Eine Brücke nach Rojava + Vorprogramm

A BRIDGE TO ROJAVA by Ekrem Heydo documents the founding of the town twinning association between Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and the north-eastern Syrian city of Dêrik. The film accompanies association members Elke and Günter on their 2018 trip to Rojava, where they prepare for the signing of the first German-North Syrian town twinning agreement. In addition to the association's commitment, the documentary shows the everyday life of the people in the region – characterised by self-government, cultural diversity and the constant threat from the Turkish army and Islamist militias.

PRE-PROGRAMME

Short films by Bavê Teyar:
• HAT NEHAT – 5 min
• XWEŞ XEBER – 4 min
• KURMÊ DARÊ – 21 min

Bavê Teyar (Cûma Xelîl Îbrahîm) was one of the most important artistic voices in northern Syria. With his humorous but profound sketches, plays and satirical dialogues, he held up a mirror to his society. His works highlighted social injustices and addressed oppression, inequality and everyday concerns – always with a keen sense of humanity and hope.

Together with his long-time stage partner Teyar, he created his own distinctive theatrical world – honest, accessible and full of warmth. Many people recognised themselves in his stories, precisely because they showed life in all its contradictions – with pain, but also with a smile.