609. Refugee Documentary from Germany – March 10, 2016

Germany has received over 1 million refugees over the past year. The Goethe Institute told us about a 4-part film series about recent refugees there. Feature films including “Colour of the Ocean” (TIFF11), Oscar-shortlisted “We Are Young. We Are Strong”, and recent shorts and documentaries. These examine Europe as refuge or fortress. North American Premiere “Transit Camp Friedland” (Germany, 2015, directed by Frauke Sandig). March 10, 2016, 6:30pm. TIFF Bell Lightbox, Cinema 4, 350 King St W, English subtitles.Tickets $10,

For many refugees who make it to Germany, the arrival at the Friedland reception camp is the beginning of a new life – or at least a pause for breath on the flight. The idyllic location in Lower Saxony has experienced many periods of flight history. It was opened in 1945 by the British military authorities and was the first stop for millions of displaced persons and returning soldiers after World War II. Nowadays Friedland is a reception centre for asylum seekers and refugees.

Sandig has accompanied refugees from Syria, Eritrea, Afghanistan and Pakistan during their stay in the camp and has also interviewed Germans who came to the camp in its initial phase. All of them have dramatic stories to tell.

The screening is followed by a panel discussion on the current international refugee crisis and its reflections in arts and culture.  See: http://bit.ly/1oIAijP

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *