Press Release: Intercultural Diplomacy, Berlin 2008

XXIII. Black International Cinema Berlin/Germany, Warsaw/Poland & USA 2008

"Diverse & Together – A Complexion Change"
May 8-12, Kino Moviemento, Berlin-Kreuzberg

Production & Direction: Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre

Guest Presenters: Mark C. Donfried, Founder & Director of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (icd);

Gary Wiggins, Music as Cultural Diplomacy, Program Director, icd

With more than 30 films, performances, podium discussions, and seminars, this year's theme, will be "Diverse & Together – A Complexion Change". The festival consists primarily of films from Africa, the African Diaspora and other films that deal with the portrayal of various cultural backgrounds and perspectives. The festival offers the opportunity to experience an excellent variety of documentaries and movies in conjunction with an intellectual as well as an artistic program.

The "Black International Cinema Berlin" was founded in 1986 by two American artists: Donald Muldrow Griffith, an award winning New York actor, dancer, singer, and producer, along with former prima ballerina Gayle McKinney Griffith and is produced by Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre, in cooperation with THE COLLEGIUM – Forum and Television Program Berlin and Cultural Zephyr e.V.

Special Edition: THE COLLEGIUM – Forum & Television Program Berlin

May 29, 2008, 8.00-9.30 pm, LIVE

Production & Direction: Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre

in co-operation with Offener Kanal Berlin

"A Complexion Change", Vision II

Guest Presenters: Mark C. Donfried, Founder & Director of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (icd);

Gary Wiggins, Music as Cultural Diplomacy, Program Director, icd

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.

International Symposium of Cultural Diplomacy, a Forum for Young Leaders

June 23-27, 2008

The International Symposium of Cultural Diplomacy, a Forum for Young Leaders, enabling an assembly of young persons to learn from experts, each other and participate in workshops. The symposium will also offer an opportunity for young artists to present their artistry and establish networks on a global basis.German Street Dance Championship / "Battle Day"

July 5-6, 2008, Berlin

presented by Ivan Stevanovic, in association with icd

Within the urban movement, street dance has emerged as one of the strongest influences on youth culture and as the most individual and creative form of expression. The German Street Dance Championship or ‘Battle Day’ will be presented from July 5-6 in Berlin for the third year, promoted by Ivan Stevanovic who founded the Street Dance Connection in 2005. Since 2000, Mr. Stevanovic has been working with young people and utilizing HipHop styles as a basis for his educational program.

Since ancient times, diplomacy provided a means to obtain peaceful solutions when ambassadors were authorized to negotiate between parties.

This has also been a means to present differences and attempt to arrive at agreed upon terms. One method of communication has been and remains, music and art. It is a common thread throughout history that any event concerning diplomacy or politics, has been and continues to be accompanied by art, be it the presentation of gifts, the visiting of an art exhibition or a musical concert as the highlight of a convocation.

Cultural diplomacy has been practiced for centuries. During times of political tension such as the Cold War, American popular culture was especially utilized by the United States of America Government to present a constructive image around the world, by sending musicians to countries whose presence would hopefully encourage the respective parties to eventually become allies.

As music and art have always been representatives of a nation or ethnic group, with artists and musicians of a variety of identities representing their country and their interpretation of what is occurring in the world and their response to said events.

Berlin was especially exposed to the influence of various cultures, as British, French and American Allied Forces divided the western part of the city and the eastern section was occupied by Soviet Forces after World War II. The armed forces presence provided a rich resource of creative people and hence led to an exchange of musicians and artists from multi-cultural backgrounds.

With Berlin as Germany’s Capital and its position within the EU, the city is a perfect environment to host an international cooperation based upon Intercultural Diplomacy.

The above listed events will represent a variety of means to communicate culturally and diplomatically, via a gathering of artists, politicians and diplomats, whose purpose will be to provide a network of international ambassadors and serve as a basis for inspiring future generations.

Mark C. Donfried, Founder & Director
Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (icd)

Gary Wiggins, Program Director
Music as Cultural Diplomacy, Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (icd)

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.