Latest news with #Boermans
News18
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
iHostage Is Based On A True Story; Here's What Really Happened In Amsterdam
iHostage is based on a real-life incident that took place at an Apple Store in Amsterdam, where a man held a customer hostage for several hours. Netflix's latest true-crime thriller iHostage has become one of the popular movies since its release on April 18. The film is based on a real-life incident that took place at an Apple Store in Amsterdam where a man held a customer hostage for several hours. Directed by Bobby Boermans, the film captures the tension and chaos of that day. Boermans lives near the store where the event happened and recalls how surreal the experience was. In a conversation with TIME, he said, 'Fortunately, hostage situations like this are scarce in the Netherlands. That's what made this incident bizarre. A man, demanding 200 million in cryptocurrency, chose to take a hostage in broad daylight on one of the busiest squares in Amsterdam." On February 22, 2022, a man dressed in camouflage and armed with weapons entered the Apple Store at 5:30 PM. He took a 44-year-old Bulgarian man hostage while others in the store tried to hide. People in the upper floors of the building were also trapped, as the Apple Store was located on the ground floor. Police arrived within minutes and were fired upon by the gunman. Authorities feared he might be carrying explosives, so they locked down the area. Special forces, ambulances and emergency teams surrounded the location. Over the next few hours, nearly 70 people were evacuated from the building, including those hiding inside the store. During the standoff, the gunman demanded €200 million (over US$226 million at the time) in cryptocurrency and a safe escape. He also sent selfies and messages to the media, which began spreading on social media. At around 10:30 PM, after hours of negotiation, the police used a robot to deliver a bottle of water. When the hostage walked forward to get it, he suddenly made a run for it. The gunman chased him, but at that moment, a special police vehicle sped forward and struck the suspect. He was knocked unconscious. The police later confirmed the man was not carrying explosives. He was taken to a hospital but died the next day due to his injuries. The move to hit him with a car sparked debate across the Netherlands. As Boermans told TIME, 'Some people applauded the action, while others were more hesitant or conflicted." The suspect was later identified as Abdel Rahman Akkad, a local man with a criminal background and a history of mental health issues. Boermans mentioned that the movie follows the real timeline of that night. 'We consciously focused solely on the night of the hostage situation," he explained. While some elements like dialogue and names were changed, most of the events shown in the film are based on reality. 'We focused on five main characters—each from a different background, each offering a unique perspective," he added. Boermans hopes iHostage starts a conversation about mental health. 'Many well-meaning, everyday citizens are falling through the cracks, often due to financial difficulties or mental health challenges, and are being overlooked by our public health services," he said. iHostage is currently streaming on Netflix. First Published:
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Express Tribune
iHostage: The 2022 Apple Store incident that inspired Netflix's new Dutch thriller
The Netflix thriller iHostage, directed by Bobby Boermans, is based on the February 2022 Apple Store hostage crisis in Amsterdam's Leidseplein. A 27-year-old man entered the store around 5:30 p.m., armed and wearing camouflage gear, and held a 44-year-old Bulgarian customer at gunpoint while demanding €200 million in cryptocurrency and a safe exit. The hostage situation lasted nearly five hours and drew a swift response from Dutch special forces. During the incident, police evacuated around 70 people from the building, including customers who had hidden in storage areas. Gunfire was exchanged early in the standoff, and authorities initially feared the presence of explosives. The suspect also sent selfies and photos to local media, intensifying public attention. The crisis ended when the suspect requested water. A robot delivered a bottle, and as the hostage moved to retrieve it, he fled. The suspect gave chase and was struck by a police vehicle outside the store. He was taken to a hospital but died from his injuries. Authorities later confirmed he was not carrying explosives. Director Boermans, who lives near the Apple Store, was influenced by the real-life event and developed iHostage to explore the tension and complexity of that night. The film condenses the timeline and focuses on five fictional characters inspired by the wide range of individuals involved. The suspect, later identified as Abdel Rahman Akkad, had a history of legal issues, including previous convictions for weapons possession and harassment. The decision to neutralise him with a vehicle sparked national debate. The Public Prosecution Service ultimately found the officer's actions justified, citing the urgent need to protect lives. iHostage is now available to watch on Netflix.
