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West-Eastern Cinematheque

About Fikrun

Fikrun wa Fann is a cultural magazine that encourages and makes a contribution towards shaping cultural exchange between Germany and Islam-orientated cultural groups. Authors from Germany, Europe and the Islamic world have their say alongside other international voices. In addition to information and dialogue with and within Islam-orientated countries, Fikrun wa Fann also offers a literary forum for current socio-political debates.

Film is probably the art form which is understood by the largest number of people, irrespective of their origin and education. Films with new topics from the Islamic world and Europe are increasingly providing stiff competition for the American dream factory and outdated clichés.

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Cinema between Cultures

Sibel Kekilli dancing with Filmmaker Fatih Akin on the set of 'Head On' (2003). Copyright: Wüste Filmproduktion, photo by Kerstin Stelter

Director Fatih Akin won the Golden Bear at the Berlinale for the film Gegen Die Wand (English title: Head-On). Ever since, German cinema-goers have been more open to German-Turkish films. But what is the origin of this success and what exactly is this 'cinema on the interface between the cultures'?
By Amin FarzanefarMore ...

Money, Exoticism, and Aesthetic
How Oriental Films Make it to Europe

Bassem Samra in Yousry Nasrallah’s 'El Medina – La Ville' (1999). Copyright: Kool Filmdistribution

Only very few Oriental films make it onto cinema screens in Europe. Ludwig Ammann, a distributor who specialises in the Orient, explains that it has less to do with the prejudices of cinema-goers and more to do with economics.More ...

Moving Pictures Once Again
Film and Filmmakers in Post-Taliban Afghanistan

Mohmmad Arif Herati in Siddiq Barmak’s 'Osama' (2003). Copyright: Delphi Filmverleih

The West generally considers Afghanistan to be a political problem. Many people completely overlook the fact that the country also has a cultural scene that is producing many promising films and film projects. Martin Gerner has launched an Afghan Film Festival in Cologne and reports on progress.
By Martin GernerMore ...

Educated and Well Dressed
Arab Woman Filmmakers

Scene from Raja Amari’s film debut ‚Al-Sitar al-Ahmar’ (‚Red Satin’, 2002). Copyright: Alamode Film/Pyramide International/ADR

Women are playing an increasingly important role in contemporary Arab cinema, especially as directors. In the conflict between patriarchy and Islamism on the one hand, and the emancipation movement on the other, they are creating a new, impressive cinematic language.
By Rebecca HillauerMore ...