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‘Blutspur AntwerpenPremieres, Linking Murder to Corruption in Antwerp’s Diamond Trade

The ARD political thriller delves into systemic exploitation, activist risks, and colonial legacies centered on Antwerp’s diamond trade.

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"Blutspur Antwerpen": Kommissarin Louma Shapiro (Marie-Lou Sellem, r.) und ihr Kollege Pierre Didier (Miguel Francisco) ermitteln in einem kaltblütigen Mordfall.

Overview

  • The film begins with the murder of Congolese model Jean-Baptiste Kalemba, which leads to an investigation into brutal diamond smuggling operations in Antwerp.
  • Investigators uncover that the intended target of the murder was Kalemba’s half-sister, Kisha, a Congolese activist recently arrived in Belgium.
  • Kisha’s character highlights the dangers faced by activists fighting for justice, especially in oppressive regimes like the Congo.
  • Antwerp is depicted as a city of contrasts, juxtaposing wealth and glamour with corruption, greed, and exploitation tied to Belgium’s colonial history in the Congo.
  • The investigation in the film is expected to escalate to the International Court of Justice in Brussels, emphasizing the global stakes of the story.