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Greetings
from the Commissioner for Integration
of the district Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Berlin
to the XXVIII. Black International Cinema Berlin 2013

Culture is not a closed and rigid unit, but heterogeneous and dynamic. Due to globalization and migration, the idea of a culture bound to one nation and a specific place seems to be obsolete.

Culture is rather marked by a variety of conceivable identities and has cross border outlines. Also the Black International Cinema Berlin Festival conducts itself in a cross border manner. This year, the festival becomes 28 years old and enriches the district Tempelhof-Schöneberg through its varied program for the past five years.

The interdisciplinary and transcultural film/video festival is produced and directed by Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre. The festival presents films from the African Diaspora and works dealing with various transcultural backgrounds and perspectives. This also includes a clear position against deeply entrenched racist attitudes.

A study by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation from the year 2011 records that discrimination and racism are widely spread throughout Europe and deeply imbedded. Approximately half the European persons asked are of the opinion that there is too much immigration in their country. Similarly, approximately half the European interviewees wish to have priority to any job as "locals" in times of crises. About half the persons asked, categorically denounced the Islamic religion as being intolerant.

In spite of everything, I am and will remain an optimistic woman and therefore at this point, I would like to quote the civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A man who fought against social oppression and racism throughout his life.

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality."

Let us try together to move step by step a little bit closer to this daybreak.

Thank you for this exemplary event to all persons involved and I wish you many interesting impressions and an active dialog.

Gabriele Gün Tank
Commissioner for Integration of the district Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Berlin/Germany

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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

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