Review

The animated, dialogue-free film Space Cadet is part of this years Generation Kplus program and is centered around the beautiful relationship between the young girl Celeste and her guardian Robot. We had the chance to meet up with director Eric San at a café close to Filmtheater am Friedrichshain after one of the screenings. Sadly, we had to cut a majority of the fascinating and very pleasant, one-hour-long conversation. Here are some excerpts on the film, it’s themes, music and history and on the way kids deal with complex emotions. Freie Generation Reporter:innen (FGR): In general, how are you enjoying the Berlinale so far? How are the different screenings? Eric San: The premiere at HKW was wonderful. There was a full house, a thousand people or something, and just that real electr...

A poem in reaction to the film "Village Rockstars 2" by Rima Das (for Rima Das and the women of Kalardiya) when flood comesthe river lives in our house for a whilethe bed gets wetthe grain drowns I only cry when I'm alone,says the motherI want to be small again,says the daughter men want to buy the landheavy machines will carve cracks into the landscapeasphalt will pour over the fieldsmoney will change hands mother and daughter know:there was once a forest herethere once was a river tree bleeds, resin drips trees will be felledbikes will rustsongs will be sungthe field will remain ours

A review of Daye: Seret Ahl El Daye  The film Daye: Seret Ahl El Daye tells the moving story of a young boy who pursues his greatest dream despite all obstacles. Daye, a 14-year-old Albino from Aswan, has an extraordinary voice and dreams of participating in The Voice. However, his path is anything but easy: he is bullied because of his appearance, struggles with family conflicts, and ultimately embarks on a journey full of challenges to Cairo in order to make his dream come true.  The storyline is especially compelling due to its inspiring message. The film explores deep themes such as bullying, family tensions, and the courage to ask for help. One of the most touching aspects is the support Daye receives from his music teacher, who not only recognizes his talent but also accompanie...

Evenings were spent together—laughing, crying, getting annoyed, and wondering. Leaves sprouted on the branches, presentations were prepared, flashcards were filled out, and exams were taken. All the exams, until the very end. One last time, the graduating students of a religious high school in Brooklyn come together to reflect. They follow a ritual of their faith community—Quakerism. During this ritual, all members of the community sit together in silence. At any moment, anyone present may stand up and share a thought. Afterward, the group returns to silence to reflect on what has been said. The gathering takes an unexpected turn when one student admits that she never truly felt connected to the others. "Quaker" can be understood as a story about community in religious schools. Director...