Curaçao Airport Partners presents “The Documentary – Tribute to Margareth Abraham”
With the co-sponsorship of CAH, DC-ANSP, and OX & WOLF
Willemstad, Curaçao — October 21, 2025
On Monday evening, October 20, 2025, The Movies Curaçao in Otrobanda hosted the heartfelt premiere of “The Documentary – Tribute to Margareth Abraham,” directed by Curaçao’s own Selwyn de Wind. This moving film stands as a loving tribute to the remarkable life, courage, and legacy of Margareth Abraham, whose heroism continues to inspire more than five decades later.
Margareth Abraham was one of the heroic flight attendants aboard ALM Flight 980, which departed from New York’s JFK International Airport bound for St. Maarten on May 2, 1970. When the aircraft was forced to ditch near the coast of St. Croix, Margareth selflessly assisted passengers to safety, putting their lives before her own. At just 24 years old, she made the ultimate sacrifice, a true act of bravery and compassion that has forever etched her name in our hearts.
To honor her memory, the address of the Curaçao International Airport was named Margareth Abraham Plasa by the Government of the Netherlands Antilles back then, ensuring her legacy remains an integral part of our island’s aviation history.
Presented by Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), with the valued co-sponsorship of Curaçao Airport Holding (CAH), Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC-ANSP), and OX & WOLF, the premiere brought together a deeply moved audience, including the Abraham family and friends, the film’s cast and collaborators, and distinguished guests such as the acting Governor of Curaçao, H.E. Michele Russel-Capriles.
It was a night filled with emotion, gratitude, and pride. Through heartfelt interviews and never-before-seen insights, the documentary tells Margareth’s story through the voices of those who knew her best, family members, close friends, colleagues, and even her former fiancé, Mr. Robby Schouten. Their words offered a touching portrait of a young woman whose strength, warmth, and humanity defined her heroism on that tragic day in 1970.
This film follows another meaningful tribute unveiled previously at Curaçao International Airport, the mural of Margareth Abraham, painted by local artist Bagira, symbolizing her eternal light and the profound impact she continues to have. On that day, CAP made a promise to keep her legacy alive, and this documentary fulfills that promise with heart and reverence.
At the end of the screening, CAP surprised the family and friends with a very special announcement: our commitment does not end here, it continues. Starting next year, CAP will introduce ‘The Margareth Abraham Scholarship’ as an annual initiative to honor her legacy by supporting and inspiring the next generation. More details about this scholarship will be shared in the first quarter of 2026.
The entire Curaçao community will also have the opportunity to experience this touching story. “The Documentary – Tribute to Margareth Abraham” will be showing from October 21 at The Movies Curaçao, in both Punda and Otrobanda, and during the Krioyo Film Festival at Caribbean Cinemas, Sambil, from October 27 to November 5, 2025.
CAP extends its heartfelt gratitude to our valued co-sponsors CAH, DC-ANSP, and OX & WOLF for their generous support in making this project possible. We also express deep appreciation to Selwyn de Wind, Sulin Passial, and the Pantalla Chika team for their dedication and passion, to each member of the cast for their courage in sharing this painful yet powerful story, to all other collaborators who provided vital information and documentation in the realization of this documentary. Without them, this meaningful tribute would not have been possible.
This documentary is more than a film, it is a lasting celebration of Margareth Abraham’s life, her heroism, and the love she continues to inspire. Through this work, her spirit lives on, reminding us all of the power of compassion, courage, and selflessness.