International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
November, 2002
Review by Skip Stone

What do you believe in? That theme was one of the deeper questions answered by dozens of documentaries competing at the 15th Annual IDFA. It’s an interesting query for these turbulent times, when whole belief systems are being politicized and many people around the world are sacrificing their lives for what they believe in.

The domination of commercial film by American corporations has created a situation where audiences expect movies to entertain, rather than inform, inspire or critique. Documentaries on the other hand, seek to fill in these huge media gaps by presenting more stories that effect us on a deeper level, challenging our existing beliefs and stimulating intellectual debate. A good documentary will go beyond just updating your data, but will involve you in the life of the participants, and leave you asking more questions about the subject.

Continue reading →

The 15th Annual High Times Cannabis Cup
Amsterdam, November, 2002.
Review by Skip Stone

Last year’s Cannabis Cup was held under the shadow of 9/11. Numbed by the events of the prior 2 months, the 2001 Cup seemed muted. It felt odd to be so concerned about Cannabis when the future appeared so uncertain and fraught with danger. Yet it was an important affirmation of free speech during a time when our liberties were being sacrificed out of irrational fear.

The Peace Cup

The vibe for this year’s Cup was far more upbeat. Carrying on the tradition of the counter-culture, High Times & 420 Tours designated this year’s event the Peace Cup. In a time when our government is insistent upon dragging the world into yet another senseless war, it takes courage and conviction to speak out for peace. One of the great benefits of Cannabis is that it presents users with an alternative perspective, a more peaceful, serene outlook, that many could use these days.

Continue reading →

Writers Workshops (in English) are being held with great success at the ABC Treehouse here in Amsterdam.

Currently there are three critique groups for writing works-in-progress (novels, stories, essays, articles, etc.). These groups meet every two weeks on Wednesdays or Thursdays. The fee for attending is only 7 euros per session. The Treehouse asks all interested writers to register in advance for membership in this exclusive writer’s club, and regular attendance is expected.

The poetry critique group meets every three weeks on Tuesdays. The fee is also just 7 per session.

The writing exercise class meets every other Wednesday and is open to everone. Meeting times are from 7 pm until 10 pm and the participation fee is 10 euros per session.

Please bring your own pens and paper to these meetings.

We post the schedule for writer’s workshops and other Treehouse events here on the Hip Guide to Amsterdam’s event calendar, and for more specific information you can visit the American Book Center on the Kalverstraat for lots more, and tons of books. Alternatively, call Jonette Stabbert at (020) 683 8862.

Located at the edge of Amsterdam’s Red Light District, and part of the ever expanding Chinatown, the Nieuwmarkt, is a picturesque open space with lots of bars, restaurants and coffeeshops in the area.

Dominating the Nieuwmarkt is the Waag, once part of the ancient wall (circa 1488) around Amsterdam, it now houses a trendy organic restaurant.

Continue reading →

Amsterdam’s Museumplein has been completely renovated, and is now one of the most popular parks in the city. A huge expanse of green grass extends from the Rijksmuseum on one end to the Concertgebouw on the other. Also surrounding the Museumplein are the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, an underground Albert Hein supermarket, as well as embassies including the American Consulate cattycorner from the Concertgebouw.

Continue reading →