May #1 - Sharing my personal love story with the East
Let's celebrate EU Accession, Ukrainian and East European Cinema, and say Goodbye to Berlin's top Pierogi-supplier.
Dear all,
1st of May 2004 - Twenty years ago today, ten states - Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Cyprus - became members of the EU. This marked the fifth and largest expansion of the European Union to date. To me, it is an occasion to be filled with gratitude, emotion, and humility. To me, this is a love story.
Maybe you’ll wonder, where the emotional notion in this is coming from. The answer lies in how I define my very personal mission: To champion closer ties among European people and combating the imbalance between East and West, dispelling misperceptions and prejudice. I believe that through the lens of culture, we can grow closer together, celebrating our multitude of similarities and embracing our diversity. As well as understanding each other's perspectives, priorities, and fears.
This newsletter, for instance, aims to highlight the opportunities within the cultural sphere, that are waiting for us right in front of our doors. Each of them is a chance to understand better, to find answers and ask new questions, and most importantly, to enjoy.
I'm immensely thankful to you for reading, supporting, and spreading the word. Your backing of my mission is truly appreciated!
In this issue:
💬 Poland in the EU: Lecture and Discussion
🎞️ Solidarity Film Festival for Ukraine
🍿 GDR-Hit “Paul & Paula”, Green Border & new Georgian cinema
🎭 Irena - The Story of I. Sendler Premiere
🥟 Restaurant Tip: Last Call for Tak Tak
So, let’s dive right in!
💬 Poland in the EU: Lecture and Discussion
Not to pick favorites, but I think it is not a secret that Poland is especially close to my heart. After an eventful 20 years, during which Poland was described as both an European miracle and as well as problem child, a qualitative change can now be perceived both in German-Polish relations and in Poland's role within the European community - this is also due to its central role in supporting Ukraine, which has been accompanied by a new self-confidence displayed by Poland.
I would like to raise your attention to a discussion analyzing the past 20 years of Poland in the EU, while offering an outlook towards the upcoming European elections (Reminder to use your vote on the 9th of June! 🇪🇺).
Specific questions, that will be discussed:
Which political formations are contesting the European elections in Poland? How did the election campaign go? What do the opinion polls say?
What positions does the Polish government take on security and defense policy, migration policy and climate policy?
What can EU states such as Germany expect from Poland in terms of European policy cooperation? In which areas can Poland set its own European policy priorities?
📆 2nd of May
📍Berliner Landeszentrale für politische Bildung / Charlottenburg
💵 free of charge
🗣️ German
🎞️ Solidarity Film Festival for Ukraine
The MRIYA International Fundraising Film Festival is an event that unites film lovers and supporters of Ukraine's future. It aims to raise funds for charitable projects and promote Ukrainian culture globally. This year, the festival features nine short films by Ukrainian filmmakers. I know that shorts sound unsexy to many, but they actually are quite special: They are “easier” to produce (and hence more accessible than producing a full-length film), but are rarely shown outside of festivals. In other words, shorts offer perspectives and stories, you would barely ever see on streaming or in the regular cinema program. Use your chance, especially for a good cause!
Additionally, a photo exhibition at the festival highlights the theme of war through powerful images that reflect life in Ukraine during the conflict. All proceeds from the event will support the "12 Guardians" fund, which assists in animal rescue, cultural heritage preservation, and providing aid to Ukrainians in crisis. Find more information here.
📍starstyling STUDIO / Kreuzberg
💵 16 - 26€
🗣️ English
🍿 Film & Cinema
Three screenings, to look forward to:
THE LEGEND OF PAUL AND PAULA
In this GDR Cult Classic, Paul, a GDR State official, falls in love and starts an affair with Paula, a single mother. To keep his career going, Paul does not want to end his marriage. A quite well known trope - two people, who are not meant to be with each other, fall in love and have to make tough decisions. But for GDR cinema, this film was a little revolution, hiddenly criticizing socialism and showing a more dreamy-like side of GDR life. This movie is among the favorites of former Chancellor Angela Merkel! Find more information here.
📆 17th of May
📍Zeughauskino / Mitte
💵 5€
🗣️German
GREEN BORDER
I have mentioned this special film a couple of times already, and once again invite you to watch Green Border, a Polish film by world-famous director Agnieszka Holland. This film narrates the events happening in the green zone between Polish and Belarusian border - a multi-voice drama about the human suffering of refugees stuck in the forest on the European external border. Find more information here.
📆 04th & 23rd of May
📍Kino Krokodil / Prenzlauer Berg
💵 6,50 / 8€
🗣️ Polish & Arab with German subtitles
BLACKBIRD BLACKBIRD BLACKBERRY
Etero is 48 years old. Having grown up in a patriarchal home, she decided early on that she wanted to remain unmarried. But when she starts an affair with Murman, her store's supplier, her life changes. Georgian director Naveriani's highly symbolic production presents a new perspective on emancipatory cinema, while evoking the cinematography of Wes Anderson. Find more information here.
📆 multiple screenings
📍Kino Krokodil / Prenzlauer Berg
💵 6,50 / 8€
🗣️Georgian with German subtitles
🎭 Irena - The Story of I. Sendler
After a great success with audiences in Poland and many positive reviews, the musical IRENA will come to Admiralspalast Berlin. The musical tells the story of Varsovian Irena Sendler, who was only 29 years old when the hell of the Second World War erupted. Influenced by her father's virtues, she was a committed social worker who cared for the most vulnerable. She could not stand on the sidelines, she had to act. You can prepare yourself for the musical visit with this article written by Leo from Zeitsprung, a newsletter diving into a historical topic once a week. Find more information on the musical here.
📍Admiralspalast / Mitte
💵 starting 21€
🗣️German
Restaurant Tip: TAK TAK - one more time & one last time
I have recommended this Polish restaurant, serving handmade comfort food such as Pierogi (Polish dumplings), Zapiekanki (Polish pizza-baguettes) and Barszcz (beetroot soup), a while ago. Now I am recommending it again, because I have very sad news to share. Tak Tak will close its doors on the 15th of May. Use your chance to enjoy fresh and handmade pierogi right next to Rosenthaler Platz, before it is too late.
Sadly, there are very few places to enjoy Polish food in Berlin. If you know any, please share your recommendation with me!
📍Mitte / Rosenthaler Platz: Brunnenstr. 5, 10119 Berlin
💵 5 - 12€
🍴vegetarian and vegan options available
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next issue coming in the next weeks, including:
A conference focusing on Belarus
✨ and much more :)
If you want to share your event tip with the readers, let me know! Feel free to reach out with submissions, questions or feedback anytime via DM or juliaschneider@substack.com.
Lots of love,
From Julia’s Desk
👌
Looking forward to seeing IRENA, great recommendation and thank you for mentioning my post on her! :)