SALAM SARANE

My, Yasser Ishraqi, Salam Sarane bond with Gerano Hatumena began when we were eleven years old, as neighbors growing up together. That bond took on a deeper meaning in 2019, when we, as best friends, traveled together to the Moluccas for the first time. There, I was able to experience Pela Gandong in real life. In February 2024, the idea emerged to capture Salam Sarane in the Moluccas in the form of a documentary.

In June 2024, it finally happened: together with seventeen brothers, we traveled to the Moluccas to intertwine the story of Nowruz with that of Salam Sarane. It became the most meaningful journey of my life. A heartfelt thank you to all the men here on stage for your brotherhood and presence throughout the past eleven months of our process leading to Salam Sarane.

Thank you to Gerano Hatumena and Terence Joseph Mayimona for the countless hours we've poured into this. Thank you to Wolat Rashid for SC Nowruz — without you, there is no Nowruz, brother. And thank you to ‘Ampi’ for daring to dream out loud; your dream has become ours too. You are in the Netherlands.

We also want to sincerely thank Moluks in 2051 and Uriël Matahelumual for making this evening possible — without you, none of it would have happened. Joenoes Polnaija, thank you for your words, emotions, and your trust in Nowruz; that has meant a great deal to us. Celeste Engel, thank you for your beautiful intermezzo — you truly are an angel. And thank you to Felix Meritis for your organization and production — the venue fit the evening perfectly; it couldn’t have been better.

Finally, thank you to all who attended. Last night, we shared a message. You took the time to listen, to give that message a chance — and maybe even to embrace it.

Salam Sarane ❤️