Critics at the time were divided. De Filmkrant gave it one star, calling it “self-indulgent hibernation cinema.” But Cine-Filia (Italy) awarded it four stars, praising its “profound sense of spatial memory.” The real verdict came from the people who lived on Reestraat. According to local legend, the residents of number 16 were so annoyed by the production that they hung a sign on the door during filming that read: “Geen filmopnames. Geen portiere. Gewoon wonen.” (No filming. No porter. Just living.) One of the most enduring myths surrounding IL Portiere Di Reestraat 16 Parte 2 -2014- is its “premiere.” No official screening was ever announced. However, on the night of December 12, 2014, a 16mm print was supposedly projected onto the actual wall of Reestraat 16 using a portable generator. About 40 people gathered. Halfway through the screening, the police arrived—not to shut it down, but to watch the remaining 30 minutes standing beside the audience.
If you ever find yourself walking down Reestraat in Amsterdam, pause for a moment at number 16. Look at the old buzzer. Press it if you dare. No one will answer. But if you listen closely, through the wind and the bicycle bells, you might just hear the ghost of Giorgio, still pacing the tiles, waiting for Elena to return. IL Portiere Di Reestraat 16 Parte 2 -2014-
And perhaps—just perhaps— is already being shot. Somewhere. In the dark. One locked-off shot at a time. Keywords used: IL Portiere Di Reestraat 16 Parte 2 -2014-, Reestraat 16, Dutch Italian cult film, Giorgio porter, Amsterdam underground cinema, 2014 independent film. Critics at the time were divided