Curatorial Text
KinoFest 2023
Turkish-German Filmmakers
Perhaps one of the most significant examples of the influence of immigration on German cinema is the emergence of the "Turkish-German" film movement in the 1970s. This movement was characterized by films that were often made by Turkish-German directors and focused on the experiences of the country's Turkish population. These films addressed a wide range of issues, including identity, assimilation, and discrimination, and helped to bring attention to the experiences of a marginalized community. Directors such as Cem Kaya continue to be prominent figures in the German film industry today, and their work has helped to pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers who are exploring the experiences of immigrant communities in Germany.
Eastern Europe
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent end of the Cold War led to an influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe. This wave of immigration brought new stories to German cinema, and helped to expand the industry's focus beyond the experiences of Turkish immigrants. Films such as We Might As Well Be Dead by Natalia Sinelnikova, says nothing new about the perils of conformity and authoritarianism, it does show how its residents are focused on self-preservation—especially when it comes to issues of class.
The Refugee and Its Reflection in Film
In recent years, the ongoing refugee migration has become a major issue in Germany and has found its way into the country's cinema. Films such as Republic of Silence and Nasim have explored the experiences of refugees and migrants, offering a glimpse into one of the most pressing social issues of our time. These films have helped to humanize the experiences of refugees and migrants, and have provided a platform for dialogue about the challenges facing these communities. They have also helped to highlight the ways in which immigration continues to shape and influence German society and culture.
Perhaps one of the most significant examples of the influence of immigration on German cinema is the emergence of the "Turkish-German" film movement in the 1970s. This movement was characterized by films that were often made by Turkish-German directors and focused on the experiences of the country's Turkish population. These films addressed a wide range of issues, including identity, assimilation, and discrimination, and helped to bring attention to the experiences of a marginalized community. Directors such as Cem Kaya continue to be prominent figures in the German film industry today, and their work has helped to pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers who are exploring the experiences of immigrant communities in Germany.
Eastern Europe
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the subsequent end of the Cold War led to an influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe. This wave of immigration brought new stories to German cinema, and helped to expand the industry's focus beyond the experiences of Turkish immigrants. Films such as We Might As Well Be Dead by Natalia Sinelnikova, says nothing new about the perils of conformity and authoritarianism, it does show how its residents are focused on self-preservation—especially when it comes to issues of class.
The Refugee and Its Reflection in Film
In recent years, the ongoing refugee migration has become a major issue in Germany and has found its way into the country's cinema. Films such as Republic of Silence and Nasim have explored the experiences of refugees and migrants, offering a glimpse into one of the most pressing social issues of our time. These films have helped to humanize the experiences of refugees and migrants, and have provided a platform for dialogue about the challenges facing these communities. They have also helped to highlight the ways in which immigration continues to shape and influence German society and culture.
