“Through the Lens” spotlights street photography in Aruba

ORANJESTAD – Luango297 Productions premiered the short documentary Through the Lens on International Photography Day 2026 at the National Library of Aruba. The production tells the story of street photographer Desmond Ridderstap-Odor and his work.

Producer and director Jeanelij “Ginelly” Quandt said research for the project began in 2024, while filming started in August 2025. The full production process took about two years.

Ridderstap-Odor said his collection includes more than 50,000 photographs, many of them taken in Aruba. Rancho in Oranjestad and San Nicolas were among the main locations featured in the documentary.

Through the Lens is narrated in Papiamento with English translation and includes contributions from local creators, with support from Cultuurfonds Caribisch gebied, Stichting Rancho and the National Library of Aruba.

The aim is to continue screening the documentary and introduce more of Aruba’s community to street photography and Ridderstap-Odor’s work.