Roel van Duijn

"It was a kind of flywheel that you set in motion; I couldn't turn back at all," says Hans van Mierlo in the film about his political career. That career began in 1966 when he founded the political party D66 with a number of like-minded individuals. Clearly visible from the editorial office of the Algemeen Handelsblad on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam, the unrest was crowing, fueled by Provo. The pillar society, which had kept the Netherlands afloat for so long, was no longer adequate. That was his analysis, and a much more direct democracy would have to take its place.

The history of the Polygoon cinema newsreel is the recent history of The Netherlands and beyond, narrated by the distinctive voice of Philip Bloemendal. Using numerous clips, various individuals involved recount their contributions to the newsreels.