The Indian

Koos (Matthias den Besten) is eight years old. He lives in the Netherlands, but he’s actually from Peru. Although the adopted boy is smaller and darker-skinned than his peers—and lacks the typical “Dutch swimmer’s legs,” as his grandfather always says—Koos wants to look like his father. Without further ado, his friend Isa dyes blonde highlights in his hair. Now Koos feels more Dutch. At the same time, however, he learns that his adoptive mother is expecting a baby, which immediately makes Koos fear that he might be replaced. Around the same time, Koos meets a group of Peruvian musicians outside the shopping center who pique his interest. Koos is captivated by their stories of their ancestors. A search for his own cultural roots begins... “The Indian” is a warm-hearted and sensitive family film from the Netherlands that explores the themes of identity, heritage, and belonging. Director Ineke Houtman tells the story from the child’s perspective and succeeds in authentically portraying his feelings and insecurities. Particularly compelling is the sensitive portrayal of how an adopted child develops their own identity, caught between their origins and their family. The film weaves together humorous, touching, and adventurous moments into a compelling story.