October Update #2 - film / theater / politics
Ukrainian contemporary cinema, theatre on Yugoslavia and discussing Polish politics.
Dear all,
as promised, you receive a second update this month. According to your wishes, the newsletter will feature some more non-film related tips in the future, such as performances and plays, exhibitions and political discussions. Let’s dive right in!
In this issue:
🎥 Ukrainian Film Festival Berlin: Main Programme, Georgian Series + Retrospective
❗️5 reasons why you should visit film festivals
🎭 “Lost - You Go Slavia” in Gorki Theatre
🎭 “Sich waffnend gegen eine See von Plagen” - Schaubühne
🇵🇱 Parliamentary elections in Poland: where to discuss the results
🎥 Ukrainian Film Festival Berlin: “No Time like Home”
My favorite film festival in Berlin - Ukrainian Film Festival Berlin is taking place for the 4th time during 25th and 29th of October and with each year, the festival is developing into an even more exiting version of itself. What I like so much about this specific festival, is that the experience as a visitor is familiar, cosy and challenging, moving at the same time.
Main programme
In the main programme contemporary Ukrainian feature and documentary films are shown in various independent cinemas in Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Kreuzberg. One of them being the opening film “Iron Butterflies” - a film exploring the MH17 downing from 2014, as well as “Do you love me” - on coming of age during the 90´s in Ukraine as a teenage girl. Two short film programmes as well as a UA hits programme, (showing films, that were very popular in Ukraine) including “Luxembourg Luxembourg” - a comedy about very unlike twin brothers dealing with their sick father in Luxembourg, are rounding up the main programme.
“Georgia's film industry is currently facing an existential crisis, and filmmakers no longer feel adequately represented by state institutions.” Apart from the main programme, this years festival edition includes a Georgian section, in which we can find three recent films by Georgian filmmakers, that explore the theme of home. One of them being “Self-portrait along the Borderline”, (dir. Anna Dzipshipa), in which the theme of home is explored in the context of border regions, occupation and family. In a retrospective section focusing on Ukrainian Poetic Cinema - a a film movement that emerged in the 60s and 70s, influenced by Ukrainian folklore and expressiveness, a well-known representative being Oleksandr Dovzhenko.
📍Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, Wedding
💵 9-12€
🗣️ Ukrainian with English subtitles
SAVE THE DATE
Filmfestival Cottbus is right around the corner - our chance to see all the films, that you missed and the new ones to come, from our favorite region: Central and Eastern Europe, and beyond. From 7th to 12th November in Cottbus. Click here for details, tickets and programme.
🎞️ Why should I visit film festivals as a film enthusiast?
Discover New Films: Film festivals showcase a diverse range of films, many of which may never receive wide distribution. It's a chance to find hidden gems.
Meet Filmmakers: Festivals often feature Q&A sessions with directors, actors, and crew, allowing you to gain insights into the creative process.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow film enthusiasts, critics, and industry professionals, which can be valuable for your own filmmaking aspirations or other career paths.
Unique Viewing Experience: Watching films in a festival setting with a passionate audience can enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the movies.
Support Independent Cinema: By attending film festivals, you directly support independent and international filmmakers, contributing to the diversity of cinema.
🎭 MAXIM GORKI THEATRE: YOU GO SLAVIA
The 6th Berlin Autumn Salon of Gorki Theatre explores the connection between the Yugoslav breakup, the war in Ukraine, and the role of politics, history, and public awareness in these crises. In combining multiple formats (plays, cinema, exhibitions, discussions, readings, guest performances) everybody will find a personal highlight in the diverse programme. What I look forward to the most: guest performance “Mass for Yugoslavia” from Mladinako Theatre (Ljubljana) exploring ghosts from Yugoslav identity and culture.
📍Mitte
💵 9-18€
🗣️ multiple languages with English subtitles
🎭 Schaubühne: Sich waffnend gegen eine See von Plagen
In a project that brings together two actors from Kyiv with an actor from the Schaubühne, they examine what war demands of an artist. What does it do to one's own body and psyche when one picks up a weapon? What does it mean to reach for a rifle or a pistol, objects that are made to do harm, to destroy - especially when one's life up to that point was focused on imagining and creating fictional worlds? Find their answers in Schaubühne, on 28th and 29th of October.
📍Charlottenburg
💵 15€ (discount for e.g. students available)
🗣️ ukr. + ger. with ukr. + ger. subtitles
🇵🇱 Parliamentary Elections in Poland
If you’re a CEE enthusiast just like me, you probably also spent yesterdays evening checking the news and being exited about a record participation (around 73%!) in yesterday’s elections in Poland. If you’d like to do a deep dive into the results, possible coalitions and consequences of the results for the future of Polish-German/Polish-EU relations, you have multiple options to join a discussion, such as:
discussion by Heinrich-Böll Foundation on 18th of October, 17:00 (online)
discussion by Bundeszentrale für Politische Bildung on 19th of October, 18:30 (on-site in Mitte)
discussion by JDGO on 20th of October, 17:00 (online and on-site in Frankfurt a. O.), registration possible here.
ANNOUNCEMENT: CO-AUTHOR WANTED
From Julia’s Desk is looking for a co-author! The newsletter is growing, which is why I am in search of a partner - let's dig into experimenting with growth methods, building of new partnerships and conceptualizing a re-branding. Reach out to me anytime if interested and share the news!
In the next issue:
🎥 preview on Filmfestival Cottbus & Lithuanian Film Festival
🎞️ where to watch Green Border (dir. Agnieszka Holland) in Berlin
Let me know, which events you will attend and what other exiting things are awaiting us in the next weeks.
Lots of love
From Julia’s Desk
So interesting! Love the new additions!!
love it! thanks for all the information :)