Five days after the IDFA festival ends, there will be a special day in Holland. Old men will be wearing long red dresses and ridiculous-looking hats. They will be accompanied by a group of other men in colorful puffy pants and make-up. No, it will not be a nationwide cross-dress party (although that would actually have my vote), but on the 5th of December it is time for the yearly celebration of Sinterklaas.

Many a child considers this bringer of gifts and candy as their absolute hero. Unfortunately, he and Zwarte Piet also cause some children anxiety, since tradition wants it that they put the disobedient in a bag and ship them off to Spain.

Now it seems that not only the young are afraid of Sinterklaas, but also adults. In fact, this children’s fairy tale has developed into a political debate: Politicians are defying the right of existence of servant ’Black Pete’. Others hail the old bugger himself as the last man standing between respect for Dutch tradition on the one hand, and total degradation of Dutch culture and values on the other. And all of this fuss about a festivity that originated in……Turkey. Yes, you read it right.

So let me conclude with saying: Please go to as many fun, shocking, sad and inspiring documentaries as you can this IDFA and keep on "looking further than your nose is long". Traditions and customs change, be aware!

Jessica Hartman