlands, Documentary
Directed by Maclovia G Martel
A visual Journey of remembrance in Amsterdam.

Director Statement
"Tracks: Stumbling Stones Amsterdam"" is a visually stunning journey, short documentary exploring the laying of “Stolpersteine” memorial stones honoring Holocaust victims, installed in front of the homes along the central canals in Amsterdam. A central theme of this film is the power and importance of remembrance. In the Jewish tradition, as long as a person is remembered they continue to live.
The central canal area of Amsterdam is recognized as one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the world. Even in times of joy and celebration we are urged to momentarily acknowledge tragedy in both the past and the present. These stones serve to provide a small tear of sorrow next to the grand and historic architecture of the canals.
This film encourages us to recall the neighbors, friends, grandparents, mothers, fathers, children and babies who were the victims of hate and intolerance. The film is a visually gorgeous, poetic and uplifting meditation on art, encounter and remembrance.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The producers of the film Michael Potter and Margaret McCarhty lived on the canal in Amsterdam where this particular Stumbling Stone project to honor Holocaust victims took place.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

The research for the Stumbling Stone project for this film started in 2019.

The project was filmed in March 2022, and the film was finalized in 2023

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Journey of Remembrance

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Researching the victims to honor and making the stones.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

We felt a tremendous amount of satisfaction connecting with the audience and really appreciating that we were successful communicating a powerful and meaningful message in a short film.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I making films after creating a documentary on her mother- the first Mexican on Broadway in 2012, "A Girl From Mexico."

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

"Searching for Sugarman"

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

Collectively if we could all pick-up our social media game

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It is pretty efficient and we are generally satisfied

10. What is your favorite meal?

Exotic and gourmet tacos

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Next film will be "Space Art"