Hillywood goes Hollywood

Hillywood goes Hollywood: Abel Gance’s J’accuse

Filmmaker Abel Gance (1889–1981) was one of the great pioneers of film history. His iconic film J’accuse remains a timeless statement against war and violence. Much of the film was shot on actual battlefields during the horrors of the First World War, with its dramatic climax showing the march of fallen soldiers. Rising from the dead, they confront the survivors of a small French village, asking a haunting question: were they worthy of the sacrifice made for them?

The film’s powerful message is musically interpreted, underscored, and intensified with an entirely new soundtrack. This music is performed live by musicians from the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest and the Groot Omroepkoor, with organist Patrick Hopper as special guest on the Pierre Palla Concert Organ.

During this concert, the final part of the restored 2009 version of J’accuse will be screened. Sander Zwiep, presenter for NPO Klassiek, guides you—together with the musicians—through the story of this impressive performance.

Credits
Sander Zwiep – presentation
Patrick Hopper – organ
Musicians from the Groot Omroepkoor and the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest

Heuvellaan Hilversum is accessible for visitors using a rollator or wheelchair and features a fully equipped accessible toilet, including an alarm system.