FOREWORD
XXXII. 2017 Black International Cinema Berlin
Transnational & Intercultural Diplomacy
An International Media Project (UNESCO)
A Complexion Change
”I know a way exists...”
”Only when lions have historians will hunters cease being heroes.”
-
African Proverb
Many years ago, an invitation from Theater des Westens to West-Berlin
Germany, led to the founding of Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre in 1980 and
subsequently, Black International Cinema Berlin, THE COLLEGIUM - Forum &
Television Program Berlin, “Footprints in the Sand?” ExhibitionBerlin and
Cultural Zephyr e.V., and the beginning of artistic cultural creations at
the Tempodrom, Amerika Haus and additional Berlin, European and
international venues.
An idea of a Black Cultural Festival arose, as an awareness of the existence
of persons from Africa and the African Diaspora became increasingly
apparent, including knowledge about the military forces of the USA, British
and French personnel stationed in West-Berlin. Accompanying our maturation
process, was the need to provide ourselves and the public with information
regarding the historical contributions of descendants from the African
continent.
With the support of our German colleagues and as interest from the above
stated groups developed, we established the 1st Black Cultural Festival in
Europe in 1986, during 3 weeks of excitement, ideas and toil!
The Black International Cinema Berlin began during the 3rd festival week, at
the Arsenal Cinema with the support of Erika and Ulrich Gregor and so the
week of film from the continent of Africa and additional intercultural
diasporic countries was founded.
A vision of possibilities fortunately, always shone before us and provided a
path of enlightenment for our continuation of cultural development and
events in a variety of fields, until the present.
This light we wish to share with other persons, as in the past and
hopefully, future tomorrows.
I know a way exists for ourselves and you!
Let us continue to strive and thrive together.
I know a way exists...
During current times of international concern regarding the increasingly
frustrated and angry citizens of many countries, at their being omitted from
the socioeconomic progress of their societies and the admittance of
newcomers, “I know a way exists...” is thought and felt to be a dynamic
formula for addressing their economic, social and psychological needs.
”Politics is a concentrated expression of economics” - Vladimir Lenin
During May 12-14, 2017 at the Haus der Demokratie und Menschenrechte, a
number of filmmakers, artists and seminar presenters are displaying through
their educated talent and developed prowess, how they “know a way exists.”
”Yes, we can and Yes, we better…” - Barack Obama and Donald Muldrow Griffith
”I may not make it if I try, but I damn sure won’t if I don’t…” - Oscar
Brown Jr.
The 32nd edition of the Black International Cinema Berlin 2017 addresses “A
Complexion Change” a historical sharing of human contributions to and within
many world societies. “I know a way exists...” seeks to contribute
constructive approaches to these historical developments, while also
creating peaceful means toward each society‘s adaptation to their new
worlds.
My how time flies, as we make our way through hours, months and years.
One day of time and reason, a summation occurs, and then we look back. I
find through this process, so many overlooked instances and then the swell
of memory comes forward with many experiences long overlooked or forgotten.
And so it is with this document, a review attempt for me and our readers.
I trust the moments spent with these travels will prove of interest in this
memory-episode.
Thank you for our shared journey and experience.
Welcome to the XXXII. Black International Cinema Berlin 2017.
Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith
