De Verloren Kolonie
At a primate research institute in Abkhazia, staff prepare for an anniversary. The buildings bear the marks of war and the remains of Soviet scientific ambition. People and monkeys continue their daily routines while the institute’s past looms over its uncertain future.
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A person stands beside a stranded ship on a waterfront in The Lost Colony.
All films ↗A scientific institution after the Soviet Union
Founded in 1927, the primate research institute in Sukhumi once took part in major Soviet scientific programmes. War damaged its buildings and scattered its monkey colony. The staff continue working among the remains of that history.
An anniversary symposium becomes a chance to attract attention and restore the institute’s standing. Archival footage of experiments sits beside the daily efforts of people who still believe in its future.
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The Lost ColonySelected credits
- Director
- Astrid Bussink
- Producer
- Frank van den Engel, Zeppers Film & TV
- Cinematography
- Jackó van 't Hof
- Editing
- Katarina Türler
- Music
- Hans Helewaut
- Executive producer
- Willemijn Cerutti
- Location sound
- David Spaans
- Sound design
- Tom Bijnen
Film details & resources
- Original title
- De Verloren Kolonie
- English title
- The Lost Colony
- Year
- 2008
- Format
- Documentary
- Running time
- 90 min (NFF); 71 min (DokuFest)
Festival history
De Verloren KolonieSelected festivals
- 2008
International Film Festival Rotterdam
World premiere
- 2008
DokuFest
Official selection
Hot Docs
Official selection