english / deutsch

 

District Office Tempelhof-Schöneberg of Berlin
Department of Finance, Personnel and Economic
Development Commissioner for Integration

Berlin, September 24, 2012

 

Statement regarding
"A COMPLEXION CHANGE - Transnational & Intercultural Diplomacy / XXVIII. Black International Cinema Berlin / 'Footprints in the Sand?' Exhibition 2013"

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

Over 30 percent of our citizens 1) have a migratory background, they are either born abroad or have at least one parent born abroad. Almost half of these people are under 18 years of age.

For decades, a cultural variety has been developing in this district, which determines our living together and influences everyday life in the area. Various life situations and cultures enrich each other and are combining, which is virtually essential for the special charm in the area of Tempelhof-Schöneberg.

Nowadays, this reality has become a self-evident normality, not always understood by everyone, but as a whole, a functioning situation. The ever returning debates about immigration and integration, demonstrate, that social problems are continously discussed in regards to ethnicity.

The issue of ethnicity not only divides the society, but also leads to discrimination and racism. The project "A COMPLEXION CHANGE - Transnational & Intercultural Diplomacy / XXVIII. Black International Cinema Berlin / 'Footprints in the Sand?' Exhibition 2013" (Film Series: May 8-12 / Exhibition, July 1-August 31), produced and directed by Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre/Cultural Zephyr e.V. is supported by myself, the commissioner for integration of the district Tempelhof-Schöneberg in Berlin.

Art and culture have the potential to bring people together - through emotions, without barriers, resulting in acknowledgement and respect.

Best regards

Gabriele Gün Tank

1) in the district Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Berlin (source: www.berlin.de)

MOTTOES "I may not make it if I try, but I damn sure won´t if I don´t..." Oscar Brown Jr. "Mankind will either find a way or make one." C.P. Snow "Whatever you do..., be cool!" Joseph Louis Turner "Yes, I can...!" Sammy Davis Jr. "Yes, We can...!" Barack Obama

Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre

The Collegium - Forum & Television Program

Fountainhead® Distribution - Film & Anthologies

Classic In Black

Portraits and Poems