Our interest is to establish a constructive contribution to the historic inevitabilities of climate and complexion change in Berlin, Germany, Russia and the European Union, in order to support the people of Berlin and other European societies in adjusting to the present and preparing for future realities of a complexion change, with as few violent and unduly stressful birth pangs as possible. Our project is inspired by the marvelous impetus of former president Nelson Mandela and his supreme ability to contribute to a peaceful transition of South African society from one complexion to many complexions.

Press Release: Diverse & Together - A Complexion Change

XXIII. Black International Cinema Berlin/Germany, Warsaw/Poland & USA 2008
May 8-12

Moviemento Cinema
Kottbusser Damm 22
Berlin/Kreuzberg

Production & Direction:
Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre
THE COLLEGIUM – Forum & Television Program Berlin/Magdeburg/Wolfsburg
Cultural Zephyr e.V.

Foreword
A COMPLEXION CHANGE

Intercultural Dialogue within a Migratory Society.
The future is with us, how do we respond to the inevitabilities of population change, clash or cooperation?
Partial Portrait / Past, Present, Future? A relationship of Europe to the world and the human contributions to a developing Europe, at the dawn of the 21st century.

As long time residents of Berlin and persons traveling to countries with multi-ethnic populations, an observation of the complexion change of Berlin in particular, Germany and the rest of Europe in general, is an occurrence we have witnessed, read about and studied in E.U. and additional documents. The population adjustments in societies are always accompanied by birth pangs of varying intensities and duration.

The United States of America, while continually requiring observation and effort towards creating an intercultural society from a multicultural environment, offers indications and some would say, proof of the necessity and viability of refreshing various societies through complexion change, as the older generations pass the baton of work and life, to younger persons.

Our interest is to establish a constructive contribution to the historic inevitabilities of climate and complexion change in Berlin, Germany, Russia and the European Union, in order to support the people of Berlin and other European societies in adjusting to the present and preparing for future realities of a complexion change, with as few violent and unduly stressful birth pangs as possible. Our project is inspired by the marvelous impetus of former president Nelson Mandela and his supreme ability to contribute to a peaceful transition of South African society from one complexion to many complexions.

The principle of that transition is what we are attempting to understand, emulate and apply, during the realization of the XXIII. Black International Cinema Berlin/Germany, Warsaw/Poland & USA 2008.

Thursday • May 8
10 am • 10 h

YOUNG PEOPLE'S PROGRAM
Cinema Around the World!

Introduction: Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre

SHARED HISTORY
Director: Felicia D. Furman
Documentary, Color, 57 min.
USA 2005
English

While independently researching their families' histories, three descendants of slaves and slave owners meet and uncover the mythologies regarding their former and present connection. "Shared History" reveals their intimate encounters and conversations, as they come together in South Carolina at Woodlands Plantation to explore the realities of the 260-year-old relationship.

5 pm • 17 h
Opening Ceremony

Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith
Co-Founder/Publisher/Producer/Director:
Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre / Black International Cinema Berlin /
The Collegium – Forum & Television Program Berlin / Cultural Zephyr e.V.

Prof. Dr. David Levering Lewis
Two-time Pulitzer Prize Winner, American Academy Berlin

Harry Louiserre
Managing Director, Classic In Black

Mark C. Donfried
Director, Institute for Cultural Diplomacy

6 pm • 18 h
ILLEGAL TENDER
European Premiere
Director: Franc. Reyes
Producer: John Singleton
Narrative, Color, 108 min.
USA 2007
English, Spanish with English subtitles

From acclaimed producer John Singleton ("Hustle & Flow", "Four Brothers") comes an intense, action-packed thriller about a family's quest for honor and revenge. College student Wilson de Leon Jr. (Rick Gonzales, "Coach Carter”, TV's "Reaper") never stood up for himself until the gangsters who killed his father came to settle a score. In a gripping, adrenaline-pumping showdown, Wilson and his mother (Wanda De Jesús, TV's "CSI: Miami") decide to settle that score on their own terms in order to protect the people they love. Dania Ramirez (TV's "Heroes", "X-Men") and reggaeton star Tego Calderón co-star in this hard-hitting film loaded with gripping action and unbeatable suspense.

8 pm • 20 h
SHARED HISTORY
Director: Felicia D. Furman
Documentary, Color, 57 min.
USA 2005
English

While independently researching their families' histories, three descendants of slaves and slave owners meet and uncover the mythologies regarding their former and present connection. "Shared History" reveals their intimate encounters and conversations, as they come together in South Carolina at Woodlands Plantation to explore the realities of the 260-year-old relationship.

THE POWER OF ART – WOMEN'S VOICES IN AFRICA
Director: Claudine Pommier
Documentary, Color, 51 min.
Canada 2007
English and French with English subtitles

"Africa is not only a continent of war and crisis, there is also an Africa that is alive and well, and often borne by women." – Odile Sorgho-Moulinier (United Nations)

Culture is no longer a static body of knowledge, values, practices and expressions shared and passed on by a community. It is a dynamic reality. "The Power Of Art – Women's Voices In Africa" explores how contemporary African women who choose to be professional artists claim their position and deal with the stereotypes associated with being an African and a woman. The film also focuses on the roles professional artists may play in addressing the challenges woman are faced with on the African continent.

10 pm • 22 h
REVOLUTION '67
Director: Marylou Tibaldo-Bongiorno
Documentary, Color, 90 min.
USA 2007
English

"Revolution '67" brings the explosive rebellion alive, which erupted in Newark, New Jersey, during July 1967; and subsequently broke out like a storm across the entire country. What is revealed are long-standing racial, economic, and political forces which generated inner city poverty and perpetuate it today. Newark residents, police, officials, and urban commentators, including writer/activist Amiri Baraka, journalist Bob Herbert, prominent historians, and 60s activist Tom Hayden, recount the vivid, day-to-day details of the uprising. But they also trace those traumatic days back to decades of industrial decline, unemployment, job and housing discrimination, federal programs favoring suburbs over cities, police impunity, political corruption, and the costly, divisive Vietnam War.

The spark igniting this firestorm of pent-up racial rage was, as is so often the case, an encounter between a black man and the police. On July 12th, 1967, two white officers stopped a black taxi driver for a minor traffic violation, beat him, and dragged him into the local precinct. A rumor spread through black neighborhoods that the driver had died, inciting a crowd to rampage through the streets, set fires, break windows, and loot businesses.

The film takes viewers on a daily chronicle of events, including the calling in of the State Police and National Guard, their occupation of the city, and use of unnecessary firepower. Final toll: 26 dead.
"Revolution '67" ends with an update on conditions in Newark today that are also emblematic of many other U.S. cities.

Friday • May 9
10 am • 10 h

YOUNG PEOPLE’S PROGRAM
Cinema Around the World!

Introduction:
Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre

THE POWER OF ART – WOMEN'S VOICES IN AFRICA
Director: Claudine Pommier
Documentary, Color, 51 min.
Canada 2007
English and French with English subtitles

"Africa is not only a continent of war and crisis, there is also an Africa that is alive and well, and often borne by women." – Odile Sorgho-Moulinier (United Nations)

Culture is no longer a static body of knowledge, values, practices and expressions shared and passed on by a community. It is a dynamic reality. "The Power Of Art – Women's Voices In Africa" explores how contemporary African women who choose to be professional artists claim their position and deal with the stereotypes associated with being an African and a woman. The film also focuses on the roles professional artists may play in addressing the challenges woman are faced with on the African continent.

4 pm • 16 h
Music Seminar
Harry Louiserre, Raycurt Johnson and Guests

6 pm • 18 h
FARA BIRIQUI / FIGHTING WOMEN
Director: Fatoumata Coulibaly
Documentary, Color, 26 min.
Mali 2007
French and Bambara with French subtitles

Confronted with situations which she considered unacceptable, Fatoumata Siré Diakité addressed the breaking of customs and habits in Mali to launch a defense of the weakest. Engaged in defense of women's rights during the summit of women of Beijing (1997), the conference universally denounced the excision of women as being an attack on the integrity of the body of females. Today, this crusading woman is ambassador of Mali in Berlin, Germany.

DE WEG NAAR MEKKA / THE ROAD TO MECCA
Director: Johannes Bucher
Documentary, Color, 40 min.
Belgium 2007
English, Dutch, Arabic, French with English subtitles

Are we heading straight for a clash between the West and the Muslim world? Everywhere around the world, bold statements color the discussion: from "wearing the headscarf is a basic human right" to "the Qur'an should be outlawed". Any mutual understanding seems to be lost and no one seems to know what Muslims are really thinking in that huge people world that spans three continents. That is why Belgian presenter and traveller Jan Leyers decided to take the road to Mecca. His journey begins in Morocco then leads him to Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Iran, Qatar and finally Saudi-Arabia.

MODELS OF SUCCESS
Director: Art L. Jones
Documentary, Color, 24 min.
Bahrain 2006/2007
English

"Models Of Success" is a documentary which profiles three successful professional women from different Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain) who began with little more than a vision coupled with focused determination, and eventually created a meaningful place within a predominantly male work environment. These stories will inflame the hearts and souls of young adults to follow in the path of their bold predecessors by taking the road less traveled.

8 pm • 20 h
PAINTED SMILES
Director: Frank E. Jackson, Jr.
Narrative, Color, 95 min.
USA 2007
English

The story centers around three friends, Gina, Renee and Michelle. All are successful African American women. Gina is married to a handsome, hard-working, affectionate man and making plans for their first baby. Renee is a sexy, super-confident woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants. And she is not afraid to move onward from her male relationship! Twice married Michelle is learning life lessons and putting her unhappy romantic past behind her, proving the third time is a charm in her newest marriage. Unfortunately, things are never ever what they seem and truth can be hidden even from close friends and family.

10 pm • 22 h
MUHTADI
Director: Elspeth Duncan & Frances-Anne Solomon
Documentary, Color, 24 min.
Canada 2007
English

A celebrity in his own right, Master Drummer Muhtadi plays Djembe, Bongos, Congas, Timbales, Steel Pan, and is the presence behind Toronto's hugely popular Muhtadi International Drumming Festival, now in its 7th year. This thoughtful documentary invites us to share the life, love and work of this quiet visionary, as he continues to touch innumerable souls through his relationship with that powerful, life-changing instrument we all know as the drum. "The drum is love. And everybody loves to love." (Muhtadi)

HOW DO I LOOK
Director: Wolfgang Busch
Documentary, Color, 80 min.
USA 1995-2006
English

During 10 years of the making of this documentary, "How Do I Look" captures the Harlem "Ball" traditions that originated in the 70's, which were historically an off shot from the Harlem "Drag Balls" from the 20's. Because of the loss of hundreds of members and leaders of the "Ball" community due to the HIV epidemic, "How Do I Look" was able to record an important aspect of the history and legacy that was still available. The film focuses on the Icons and Legends Pepper Labeija, Willi Ninja, Tracy Africa, Kevin Omni, Jose Xtravaganza and Octavia St. Laurent, who took their talents outside the "Ball" community successfully and opened many doors for their community. The "children" are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender African American and Hispanic members of the "Houses". Their goal is to be voted into the "Ballroom Hall of Fame" one day, the ultimate "Ballroom" achievement. Their highly competitive functions at "Balls", build their self esteem and further their performance skills. By living on the edge, their natural artistic progression perfected their improvisational voguing, fashion and runway performance skills on the catwalk and is the reason why they have become such trend setters and inspirations worldwide.

12 am • 24 h
ILLEGAL TENDER
European Premiere
Director: Franc. Reyes
Producer: John Singleton
Narrative, Color, 108 min.
USA 2007
English, Spanish with English subtitles

From acclaimed producer John Singleton ("Hustle & Flow", "Four Brothers") comes an intense, action-packed thriller about a family's quest for honor and revenge. College student Wilson de Leon Jr. (Rick Gonzales, "Coach Carter”, TV's "Reaper") never stood up for himself until the gangsters who killed his father came to settle a score. In a gripping, adrenaline-pumping showdown, Wilson and his mother (Wanda De Jesús, TV's "CSI: Miami") decide to settle that score on their own terms in order to protect the people they love. Dania Ramirez (TV's "Heroes", "X-Men") and reggaeton star Tego Calderón co-star in this hard-hitting film loaded with gripping action and unbeatable suspense.

Saturday • May 10
4 pm • 16 h

Seminar: "A Complexion Change"
Fuasi Abdul-Khaliq and Guests

6 pm • 18 h
I. SURF NOIR, II. TU SOLUS SANCTUS
Directors: Suyen Mosley & Marsha Terry
Documentary, Color/B/W, 7 min.
USA 2007
English

Witness the birth of the surfress! These avant-garde surf shorts illustrate the fluidity, grace and humor of the surfing experience.

ART MOVES – Adilia on Staircase
Director: Michael Douglas Hawk
Experimental, Color, 10 min.
Germany 2006
no dialogue

First work of a series of digital film works, adapting the motives of other artists (here: Gerhard Richter's "Ema – Akt auf der Treppe") inverting color contrast and implementing motion. A Black lady – nude – descends a staircase in extreme slow motion (ca. 2% realtime).

MOVEMENT (R)EVOLUTION AFRICA
Directors: Joan Frosch & Alla Kovgan
Documentary, Color, 65 min.
USA 2007
English and French, Portuguese, Wolof, Japanese with English subtitles

In an astonishing exposition of choreographic formation, African choreographers tell stories of an emergent art form and their diverse and deeply contemporary expressions of self. Stunning choreography and riveting critiques challenge stereotypes of "traditional Africa", to unveil soul-shaking responses to the beauty and tragedy of 21st century Africa.

8 pm • 20 h
ALGENY: THE GENETIC FACTOR
Director: Andrew Burroughs
Narrative, Color, 96 min.
USA 2006/2007
English

A young man becomes a pawn, when a pharmaceutical company discovers he has a unique immune system and literally wants his blood.

10 pm • 22 h
THE SOUL SEARCHERS: THREE STORIES
Director: Jeffrey C. Wray
Narrative, Color, 50 min.
USA 2008
English

“Get Thee Behind Me” is set in 1973. Twelve-year-old Jeremiah waits on his mother while admiring twelve year old Esperanza Diaz as she walks down the street. When he overhears his mother and grandmother speak of the devil getting into Miss Lillian Jr., a woman from church, his imagination is pushed into overdrive. Jeremiah wonders how the devil could get into anyone at his solidly Baptist black church. He also wonders if the devil could possibly get into him. In Jeremiah’s adventure of the mind and spirit he sees devil-like apparitions at his bedroom window and animated devils on late night TV singing, "Tell Me Something Good". Even his recent self-baptism seems to wear off as the thought of the devil coming after him fills his every waking moment. Jeremiah questions his sanity, his preteen sexual urges and whether his soul can be saved or safe from Lucifer’s stalking. His angels prove to be the newly spirit filled, but still sexy Miss Lillian Jr. and Esperanza, the girl of his desire and longing.

In “Two Pink Dots? You Positive?” teenage Sarah shares her views, fears, insecurities, and wonder at being pregnant with a baby she does not want. On her journey to birth, Sarah deals with her slacker boyfriend Gabriel, welfare prenatal care, soothing singing nurses and anxious doctors. Throughout the narrative, the many layers of Sarah are slowly exposed; her feistiness and fears, her hopes and her loneliness. After almost willing her baby boy out of her body, post-partum depression descends on Sarah. As boyfriend and new daddy Gabriel carries the crying baby while chanting, "the bigger the headache, the bigger the pill", Sarah ponders her new life clashing with her old self-perceptions.

“Middle Skin (Joy and Pain)”, begins with forty year olds Hezekiah Blue and his wife Catherine (Cat) Jones Blue making love. The loving atmosphere suddenly shifts as Hezekiah and Cat engage in a long bitter argument that fits the pattern of their marriage. After the two of them have used the best and worse of their jabs on each other, Hezekiah exits the house to walk the streets. On his journey, he engages in the emotionally pain filled lives of several people. In the fantastic world which he seems to have stepped into, Hezekiah is able to bring some sense of joy to these painful lives. After his last street encounter, Hezekiah joyfully rises in the air and floats above it all. Later, back down to earth, Hezekiah stands outside his house while his wife Cat watches him from inside. The central question of joy or pain remains hanging in the space between them.

THROWN AWAY / THO`WAYZ
Director: James W. Jaggers II
Documentary, Color/B/W, 57 min.
USA 2007
English

A documentary regarding grown children, who are trying to live within a generational CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) family. A story to find one's father...

Ein Dokumentarfilm über erwachsene Kinder, die versuchen, mit einer Komplexen Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung zu leben, welche in ihren Familien Generationen übergreift. Eine Geschichte darüber, den eigenen Vater zu finden...

12 am • 24 h
HONOR FORD SMITH: HONOR-BOUND
Director: Jay Prychidny
Documentary, Color, 24 min.
Canada 2006
English

“Literature Alive” is a documentary series that profiles Caribbean-Canadian authors and follows the evolution of Caribbean-heritage fiction from the 1960's through to the hip-hop generation. These revealing and provocative documentaries explore the lives and creative process of these brilliant authors. In doing so, we discover the links between personal experience, ancestry and migration; between Canada and the Caribbean; between an artist and their art. Playwright, director, actress and poet, Honor Ford Smith is best known for her work with the internationally recognized Jamaican theatre collective Sistren, which empowered working-class women to tell their personal life-stories through plays, writing and drawing. This documentary examines her work and how she continues to adapt that collective theatre model to enable youth in Toronto to speak out on contemporary issues like the rise of gun violence in the city.

BLUEPRINT
Director: Kirk Shannon-Butts
Narrative, Color, 75 min.
USA 2006
English

Rising young filmmaker Kirk Shannon-Butts, proclaimed by some to be a young gay Spike Lee, has catapulted onto the scene with his first feature-length film, which dares ask the question – Can you fall in love in one day? Set amidst the hustle of vibrant Harlem, "Blueprint" follows the impromptu romance of independent and reserved college student Keith and street-smart Nathan. What ensues is a day of intimacy and passion for the unlikely couple, one that begins in the rhythm and chaos of the city, then travels via a motorcycle road trip away from the confines of the urban world and into the woods and beyond. As Keith and Nathan experience nature and each other, they strip away their clothing, their identities, and their masks to reveal themselves to one another and the world. "Blueprint" is a film that honors the history of cinema while authentically portraying a modern-day love story of two African American men – something sorely absent from the typical film landscape. That is, until now!

Sunday • May 11
4 pm • 16 h

Reading
"Kreuzberg Musing"
Rolf Gänsrich

6 pm • 18 h
LE FURA DE KOLOKANI / BAMANAN WEDDING CEREMONY
Director: Baba Kané
Documentary, Color, 26 min.
Mali 2008
French and Bamanan with French subtitles

"Fura de Kolokani" is a holy and popular event related to the wedding of girls of the same age, lasting 3 days. This event happens every year, mainly after good harvests. It is a sequenced purification ceremony aimed at preparing young girls of Beledougou for marital life.

PRISON D'ARGENT
Director: Harbert Maïga
Narrative, Color, 16 min.
Mali 2001
French

How possessive can the love of a mother be? She is severely tested by her son.

BURU GARRA / HILLY RIVER
Director: Shriprakash
Documentary, Color, 29 min.
India 2007
English and Hindi with English subtitles

The film explores the struggle and success stories of two "daughters of the soil" – Dayamani Barla and Nirmala Putul from the tribal backyards of Jharkhand. The tale of the duo's struggle is woven around their efforts to triumph over the various forms of injustice meted out to the tribal society. Their success is mirrored in their assertion through the power of pen. In the process, they have not only reinforced their tribal identity to the outside world, but are also respected as the torch bearers in their community.

TARA WOODS – MACOMERE FIFI
Directors: Andrea Stewart & Frances-Anne Solomon
Documentary, Color, 24 min.
Canada 2007
English

Before she became "Macomere Fifi", award winning Calypso Queen, she was Tara Woods. Through charting Woods' progression from church chorister to Caribbean folk singer to formidable character on the male-dominated Calypso scene, this documentary reveals the evolution and inspiration of Calypso, Canadian-style. Eulith Tara Woods, Sobriquet – Macomere Fifi, was born in Tobago where she performed with folk art groups prior to migrating to Canada. Macomere Fifi came to Canada in 1982 and immediately started singing with La Petite Musicale of Toronto, an artistic group whose repertoire includes folk singing, Caribbean dance and theatrical productions. Her career in calypso singing started in the 90's.

8 pm • 20 h
A WINTER TALE
Director: Frances-Anne Solomon
Narrative, Color, 100 min.
Canada 2007
English

Shots ring out one winter night and a bullet meant for a local street dealer kills a ten-year-old boy.
In the downtown Toronto community of Parkdale, grief and suspicion hang heavily in the air, while the nightly patrons at Miss G's Caribbean Take Away resume their ritual of beer and banter. But one of them, Gene Wright, cannot go on. He begs his friends for help. In a most unusual development, six Black men make a pact to form a support group in hopes of salvaging their broken spirits and redeeming their besieged community. "A Winter Tale" is set against the backdrop of a multicultural community's unrealized hopes and dreams. Bitter and tragic, funny and hopeful, the film tells a unique Canadian story that features Toronto as a central character.

10 pm • 22 h
SIPHON / SYMPHONY
Director: Farid Mirkhani
Experimental, Color, 12 min.
Iran
Persian with English subtitles

A young man and woman are on a date. While she is thinking about love, he has a totally different problem...?

I USED TO LOVE HER
Director: Mark Harris
Narrative, Color, 90 min.
USA 2008
English

"I Used To Love Her" is a dramedy that contains faith-based elements against a hip hop, hard-core street backdrop mixed with a little neo-soul. Toya Turner plays Simee Smith, a pop singer who has lost her morals in the music industry. When fed up with what her life has turned into, she heads back to her hometown, Chicago. While restoring her self worth and respect, Simee falls in love with a man by the name of Ramadan El-Amin (played by Mel "Mel-Rob" Roberson) who is in strong contrast to her type, but much needed for her growth as a new woman. Life gets better and better, but you cannot run from your past forever. Everything comes to light. Now will her history ruin her future?

12 am • 24 h
BY POPULAR DEMAND
Director: Colin Sinclair
Narrative, Color, 45 min.
Germany 2008
English

This film documents the various roles, views and concerns of Black Men Living in a White dominated society. Sub-consciously raising the questions: who are we? And what can we do to bring about the reality of Populism? Taking into account: "We the People” all have different agendas although we all share the same dream." Rap, Midnite, Soldier Boy and Legend have two things in common: They are all men of color and perform in a Black Theater Production. In the intermission of yet another show, their frustrations rise to boiling point with the arrival of a new performer, who happens to be White.

HOW DO I LOOK
Director: Wolfgang Busch
Documentary, Color, 80 min.
USA 1995-2006
English

During 10 years of the making of this documentary, "How Do I Look" captures the Harlem "Ball" traditions that originated in the 70's, which was historically an off shot from the Harlem "Drag Balls" from the 20's. Because of the loss of hundreds of members and leaders of the "Ball" community due to the HIV epidemic, "How Do I Look" was able to record an important aspect of the history and legacy that was still available. The film focuses on the Icons and Legends Pepper Labeija, Willi Ninja, Tracy Africa, Kevin Omni, Jose Xtravaganza and Octavia St. Laurent, who took their talents outside the "Ball" community successfully and opened many doors for their community. The "children" are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender African American and Hispanic members of the "Houses". Their goal is to be voted into the "Ballroom Hall of Fame" one day, the ultimate "Ballroom" achievement. Their highly competitive functions at "Balls", build their self esteem and further their performance skills. By living on the edge, their natural artistic progression perfected their improvisational voguing, fashion and runway performance skills on the catwalk and is the reason why they have become such trend setters and inspirations worldwide.

Monday, May 12
4 pm • 16 h

Communication Workshop:
"Let's Talk About Sex!"
transcendent • transformative • transgender
Interactive conversation regarding "cross-frontier sex”, conducted by sexpert Dr. Laura Méritt

6 pm • 18 h
DU DARFST
Director: Peter Henselder
Experimental, Color, 16 min.
Germany 2006
German

The film was produced in co-operation between "Projekt Ohne?" ("Project Without?"), the Open Channel of Landesmedienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg and the Youth Firebrigade Brandenburg of the Firebrigade Organization Brandenburg e.V. at the 14th Youth Camp of the Youth Firebrigade. The youth prevention workshop was organized during the youth camp with approx. 400 young participants age 9-25 and 50 adult and youth custodians. The message of prevention was communicated by a television project entitled "Du Darfst". A group of volunteering interested youth from 16 years and older, formulated as editorial staff under the professional guidance of Peter Henselder, the 15 minute television script. The subject of "Protection from Sexual Transmittable Disease" was chosen. The goal was to call attention in a broad and comprehensive manner, to the possible risks and protection available regarding sexual activities. After completion of the TV film, the youth presented their final work at the conference "HIV in Dialogue 2007/Future Workshop" and at the gala "AIDS REMINDERS DAY".

POP FOUL
Director: Moon Molson
Narrative, Color, 20 min.
USA 2007
English

Conflict on "the block and in the hood." The lie that led to household, emotional and physical stress and a violent outburst.

RAPGALSENE – WORD POWER FROM SENEGAL
Director: Lukas May
Documentary, Color, 57 min.
Senegal/Germany 2007
French and Wolof with English subtitles

Dakar, Senegal. Since the end of the 80's, one of the biggest rap scenes in the world developed here. Rap in Senegal offers many young people the possibility to express themselves publicly about their and the country's often difficult situation. "Through rap you can say things as they are" (Xuman). The documentary film "RapGalsene” – as the rappers call their music – affords an insight into the movement, music, its protagonists and their point of view. Thereby, the male and female rappers talk about subjects such as tradition, religion, women in the scene, the future of the Senegalese rap and other questions.

8 pm • 20 h
LA PEINTURE DE TERRE / MUD PAINTING
Director: Baba Kané
Documentary, Color, 26 min.
Mali 2005
French and Bamanan with French subtitles

The mudcloth is a historically traditional way of painting in Mali. It's made with natural elements, earth, leaves and barks from a specific tree. The film depicts the life of a young painter, Aly Dolo, as well as the ways items such as pants, neckties, wraps, shirts and boards are made with mudcloth.

BLACK ON BLACK
Director: Damon Russell
Narrative, Color, 10,5 min.
USA 2007
English

"Black On Black" follows three parallel stories surrounding a senseless payback killing. The film is an exploration of urban American violence as seen through the eye of a videographer.

DON'T HATE: STRIPPERS FIGHT THE GOVERNMENT
Director: Jimmy A. Bell
Documentary, Color, 53 min.
USA 2007
English

A documentary regarding Black male exotic dancers who fought a Maryland local government in 2006 and 2007, with a Black lawyer in federal court over a new strip club law and won! This documentary addresses a lot of the myths surrounding male adult entertainers. They are more than eye candy!

10 pm • 22 h
A WINTER TALE
Director: Frances-Anne Solomon
Narrative, Color, 100 min.
Canada 2007
English

Shots ring out one winter night and a bullet meant for a local street dealer kills a ten-year-old boy.
In the downtown Toronto community of Parkdale, grief and suspicion hang heavily in the air, while the nightly patrons at Miss G's Caribbean Take Away resume their ritual of beer and banter. But one of them, Gene Wright, cannot go on. He begs his friends for help. In a most unusual development, six Black men make a pact to form a support group in hopes of salvaging their broken spirits and redeeming their besieged community. "A Winter Tale" is set against the backdrop of a multicultural community's unrealized hopes and dreams. Bitter and tragic, funny and hopeful, the film tells a unique Canadian story that features Toronto as a central character.

EDITORIAL • PRODUCTION
Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre
founded • Berlin Germany • 1980

Black International Cinema Berlin
Interdisciplinary, Intercultural Film/Video, Dance, Theatre, Music, Seminar and Gallery Presentations,
Germany & USA
The Collegium – Forum & Television Program Berlin Magdeburg/Wolfsburg
Fountainhead® Distribution Service Cultural Zephyr e.V.

FOUNDERS/PUBLISHERS/PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS
Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith • Berlin/USA
Prof. Gayle McKinney Griffith • Berlin/USA
Donald Muldrow McKinney Griffith II • Berlin/USA
Khadija Tarjan McKinney Griffith • Berlin/USA

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Angela Kramer • Berlin/USA

PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
Marion Kramer • Berlin/USA

PUBLIC RELATIONS
Cordula Alkert • Berlin
Marta Domurat • Berlin/Poland
Peter Gorwin • USA
Primus Guenou • Togo
Victoria Hale • USA
Harry Louiserre • Berlin/Guadeloupe
Iris Praefke • Berlin
Ursula Wunder • Berlin

TECHNICAL COORDINATION
Cordula Alkert • Berlin
Donald Muldrow McKinney Griffith II • Berlin/USA
Martin Kersten • Berlin
Tom Penman • Berlin/Scotland
Thomas M. Wendt • Berlin

COSTUME DESIGN & MAKE-UP COORDINATION
Prof. Gayle McKinney Griffith • Berlin/USA
Khadija Tarjan McKinney Griffith • Berlin/USA

TRANSLATIONS/EDITING
Prof. Gayle McKinney Griffith, Khadija Tarjan McKinney Griffith,
Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith, Donald Muldrow McKinney Griffith II,
Angela Kramer, Marion Kramer

CONTRIBUTORS
Rolf Gänsrich • Berlin
Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith • Berlin/USA
Prof. Dr. David Levering Lewis • USA
Till Reinhold • Berlin
Prof. Dr. Ruth Ann Stewart • USA
Wulf Sörgel • Berlin
Pierre Walter • Berlin

"FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND?" – Gallery Presentation
by Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre

PROGRAM/POSTER/FLYER DESIGN
Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre

PRODUCTION BOARD
Margrit Abu-Dakn • Berlin
Charles Achaye-Odong • Berlin/Uganda
Dr. Themba Kadalie • Berlin/Rep. of South Africa
Juanita M. Nuñez • USA
Hans Pfleiderer • Berlin/USA
Andrew Salgado • USA
Michael Söchtig • Berlin

Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre
Black International Cinema Berlin
Interdisciplinary, Intercultural Film/Video, Dance, Theatre, Music, Seminar and Gallery Presentations
Germany & USA
The Collegium – Forum & Television Program Berlin Magdeburg/Wolfsburg

in association with Cultural Zephyr e.V.

...are an international, intercultural community of persons engaged in achieving increasing understanding and cooperation between individuals and groups in support of democratic procedures and the elimination of violence, religious, ethnic and gender persecution, youth exploitation, homophobia and racial hatred through the process of art, education, culture and dialogue.

FOUNTAINHEAD® TANZ THEATRE
Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre has produced and directed international, intercultural, interdisciplinary and cinematic productions for 28 years in Berlin, other European venues and the USA. An example of these productions is the XXIII. Black International Cinema Berlin/Germany, Warsaw/Poland & USA 2008 (BICB), an annual festival, founded 1986, presenting film/video, dance, theatre, music, seminars and gallery exhibitions. Fountainhead® also produces and directs The Collegium – Forum & Television Program Berlin/Magdeburg/ Wolfsburg and annually publishes the Black International Cinema Anthology and festival broschure, in which artistic, cultural and socio-political issues are discussed by an international group of authors. Also included are press articles and film lists from the BICB and other Fountainhead® productions. In 1990 Fountainhead founded Cultural Zephyr e.V. as a non-profit organization.

THE COLLEGIUM – FORUM & TELEVISION PROGRAM BERLIN
Magdeburg/Wolfsburg

Berlin: Sundays 9-10 pm • 21-22 h
Offener Kanal Berlin

THE COLLEGIUM, in association with Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre, the XXIII. Black International Cinema Berlin/Germany, Warsaw/Poland & USA 2008 and Cultural Zephyr e.V., was founded in Berlin, Germany on May 14, 1995 by Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith, Prof. Gayle McKinney Griffith, Mark Headley and Calvann Cole as an international, intercultural and interdisciplinary seminar and television forum.

Information:
Tel. 030-782 16 21/75 46 09 46 oder Fax 786 34 66
Internet: http://www.blackinternationalcinema.de
http://www.black-international-cinema.com
http://www.fountainhead-tanz-theatre.de
http://members.aol.com/bicdance
e-mail: bicdance at aol.com

"I may not make it if I try, but I damn sure won´t if I don´t..." – Oscar Brown Jr.
"Mankind will either find a way or make one." – C.P. Snow
"Whatever you do..., be cool!" – Joseph Louis Turner
"Yes, I can...!" – Sammy Davis Jr.
"Yes, We can...!" – Barack Obama

program subject to change
April 12, 2008