2009
I BRING WHAT I LOVE by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, 2008, USA, 102’ The Senegalese pop sensation Youssou Ndour, frustrated by the negative perception of his Muslim faith, produced Egypt, a deeply spiritual album dedicated to a more tolerant view of Islam. Special Jury Prize best documentary at the Middle East International Film Festival, Abu Dhabi 2008.
WINDMILLS by Scott Thrift, 2008 USA, doc 7’ In a Malawi village, William Kamkwmamba, 14 years old, can no longer afford to go to school. He is seduced by a book in the library and has an idea…
WALKABOUT by Nicholas Roeg, 1971 Australia, USA, UK, 95’ Two young children are stranded in the Australian outback and are forced to cope on their own. They meet an Aborigine on "walkabout": a ritualistic banishment from his tribe.
YODOK STORIES by Andrzey Fidyk and Torstein Grude, 2009, Norway Poland, 82’ North Korean defectors, stage a musical based on their experiences in the concentration camp called Yodok. The camp is one of many in today's North Korea where an estimated 200,000 to 500,000 are imprisoned under the worst possible conditions. Tribeca Film festival 2009.
KASHMIR:JOURNEY TO FREEDOM by Johan Kramer, 2008, Holland, ’78 After years of armed resistance, a new generation of young Muslim Kaschmiris decide to start a non-violent movement in the hope to finally achieve peace and independence. Berlin Film Festival 2009.
SING FOR DARFUR by Johan Kramer 2008, Holland, 78' Different stories come together in Barcelona on the day of a world benefit pop concert for Darfur. We discover that the tragedy in Sudan has a different meaning for everyone, but it brings some magic for those who care. Istanbul international film festival 2009 and best European Dramatic Feature, Paris ECU 2009.
TOOBA by Shirin Neshat, 2002 USA,12’43” Tooba is the name of a sacred tree mentioned in the Koran, which can offer shelter and blessings to those in need. The work explores issues of the immigrant experience, the position of women in contemporary society and the complexities of Islam. Conceived after 9/11, the artist says: „it is about how we are all running, looking for some kind of sanctuary.“
HEAD WIND by di Mohammad Rasoulof, 2008 Iran, doc 65’ Censorship in Iran is a complex issue. Officially satellite dishes are not allowed, yet, you find them on every roof. Tribeca film festival 2008.
FEMININ - MASCULIN by Sadaf Foroughi, 2007, Iran, 9’ We are introduced to a local rebel – how can you be a female bus driver in Teheran?
FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER! by Barbara Melega, 2009, Italia A trailer for a doc, 13’ An introduction to the political project of Samia Yaba Nkrumah whose father, President Kwame Nkrumah, was the founder of Ghana and of the Pan-African dream.
PRAY THE DEVIL BACK TO HELL by Gingi Reticker, 2008, U.S.A., doc 72’ It chronicles the remarkable story of the couragious Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to the chattered country. Best Documentary prize, Tribeca 2008.
RAMCHAND PAKISTANI by Mehreen Jabbar 2008, Pakistan, 103’ A seven year old Pakistani boy and his father from the untouchable Hindu caste accidentally cross the border to India and spend years in Indian jails. Winner Fipresci Prize, Asian Film Festival, New Dehli 2008.
OFF AND RUNNING by di Nicole Opper, 2009, USA, doc 78’ Avery was adopted into a white, jewish, lesbian family in Brooklyn. As she grows older in a loving household with other adopted siblings she has a painful urge to search for her African- American roots and complex identity. Tribeca film festival 2009.
DUNYA AND DESIE by Dana Nechushtan 2008, Holland, 100’ Dunya is Moroccan, Desie is Dutch and they are best friends. The two teenagers grew up on the same block in Amsterdam but together they face cultural challanges. Dutch selection for best foreign film Oscar 2008.