A Complexion Change – Transnational & Intercultural Diplomacy
An International Media Project (UNESCO)
XXXII. 2017 Black International Cinema Berlin
"Footprints in the Sand?" ExhibitionBerlin 2017
Visual Documentation – Photographic Exhibition
THE COLLEGIUM – Forum & Television Program Berlin
Black International Cinema Berlin - Archive Film Presentation
Production/Direction/Curation
Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith
Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre
in association with
Cultural Zephyr e.V.
May 12-14, 2017
Film Presentation: May 12, 4 pm
Opening Ceremony: May 12, 6 pm
Haus der Demokratie und Menschenrechte (House of Democracy and Human Rights)
Robert-Havemann-Saal (Robert-Havemann-Hall)
Greifswalder Str. 4, 10405 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
A Complexion Change
“I know a way exists...”
From May 12-14, 2017, Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre presents under the production and
direction of Professor Donald Muldrow Griffith, the 32nd edition of the
annual festival Black International Cinema Berlin. The event will occur for the 2nd time at the Haus der Demokratie und
Menschenrechte, Robert-Havemann-Saal (House of Democracy and Human
Rights, Robert-Havemann-Hall) and will take place under the title A
COMPLEXION CHANGE - "I know a way exists ...".
Many years ago, an invitation from Theater des Westens to West-Berlin
Germany, led to the founding of Fountainhead® Tanz Thèâtre 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 are displaying their means of demonstrating through
visual arts, 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.
During the festival, films from Africa, the African Diaspora and
contributions with intercultural and international issues are presented. The
majority of the films are independent productions which in Germany may only
be screened at the Black International Cinema Berlin. The films, including
short and long narratives, documentaries and experimental films arriving
this year from Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Italy, USA, Germany, Brazil, France,
Slovenia, Austria, Pakistan, Madagascar, Belgium, Portugal und Colombia.
The visual presentation “Footprints in the Sand?” ExhibitionBerlin 2017,
Ricky's book stand with more then 200 works from international Black authors
and two seminars entitled “So, you wanna make a documentary?” by Prof. Ken
Wyatt and “Is Donald Trump the Thilo Sarrazin of the USA?” by Alinka Seth
address “I know a way exists...” through literature, artistic expression and
thought provoking discourse.
Our event offers in a respectful atmosphere the opportunity to travel to
places, which are often inaccessible to us. These insights and the
possibility of cultural and artistic exchange are a valuable treasure in
regards to our efforts to achieve increased understanding, growing
cooperation and constructive coexistence in our changing societies.
A Complexion Change
“I know a way exists...”
Admission to all events is without charge.
For further information:
e-mail: bicdance@aol.com
Tel.: 0176-38085459, 030-7821621
Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre, April 13, 2017
