Deep Dive: Occupied City (2023)
Film Lens
Occupied City is a 2023 documentary directed and produced by Steve McQueen, based on Bianca Stigter's book Atlas of an Occupied City, Amsterdam 1940–1945. The film narrates the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, using modern-day footage of Amsterdam that parallels the historical narrative. Narration by Melanie Hyams connects the past to the present, emphasizing the impact of the occupation on the city and its inhabitants.
The film had its world premiere at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2023 and was released in the United States on 25 December 2023. It features a 266-minute runtime and is a co-production between the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States. McQueen mentioned a 36-hour version of the documentary was filmed, covering all aspects of the source material.
Why Watch
- •See modern Amsterdam alongside its wartime history
- •Find out about the Nazi occupation's impact on the Netherlands
- •Meet director Steve McQueen's ambitious vision
Did You Know
•Occupied City premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on 17 May 2023.
•The film has a runtime of 266 minutes.
•A 34-hour version will be shown at the Rijksmuseum from 12 September 2025.
•The film received a 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 37 reviews.
Perfect For
World War II historyAmsterdam cultureDocumentary enthusiasts