Summary

Documentary about Denise and Melissa, two Surinamese girls in the Bijlmer, 16 years young and pregnant.

Intrigued by the large number of teenage mothers in her own neighbourhood, Bijlmer in Amsterdam, director Karin Junger made a documentary about Denise and Melissa, two Surinamese girls, 16 years young and pregnant. The ‘glad tidings’ are not welcome by their own mothers and that also applies to the young fathers. From the first months of their pregnancy until their children are one and a half years old, Junger observed the girls in their daily lives. She tried to get to know and understand them. With Denise that worked out better than with Melissa. Melissa is indifferent and gruff. Once the baby is here, she runs away from home with her baby and is sent away from the shelter. Denise always wanted to be a flight attendant and have a child at 25. But she did not dare to ask the doctor for a pill and is now busy with school and the men in her life, in addition to her son.

Reviews

Credits

• Directed by: Karin Junger
• Production company: Jura Film Productions
• Coproducers: IKON television
• Cinematography: Brigit Hillenius, Claire Pijman & Peter Brugman
• Editor: Marina Bodbijl & Vera Jong

Sales

• Cinemien