Free World Food & Film night in Gouda: read migration through one table

On 25 July from 16:00 to 21:00, Nelson Mandela Centrum hosts a free World Food & Film Festival preview with Arabic calligraphy, music, a shared meal, conversation and film. Some parts need booking.

• At 16:00 Niyae Arts and Ahenk Music place Arabic calligraphy beside sound, making writing an action and rhythm rather than decorative script.
• The 18:00 meal and conversation seat strangers together. At 19:30 former restaurateur and maker Joris Vermeer connects food origins through talk and tasting.
• At 20:30 De Aardappeleters: Rijsttafel uses one table to explore Indonesian layers in Dutch eating, showing how a national taste is built through movement and history.
• Free does not mean every segment is walk-in. A Fairtrade cooking workshop starts at 14:30; check each reservation, language and remaining place separately.

Hokimi field note: Do not arrive only for the film. Keep time for at least one meal or conversation; knowing who carried a dish here and how it changed leaves more than a plate photograph.

📍 Nelson Mandela Centrum, Bernadottelaan 79, 2806 JM Gouda, The Netherlands · Open in Google Maps