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The Hague’s film about the mistaken bombing of Bezuidenhout during WWII

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The Hague’s film about the mistaken bombing of Bezuidenhout during WWII

The Hague welcomes the long-awaited movie 'Bezuidenhout'. The film commemorates 80 years since the tragic mistaken bombing in this area.

2 min read 28 Feb 2025 Download text

Bezuidenhout, a new film shot in The Hague, tells the story of one of the Netherlands' most devastating bombings. It premieres on Monday 21 April 2025, at Pathé Buitenhof, followed by screenings at Museon-Omniversum from 24 April 2025 on different locations. The film marks 80 years since the tragic event, bringing history to life for both older and younger generations.

3 march 45

About the film 

Johan Zuiderwijk lives with his family and friends in Bezuidenhout, The Hague. As the war grows increasingly hopeless, they form a resistance group and discover that the Germans have placed V2 rockets in the 'Haagse Bos', targeting London. While the group takes greater risks, Johan suspects a traitor among them. Meanwhile, the British prepare to bomb the Haagse Bos, but on the morning of March 3, 1945, the operation goes tragically wrong. Due to wrong coordinations instructed from the British Allies, unexpected heavy wind and bad sight the bombs fell on this populated area in the city. The mistakenly bombing by the British Allies on the Bezuidenhout district of The Hague was one of the deadliest bombings of the second World War in the Netherlands. A large part of the neighborhood went up in flames and hundreds of people were killed. The drama was enormous. Yet this event is not known to many people. 

"With this movie, I want to raise awareness about the tragedy that unfolded here on March 3, 1945, and help survivors and their relatives come forward with their memories of this day."

Dirk Gunther Mohr, actor, screenwriter & producer.

Watch the trailer for Bezuidenhout

We are proud to present to you the trailer of 'Bezuidenhout!'

mohr

About the producer Dirk Gunther Mohr   

Gunther Mohr is an actor and screenwriter from The Hague. He has written the screenplay for Bezuidenhout, produced the film and plays the protagonist. He is known for his compelling performances and strong facial expressions. After training in method acting, his career took off at 30, leading to roles in numerous films, TV productions, and commercials. His directorial debut came with Capo di Famiglia III (2022). 

funding

Gunther Mohr explains that when he began researching the history of Bezuidenhout, where he lives, he discovered that no film had been made about the dramatic bombing of 3 March 1945. He notes that this bombing is less known than those in Rotterdam and Nijmegen and aims to change that. He launched an online crowdfunding campaign to raise 35.000 euros, of which successfully 36.348 euros have been collected. 

"I’m always happy to support any production filmed in The Hague, but contributing to a project that brings The Hague's history to life feels extra special."

Louise Vliegenthart, The Hague Film Coordinator.

Premiere 

The film is intended to raise awareness of the bombing as well as a tribute to the victims and their relatives. The film premieres on Easter Monday, April 21 at Pathé Buitenhof. Later the film will screen at Museon-Omniversum from 24 April. It remembers 80 years of freedom since the second World War. For updates, location screenings and information about post-production click here.  

Museon - Omniversum

Follow when the movie will be screened in Museon - Omniversum

Ludens

Follow when the movie will be screened in Theater Ludens

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Bezuidenhout the film: the story behind the scenes

Monday evening, March 3, 2025 in the Haagse Hout library.
During this special evening in the library, Dirk will talk about how this film came about, what it was like to write the script, what it was like to film in the neighborhood and much more! In addition, he will also show the first images of the film.

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