Ayan Egal

In Amsterdam Paradise we're witnessing the development of the relationship between Adam and Eva and see how it’s continually influenced and affected by dozens of other stories set in the city. Amsterdam Paradise is a shimmering mosaic narrative of the city, life and love.

The friendship between two hooligans is showing cracks as one still thrives on the violent world, while the other tries to escape its empty existence. Raoul thrives on the chaos of the hooligan life, while Anouar searches for a way out of the violence and emptiness. This debut film shows how their friendship is tested when Anouar distances himself, afraid to face his true feelings. Raoul refuses to let go. For him, riled up and high on drugs, instilling fear is the way to command respect. His buddy Anouar, however, is increasingly fed up with the world rife with violence and toxic masculinity.