cyprus cultural events - Feb 3 - 24 - German Film Days in Nicosia South

Heidi Trautmann

Feb 3 - 24 - German Film Days in Nicosia South 1/26/2012 German Film Days 2012 Goethe-Institut Cyprus and Friends of Cinema Society jointly present the DAYS OF GERMAN CINEMA 2012 from 3rd until 24th February 2012 at Cine-Studio at University of Nicosia On Friday, 3rd February at 8.30 pm we will start our “2012 German Film Days” with a cocktail reception for film enthusiasts at Cine-Studio at University of Nicosia. Seven new films from Germany will be presented in cooperation with the Friends of Cinema Society. For the detailed programme please see the following pages. On Monday, 6th February 2012 at 8 pm we will present in the Goethe-Institut’s hall the Syrian documentary film “Flood in Baath Country” (2004; Arabic with English subtitles) by eminent Syrian filmmaker Omar Amiralay, who unfortunately passed away exactly one year ago. This film show is not only meant to be a homage to this great Syrian film director, but also in solidarity with the brave struggle of the Syrian people against a brutal dictatorship country and for regaining freedom and dignity in Syria. I will give a short introduction into Amiralays work and the situation in Syria, as I had worked there as the director of the Goethe-Institut in Damascus for almost 11 years until May 2011. I wish you interesting filmexperiences! Yours sincerely Björn Luley Director Goethe-Institut Cyprus Seite 2 Goethe-Institut Cyprus and Friends of Cinema Society jointly present the DAYS OF GERMAN CINEMA 2012 at Cine-Studio at University of Nicosia from 3rd until 24th February 2012. The opening will be on 3rd February 2012 at 8.30 pm in the cafeteria of the Cine Studio! Goethe-Institut Cyprus and the Friends of Cinema Society again present to film lovers in Nicosia a selection of recent German films, who try to give an insight into what kind of films are presently produced as well what is being shown in German cinemas. The topics have a wide range. From the BERLINALE 2011 success entry “Almanya” (5th and 12th February) about foreigners integration, which also is indirectly dealt with in “Kebab Connection” (16th February) for which famous director Fatih Akin wrote the script, to Veit Helmers wonderful romantic comedy “Absurdistan” (9th and 19th February) and star director Tom Tykwer’s thriller about a young couple “Drei” (Three) (3rd and 7th February) , the funny-serious drama about young handicapped in society “Renn wenn du kannst” (10th and 14th February) , as well as the box office hit “Goethe” ( 21st, 23rd and 24th February) about Germany’ most famous writer. Finally, “Whisky with Wodka” (17th and 20th February) is a comedy about an aging filmstar. The festival provides a full panorama of Germany and her current film scene. Film shows will start on the given dates at 9.00 pm (Monday to Saturday) and 8.00 pm (Sunday). Tickets at the door. A catalogue with the synopsises of the presented films will be available in Greek, German and English. Seite 3 „Renn wenn Du kannst“ „Absurdistan“ On Monday, 6th February 2012 at 8 pm the Goethe-Institut Cyprus presents in its hall the Syrian documentary film: “Flood in Baath Country” (2004, Arabic with english subtitles) ) by eminent Syrian filmmaker Omar Amiralay, who died exactly one year ago in Damascus. With this film presentation one of the most important arab documentary filmmakers shall be honoured on his first death anniversary. It’s also meant as a reminder, that in the very close vicinity of Cyprus the Syrian people is fighting for its dignity and freedom from a brutal dictatorship, which has cost already more than 6000 lives since the revolution begun in March 2011. Omar Amiralay (Arabic: 1944 ) ( يالاريمأ رمع — 5 February 2011) was a Syrian documentary film director and prominent civil society activist. He is noted for the strong political criticism in his films and played a prominent role in the events of the Damascus Spring of 2000. Amiralay studied in Paris at La Fémis, before returning to Syria in 1970. His films include a trilogy of documentaries concerning the Tabqa Dam on the Euphrates. The first, Film Essay on the Euphrates Dam (1970), is a tribute to Syria‘s greatest development project, but the second and third take a more critical approach. Everyday Life in a Syrian Village (1974) shows the dam‘s ambiguous impact on the lives of ordinary people in a nearby village, and portrays their relationship with the authorities, seen as distant and disconnected from them. Amiralay revisited the region in 2003 with A Flood in Baath Country, which contains trenchant political criticism (it had the working title Fifteen reasons why I hate the Baath Party). Due to the films strong indictment of the regime, the film was removed from the Carthage Film Festival. In act of solidarity with Amiralay, Arab filmmakers Yousry Nasrallah, Annemarie Jacir, Nizar Hassan, Joana and Khalil Joreige, and Danielle Arbid subsequently pulled their films out of Competition to protest the festival‘s actions. As a result, A Flood in Baath Country was re-programmed and screened to enthusiastic crowds. With a short introduction in english by Goethe-Institut Cyprus director Björn Luley, who worked in Syria for almost 11 years until May 2011. 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