︎AKE DIKHEA? 2024: Democracy in Focus
15.09.2024In 2024, AKE DIKHEA? responds to the current threats to democracy: the electoral success of far-right parties in almost all European countries, the social divide, the growing support for misanthropic movements.
We take a close look at current social developments from the perspective of marginalised groups and, above all, their contributions to a free and just society. For it is groups such as Roma who are most affected by anti-democratic tendencies – and who at the same time have been fighting on the front line against oppression for many years and from an intersectional perspective, be it against the white supremacy of the dominant society, against exploitative mechanisms of capitalism or against patriarchal thought patterns in their own families.
Both opening films - the short fiction film “Mami” by Alecio Araci and the documentary “Narrow Path to Happiness” by Kata Ólah – show the effects of homophobia in society and in one's own family and pose the question of how one can free oneself from the feeling of being a minority within a minority. Another highlight of the festival, an exclusive preview of the documentary film “Riefenstahl” by Andres Veiel, deals with the connection between art and politics and the mechanisms of manipulation that we are currently encountering again.
Alongside our selection of films, we will host a range of panels, including "Archival Justice: Decolonizing the Gaze," which will explore the safeguarding of marginalized histories, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring equitable access to cultural heritage. The panel "Self-Performing Romani Identities – Actors in the Spotlight," amplifying the voices of filmmakers advocating for enhanced visibility and agency within the film industry. With the ‘Visegrad focus’, we are also dealing with Central and Eastern Europe as an important region for political developments throughout Europe.
Join us for this immersive experience as we come together to champion Romani cinema!
We take a close look at current social developments from the perspective of marginalised groups and, above all, their contributions to a free and just society. For it is groups such as Roma who are most affected by anti-democratic tendencies – and who at the same time have been fighting on the front line against oppression for many years and from an intersectional perspective, be it against the white supremacy of the dominant society, against exploitative mechanisms of capitalism or against patriarchal thought patterns in their own families.
Both opening films - the short fiction film “Mami” by Alecio Araci and the documentary “Narrow Path to Happiness” by Kata Ólah – show the effects of homophobia in society and in one's own family and pose the question of how one can free oneself from the feeling of being a minority within a minority. Another highlight of the festival, an exclusive preview of the documentary film “Riefenstahl” by Andres Veiel, deals with the connection between art and politics and the mechanisms of manipulation that we are currently encountering again.
Alongside our selection of films, we will host a range of panels, including "Archival Justice: Decolonizing the Gaze," which will explore the safeguarding of marginalized histories, emphasizing the critical importance of ensuring equitable access to cultural heritage. The panel "Self-Performing Romani Identities – Actors in the Spotlight," amplifying the voices of filmmakers advocating for enhanced visibility and agency within the film industry. With the ‘Visegrad focus’, we are also dealing with Central and Eastern Europe as an important region for political developments throughout Europe.
Join us for this immersive experience as we come together to champion Romani cinema!
︎AKE DIKHEA? 2023: Awards and Honourable Mentions Now Public
30.10.2023
The jury of AKE DIKHEA? 2023 – Benita Bailey, Pamela
Cohn and Delaine Le Bas – found their favourite films! Also the Audience Choice
Award and an Honorable Mention by the Artistic Director are clear now. Check
out the awards and honorable mentions now:
Citizen Miko
By Robin Kvapil
Czech Republic ● 2022 ● 75’
Jury Statement:
Our jury gives this award to a film that shows the undeniable power of one individual to change many, many lives — those of his own family, as well as dozens of strangers he’ll never meet. The director follows his main protagonist from the humble circumstances of his own life to the halls of European political power, all the while infusing the story with an exhilarating portrait of a generous, fully awake, and driven human being, one who means to change the world one truckload at a time. The jury gives the Best Feature Film award to Robin Kvapil’s “Citizen Miko”.
Chavo
By Alecio Araci
Sweden ● 2023 ● 15’
Jury Statement:
This ground-breaking short film explores the intersectionality of identity and trauma, celebrating the diversity within the Roma community and queerness. It addresses themes of self-acceptance, love, grief, and intergenerational relations, fearlessly tackling taboos. With its poignant storytelling, authentic representation, and emotional depth, viewers are captivated by the twists and aesthetic brilliance. Every detail in the film tells a story, shedding light on lesser-discussed hierarchies within the Roma culture. By doing so, the film reflects back to the community a new narrative. The director said, this film is a means for himself to heal. We, the jury, believe this film gives audiences of the Roma community, the LGBTQ+ community, and all other communities the opportunity to heal as well. The prize for the Best Short Film of the 7th International Roma Film Festival goes to “Chavo”.
Matthew Mark Luke John
By Tom Wilson
Romania ● 2018 ● 70’
As an International Festival of Romani Film, we are especially happy that the film “Matthew Mark Luke John” won the Audience Choice Award. The feature film was shot in Romania in a Romani village of which over the half of its population migrated to Germany and found a new home in Berlin. These are people very active at RomaTrial, the association organizing AKE DIKHEA? since 2017. More than 15 young people originally from this Romanian village supported our festival as volunteers. We were happy that most of the audience of the screening of “Matthew Mark Luke John” came from the Romani community and that they made their voices be heard!
Three Thousand Numbered Pieces
By Ádám Császi
Ensemble Cast: Kristóf Horváth, Franciska Farkas, Edmond Oláh, Rómeó Pápai, Cristopher Pászik, Norbert Varga
Hungary ● 2022 ● 93’
Jury Statement:
As the jury we discussed how we need to work together to “decolonise our imaginations” to quote the festival and the spaces we are in. For the film which we found outstanding on so many levels, these are the questions which we hand back to the director to discuss further and address and so therefore we give a Jury Special Mention to the ensemble cast of Three Thousand Numbered Pieces for their outstanding contributions.
Lavina
By Farzad Samsami
Norway ● 2022 ● 18’
Jury Statement:
Our jury wanted to recognise this beautiful fictional family portrait with an Honourable Mention —not only for the director’s accomplished script filled with painful silences and halting declarations of love and his adept and sensitive direction, but also for the deeply nuanced and moving performance from its lead, played by Angel Jansen, a young talent to watch. The Honourable Mention for a Short Film goes to Farzad Samsami’s “Lavina”.
Fifteen Minutes
By Sejad Ademaj
Germany ● 2022 ● 13‘
Statement of the Artistic Director:
The film not only brings my personal story to the screen, but also my long-standing political concern: the right to stay for Roma in Germany and a stop to the deportation of people who were born and raised here. And especially in times of the planned tightening of asylum laws and the upcoming massive deportations of many different people, this film is more important than ever. “Fifteen Minutes” shows in an authentic and empathetic way how a political decision can turn a happy everyday moment into a disaster for an entire family.
Best Feature Film
Citizen Miko
By Robin Kvapil
Czech Republic ● 2022 ● 75’
Jury Statement:
Our jury gives this award to a film that shows the undeniable power of one individual to change many, many lives — those of his own family, as well as dozens of strangers he’ll never meet. The director follows his main protagonist from the humble circumstances of his own life to the halls of European political power, all the while infusing the story with an exhilarating portrait of a generous, fully awake, and driven human being, one who means to change the world one truckload at a time. The jury gives the Best Feature Film award to Robin Kvapil’s “Citizen Miko”.
Best Short Film
Chavo
By Alecio Araci
Sweden ● 2023 ● 15’
Jury Statement:
This ground-breaking short film explores the intersectionality of identity and trauma, celebrating the diversity within the Roma community and queerness. It addresses themes of self-acceptance, love, grief, and intergenerational relations, fearlessly tackling taboos. With its poignant storytelling, authentic representation, and emotional depth, viewers are captivated by the twists and aesthetic brilliance. Every detail in the film tells a story, shedding light on lesser-discussed hierarchies within the Roma culture. By doing so, the film reflects back to the community a new narrative. The director said, this film is a means for himself to heal. We, the jury, believe this film gives audiences of the Roma community, the LGBTQ+ community, and all other communities the opportunity to heal as well. The prize for the Best Short Film of the 7th International Roma Film Festival goes to “Chavo”.
Audience Choice Award
Matthew Mark Luke John
By Tom Wilson
Romania ● 2018 ● 70’
As an International Festival of Romani Film, we are especially happy that the film “Matthew Mark Luke John” won the Audience Choice Award. The feature film was shot in Romania in a Romani village of which over the half of its population migrated to Germany and found a new home in Berlin. These are people very active at RomaTrial, the association organizing AKE DIKHEA? since 2017. More than 15 young people originally from this Romanian village supported our festival as volunteers. We were happy that most of the audience of the screening of “Matthew Mark Luke John” came from the Romani community and that they made their voices be heard!
Jury Special Mention to the Ensemble Cast
Three Thousand Numbered Pieces
By Ádám Császi
Ensemble Cast: Kristóf Horváth, Franciska Farkas, Edmond Oláh, Rómeó Pápai, Cristopher Pászik, Norbert Varga
Hungary ● 2022 ● 93’
Jury Statement:
As the jury we discussed how we need to work together to “decolonise our imaginations” to quote the festival and the spaces we are in. For the film which we found outstanding on so many levels, these are the questions which we hand back to the director to discuss further and address and so therefore we give a Jury Special Mention to the ensemble cast of Three Thousand Numbered Pieces for their outstanding contributions.
Short Film Honorable Mention
Lavina
By Farzad Samsami
Norway ● 2022 ● 18’
Jury Statement:
Our jury wanted to recognise this beautiful fictional family portrait with an Honourable Mention —not only for the director’s accomplished script filled with painful silences and halting declarations of love and his adept and sensitive direction, but also for the deeply nuanced and moving performance from its lead, played by Angel Jansen, a young talent to watch. The Honourable Mention for a Short Film goes to Farzad Samsami’s “Lavina”.
Honorable Mention by the Artistic Director
Fifteen Minutes
By Sejad Ademaj
Germany ● 2022 ● 13‘
Statement of the Artistic Director:
The film not only brings my personal story to the screen, but also my long-standing political concern: the right to stay for Roma in Germany and a stop to the deportation of people who were born and raised here. And especially in times of the planned tightening of asylum laws and the upcoming massive deportations of many different people, this film is more important than ever. “Fifteen Minutes” shows in an authentic and empathetic way how a political decision can turn a happy everyday moment into a disaster for an entire family.
︎Open Call: Meet The Festivals
27.9.2023
AKE DIKHEA? have teamed up with the European Film Academy to create this exclusive opportunity for Romani filmmakers to create connections with top festival programmers, discuss current short film projects and gain insights into the programming and editorial focus of the respective festival. The Festivals include
Locarno Film Festival (Switzerland) , DokuFest (Kosovo) , Go short - International Short Film Festival Nijmegen (Netherlands), Kurzfilm Festival Hamburg (Germany) and Tampere Film Festival (Finland).
You can book up to five 5 minute long one-on-one meetings taking place on ONLINE on Wednesday, 25th October 2023, 14:00 – 15:00 CET.
You can make your festival selections
and pre-register your space >>> HERE <<<.
The deadline for pre-registration is Monday 8th October 11:59 CET.
AKE DIKHEA? will also provide an optional ‘How To’ session to help prepare you by offering some tips to help you get the most out of your session. This will be held ONLINE on Wednesday, 18.10.2023, 18.00 – 18.45.
You can book up to five 5 minute long one-on-one meetings taking place on ONLINE on Wednesday, 25th October 2023, 14:00 – 15:00 CET.
You can make your festival selections
and pre-register your space >>> HERE <<<.
The deadline for pre-registration is Monday 8th October 11:59 CET.
AKE DIKHEA? will also provide an optional ‘How To’ session to help prepare you by offering some tips to help you get the most out of your session. This will be held ONLINE on Wednesday, 18.10.2023, 18.00 – 18.45.
︎Open Call: EFM Doc & Fiction Toolbox 2024
26.9.2023
AVAZYA International Romani Film Professionals Network in partnership with EFM (European Film Market), is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2024 EFM Doc Toolbox + Fiction Toolbox programmes.
We are looking for entry-to-mid level documentary + fiction film Romani producers or producing filmmakers – with a feature-length documentary or fiction film in development (preferably with some financing and/ or funding already secured) as well as marketing materials such as a mood reel, teaser or trailer/ promo. Films based on Romani stories, issues or themes are invited to apply.
Two applicants will be chosen by the leading team of AVAZYA International Romani Film Professionals Network to participate in the Toolbox Programme – one documentary applicant and one fiction applicant.
Under the guidance of a consultant and a coordinator, the Doc and Fiction Toolbox Programme is intended to endow documentary and fiction creatives with market intelligence, connections and a kit of transferable business know-how.
With close links to the Berlinale, the European Film Market is one of the top three meeting places of the international film and media industries. Over a period of seven days, around 10,000 representatives of the international film and media industries – primarily producers, buyers and sales agents, distributors and financiers – come together to network, exchange, inform themselves and do business.
2024 Toolbox Programme Details:
(ONLINE) In the preparatory phase (in December 2023):
Participants will be paired with their consultants and their coordinator. Between December and the end of the EFM, they will have up to 4 online sessions with their consultants to receive feedback on their projects and strategic planning for networking on the EFM. Coordinators will help with any organizational and logistical advice on the EFM.
(ONLINE Before the EFM (08.01. – 19.01.2024):
Participants will be assigned to a group according to their preferred time zone. Each group consists of about 10 participants. During this period, a 2.5-hour online workshop will take place every day of the week. Please note that participants may also receive homework for some of these workshops so you need to be available throughout this period.
(IN PERSON) During the EFM (14.02.-20.02.2024):
Participants take part in EFM matchmaking formats and Toolbox Community Building Sessions in Berlin. You will be required to stay in Berlin for 6/7 nights.
The workshops will cover the following topics:
Doc Toolbox
Fiction Toolbox
Application prerequisites:
Please fill out the application form >>> HERE <<<. In case of any questions don't hesitate to contact us at: avazya@akedikhea.com
The application deadline for the Doc Toolbox & Fiction Toolbox is 11:59 pm CET, October 15, 2023.
We are looking for entry-to-mid level documentary + fiction film Romani producers or producing filmmakers – with a feature-length documentary or fiction film in development (preferably with some financing and/ or funding already secured) as well as marketing materials such as a mood reel, teaser or trailer/ promo. Films based on Romani stories, issues or themes are invited to apply.
Two applicants will be chosen by the leading team of AVAZYA International Romani Film Professionals Network to participate in the Toolbox Programme – one documentary applicant and one fiction applicant.
Under the guidance of a consultant and a coordinator, the Doc and Fiction Toolbox Programme is intended to endow documentary and fiction creatives with market intelligence, connections and a kit of transferable business know-how.
With close links to the Berlinale, the European Film Market is one of the top three meeting places of the international film and media industries. Over a period of seven days, around 10,000 representatives of the international film and media industries – primarily producers, buyers and sales agents, distributors and financiers – come together to network, exchange, inform themselves and do business.
2024 Toolbox Programme Details:
(ONLINE) In the preparatory phase (in December 2023):
Participants will be paired with their consultants and their coordinator. Between December and the end of the EFM, they will have up to 4 online sessions with their consultants to receive feedback on their projects and strategic planning for networking on the EFM. Coordinators will help with any organizational and logistical advice on the EFM.
(ONLINE Before the EFM (08.01. – 19.01.2024):
Participants will be assigned to a group according to their preferred time zone. Each group consists of about 10 participants. During this period, a 2.5-hour online workshop will take place every day of the week. Please note that participants may also receive homework for some of these workshops so you need to be available throughout this period.
(IN PERSON) During the EFM (14.02.-20.02.2024):
Participants take part in EFM matchmaking formats and Toolbox Community Building Sessions in Berlin. You will be required to stay in Berlin for 6/7 nights.
The workshops will cover the following topics:
Doc Toolbox
-
Pitching Tools
-
Funding & Incubators
-
Sales & Distribution
-
Press & PR
-
Grant Writing
-
Impact Producing
-
+ additional optional workshops (TBA)
Fiction Toolbox
-
A to Z of Pitches
-
Funding initiatives for underrepresented film creatives
-
Sales & Distribution
-
Development Deals
-
Marketing & PR
-
International Co-production
-
+ additional optional workshops (TBA)
Application prerequisites:
-
Applicants should possess at least one feature-length project (60 minutes or longer) that is in development (preferably with some financing and/ or funding already secured) as well as marketing materials such as a mood reel, teaser or trailer/ promo.
-
Applicants must be available to travel to Berlin and spend 6/7 nights to participate in the Toolbox Programme during the EFM (February 14 – February 20, 2024).
-
Your passport must be valid for travel in February 2024, and must include necessary visas to travel to Germany.
Please fill out the application form >>> HERE <<<. In case of any questions don't hesitate to contact us at: avazya@akedikhea.com
The application deadline for the Doc Toolbox & Fiction Toolbox is 11:59 pm CET, October 15, 2023.
