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The Ritman Library: Amsterdam

Name: The Ritman Library: Amsterdam
Director: Chris Weil, Sara Ferro
Released: 2017
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

1.5/10

Minimal

2017

Director

Chris Weil, Sara Ferro

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Ritman Library: Amsterdam serves as a specialized educational study of the Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica. Its narrative is shaped by archival history rather than social or political frameworks. While the film lacks character-driven ability to act and storytelling that reflects multiple aspects of identity, it provides indirect value by validating non-Western and esoteric philosophical traditions. It avoids religious hegemony by highlighting a wide array of mystical thought. Ultimately, the documentary functions as an academic exploration of intellectual history rather than a vehicle for identity-based representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Ritman Library: Amsterdam have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary focuses on preserving rare texts and does not include narratives about LGBTQ+ identities or critiques of the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Ritman Library: Amsterdam portray gender?

Minimal

The subject matter revolves around philosophical and mystical manuscripts. The film prioritizes cataloging knowledge over exploring gender roles or hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Ritman Library: Amsterdam?

Limited

The library's collection includes traditions from Middle Eastern, North African, and European backgrounds. However, the focus remains on the texts rather than showcasing a diverse range of characters.

How does The Ritman Library: Amsterdam represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores non-traditional Western knowledge systems like Hermetica and Theosophy. This presents a form of intellectual diversity by studying various spiritual beliefs.

Does The Ritman Library: Amsterdam include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the depiction of neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions within the film.

Present on Screen

Validates diverse, non-Western, and esoteric philosophical traditions.
Promotes intellectual diversity by moving away from singular Christian morality.
Highlights a wide array of mystical thought and historical knowledge systems.

Limited or Absent

Lacks character-driven ability to act and multi-layered narrative structures.
Provides no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or gendered ability to act.
Does not address neurodivergence, physical disabilities, or mental health.

Official Synopsis

Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica: More than 23.000 books in the fields of: Alchemy, Hermetica, Cabala, Magic, Rosicrucianism, Mystic, Theosophy, Freemasonry, Pansophy and much more.

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