Affiba, the eldest woman in Paramaribo

The discovery in the Rijksmuseum’s collection leads to the life story of a woman who was born into slavery, gained her freedom and (it is estimated) lived to be at least 105 years old. Affiba, the Oldest Woman of Paramaribo is a moving documentary by Ida Does about family, memory, historical redress and the enduring power of ancestors. 

On 15 October, the film will be screened in the auditorium of the Rijksmuseum, followed by a conversation with Ida Does and Joan Windzak. Afterwards, we’ll chat over a drink. 

Thanks To  

This event is made possible by the Women of the Rijksmuseum Fund

About Ida Does

Ida Does is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, writer and producer. Her work focuses on bringing underrepresented histories to light, with particular attention to (post)colonial history, art, social justice and the power of Caribbean and Indigenous voices. Her previous work includes Nieuw Licht – Het Rijksmuseum en de slavernij (2021), Alledaagse Waardigheid – Philomena Essed (2023) and Uma Memória Emplumada / A Feathered Memory (2025).

About Joan Windzak

Joan Windzak is a researcher and psychologist. She developed the Pedagogical Compass for Future-Oriented Education, a model that teaches professionals how to promote inclusion by using children’s books as a tool in the classroom, in groups and in libraries. The Pedagogical Compass forms the foundation of the organisation EduCulture.