Statement Prof. Dr. Maria Böhmer
Patronage of the German Commission for UNESCO for the festival
“XXXV. Black International Cinema Berlin 2020”
of Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre and Cultural Zephyr e.V.
October 15-19, 2020 in Berlin
As President of the German Commission for UNESCO, it is my pleasure to
congratulate Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre, Cultural Zephyr e.V. and all
partners to the Black International Cinema Berlin for the 35th time.
To organize this year's festival has posed great challenges for those
responsible. I am very pleased that you found a solution and that the
Festival 2020 can be presented digitally via television and livestream. The
protection measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic hit the art community
and the cultural sector particularly hard. The digital realization of this
year’s festival is therefore an important sign of the resilience of our
diverse cultural and art scene.
At the same time the 2020 festival edition is an important contribution to
the current United Nations Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).
In this special decade the full and equal participation of People of African
Descent in society shall be ensured. To achieve this goal, targeted
activities and measurements will be promoted that contribute to the
strengthening and realization of the economic, social, cultural, civil and
political rights of people of African origin.
Your relentless dedication to building a better understanding between people
from various cultural, ethnic, national and religious backgrounds through
culture and art is admirable. It resonates well with UNESCO’s main
objectives: International dialogue and collaboration in education, science
and culture are the key to building and maintaining peace, justice and
fundamental rights and freedoms for all people.
On behalf of the German Commission for UNESCO, I thank you for your example
setting commitment. It is my wish that the digital festival will be a very
special success and that many interested people from all over the world will
follow the program online and on television. All the best for the "35th
Black International Cinema Berlin" from 15 to 19 October 2020!
Prof. Dr. Maria Böhmer
President of the German Commission for UNESCO
www.unesco.de