How to Decolonise Storytelling
Together, we want to find out how to break through and diversify dominant narratives and news coverage. Together with the Tunisian activist and diplomat Aya Chebbi, who will be co-curating this day, we aim to find answers to questions such as: How do we get rid of (post)-colonial stereotypes? And how do we free ourselves from misogynist approaches?
Venue: Villa Elisabeth, Invalidenstraße 3, 10115 Berlin
Date: 18October, 11 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
*To participate in this conference, you need one of the Forum Passes. Holding a Forum Pass entitles you to participate in all conference days & workshops. For participation in the workshops we ask for registration. This is possible on the page of the respective workshops.
Programm 18 October 2022
Speaker: Zanele Mthembu (Brown Panther Films)
In this panel we want to discuss how stories can push the needle with regards to the societal discours. Which perspectives are needed to push the status quo? Who can tell the story and how can we use stories to heal as societies? How can we deal with our past to bridge between different parties and start a conversation. Our aim is to reflect on new approaches for narratives from decolonized perspectives and discuss the future of storytelling in a postcolonial context.
Panelists:
- Annina van Neel (Environmental and Cultural Heritage Consultant)
- Lars Kraume (Director, Producer and Screenwriter)
- Emma Inamutila Theofelus (Deputy minister of Information, Communication and Technology in the Republic of Namibia)
- Peggy King Jorde (Activist & Cultural Projects Consultant)
Enjoy a light lunch and use the opportunity to expand your network.
The remote island of St. Helena is best known for being where Napoleon spent his final years in exile and was ultimately buried. His grave is beautifully maintained and serves as the island's biggest tourist attraction. To encourage tourism, the island decides to build its first commercial airport. Annina van Neel arrives from Namibia to help with the construction and is present when the remains of thousands of “freed slaves” are uncovered. Heeding her increasing discomfort with how the bones are handled, Nina campaigns tirelessly to honor their legacy and integrate them into the history of the island - their fate is, after all, intertwined with that of Napoleon’s. This captivating film shines a pensive light on the contrast between whom we place importance on and the legacy of colonial rule on an island still governed from Britain. The story isn't just a local one, but radiates outward connecting to the global consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The film celebrates personal victories, and mourns collective setbacks along Annina's journey to create a respectful burial ground. Her initially lonely quest leads to unexpected connections as she slowly finds a sense of belonging and purpose.
Speakers:
- Annina van Neel (Environmental and Cultural Heritage Consultant)
- Peggy King Jorde (Environmental and Cultural Heritage Consultant)
- Dominic de Vere (Director)
- Vivian Schröder (Human Rights Film Festival Berlin)
If we could create a world together, what would that look like? What would we learn from each other? How would we connect? The answers to these questions are for us to discover — for us to create — in the World of Us. Akesi and the Congo River is a three-part, animated docu-fiction series following the coming-of-age adventures of Akesi, an 8-year-old Congolese boy struggling with the loss of his brother. Using a blend of animation and green screens, hosts are able to transport children through the Congo Basin, across the Congo River and through timezones and eras to connect with the country’s culture, no matter where the viewers are based.
Speakers:
- Eva Vonk (Creative Director, Tales of Us)
- Vivian Schröder (Human Rights Film Festival Berlin)
- Curt Fortin (Actor and Director, Tales of Us)
Introduction: Annie Slemrod (The New Humanitarian)
Panelists:
- Bernadette Vivuya (Filmmaker and Journalist, Yole!Africa)
- Clive Patterson (Director)
- Raki Ap (Free West Papua Campaign)
- Annie Slemrod (The New Humanitarian)
- Anna Ramskogler-Witt (Human Rights Film Festival Berlin)
Enjoy some Coffee and Drinks and use the opportunity to network.
How can we make underrepresented voices heard - what needs to change? We are so used to one kind of narrative, it is slowly changing as the awareness around the topic changes but what is needed to speed this process up? How can we achieve diversity and equality? What does intersectional feminism mean and why does it matter?
Panelists:
- Aya Chebbi (Nala Feminist Collective)
- Zanele Mthembu (Brown Panther Films)
- Rosebell Kagumire (Blogger and Activist)
- Renzo Martens (Director)
Speaker: Manuwi C Tokai (Artist and Singer)
This concludes the Forum day. You can use the time for break and networking.
Afterwards, we cordially invite you to our Public Talk on "A close look at war - reporting from Ukraine". (The Public Talk will be held in German and in the same premises).
The debate with Natascha Freundel, Moritz Gathmann and Kristof Gerega
In war, it is often said, the truth dies first. Putin's war against Ukraine is a particular example of massive and effective propaganda of lies. To better understand events, we depend on accurate reporting. But how free is reporting in war? How much does the war determine its focus and language? Documentary filmmaker Kristof Gerega wanted to capture the political awakening of a new generation in Ukraine after the Euromaidan in 2014 – his film title "Beyond Revolution - Fighting for Democracy" (German: „Generation Euromaidan - Sehnsucht nach Demokratie“) has also had a literal meaning since the war began. How does the domestic fight against corruption continue today, in the defensive struggle against Russia? As chief reporter for "Cicero", Moritz Gathmann has been reporting from Ukraine on and off since February 2022. How do you fight for the truth in this war?
