Ode to the OBA
Netherlands / © 2007 / SD video / 46'44" and 22'10" version with English subtitles
Commisioned by Hans van Velzen, director of the Public Library Amsterdam (OBA)

Director, producer, interviews: Su Tomesen
Final editor: Janneke Küpfer
Camera: Vava Stojadinovic, Caroline Zietsman, Su Tomesen
Editing: Janneke Küpfer, Vava Stojadinovic, Su Tomesen
Soundmix: Boban Bajic
Music: Burnstation, Poldergeist, Storm Lab, Verbal Kint

The documentary Ode to the OBA shows the process of constructing the new central building of the Amsterdam Public Library (Openbare Biblitheek Amsterdam / OBA) during two years. The film includes also moving the collection from the old building to the new one and the opening in the summer of 2007. The video contains interviews with director Hans van Velzen, architect Jo Coenen, alderman Carolien Gehrels, the artists Claudy Jongstra, Martijn Sandberg, Neeltje ten Westenend, Aziz Bekkaoui and the designers Thomas Widdershoven an Nikki Gonnissen from Thonik.

Watch the video on the website of Jo Coenen architects.

The video was presented on July 7, 2007 during the Grande Opening of the building at Oosterdokseiland. The DVD is for sale at the reception of the OBA. Ode to the OBA commissioned by the OBA is a follow up on ODE to Amsterdam, commissioned by Bouwfonds MAB.