Summary
Highlights
Judit Rau introduces the "Ethics in Dialogue" series, emphasizing giving space for questions, curiosity, appreciative exchange, and new perspectives. The theme for the evening is "Men's Images - Women's Spaces." The event will feature a screening of the film "Störenfrieda," followed by a panel discussion.
Judit Rau describes "Störenfrieda" by Alina Iklamova as a strong plea for necessary changes and combating traditional thought patterns. The film, which won Best Film at the St. Ingbert's Filmreif Festival 2022 in the young films category, explores the Flint community and societal issues within a small family cosmos.
Before introducing the panelists, Judit Rau highlights two important contexts: June as Pride Month, advocating against discrimination of minorities (LGBTQ+ individuals), and Article 3 of the German Basic Law, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, origin, race, language, homeland, faith, religious or political views, or disability. These serve as a backdrop for understanding why discussions on these topics, and films like "Störenfrieda," remain relevant.
Alina Iklamova discusses the origins of "Störenfrieda," explaining it was developed during her film academy studies with Lisa Bronke and Nele Seifert. The film explores themes of exclusion and marginalization between men and women, stemming from their observations at the film academy and their complex relationships with their fathers. They developed the three main characters to confront these dynamics.
Christian Kindler explains his role in men's work and pastoral care for men, focusing on helping men connect with themselves and form better relationships. He clarifies that men often seek these services voluntarily, and his work involves individual counseling and group activities like workshops or archery, which facilitate deeper conversations and self-discovery.
Kassandra Finli, a founding and board member of Tragwerk e.V. (Association for Equal Opportunities), shares her personal journey as a queer single mother and the inspiration behind founding the Rainbow Brunch. She realized a lack of community and safe spaces for queer individuals and their families in Ludwigsburg. The Rainbow Brunch, launched in October 2022 with a focus on rescued food, aims to provide an inclusive space for queer people to simply exist and connect.
The panelists delve into the film's symbolism. Christian Kindler highlights the crack in the wall, interpreted as a wound that needs healing and reconciliation. Alina Iklamova confirms this, linking it to the historical context of the Ruhr area's mining industry and the feeling of collapse. She explains that the character Gunter represents a generation rooted in a specific work culture, struggling to adapt to new societal norms. Alina also shares her personal connections to the characters, drawing from her own experience as an immigrant navigating different social environments.
Kassandra Finli discusses the concept of safe spaces, emphasizing that such spaces are often created out of necessity for specific groups. She notes that the film's portrayal of a bar as a safe space that needs to be justified resonates with her experiences. Christian Kindler agrees, drawing parallels with men's work, where safe spaces for men are crucial but often misunderstood, leading to questions about their exclusivity.
The discussion shifts to the dynamics of "us" and "them," particularly concerning language and communities. Alina Iklamova explains that the film consciously uses terms like "Flint" (FLINTA: Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, Agender) to challenge traditional gender norms. Kassandra Finli stresses that "us" and "them" are not inherently negative but reflect diversity. She advocates for recognizing and accepting people as they are, without judgment. Christian Kindler elaborates that safe spaces are essential for identity work and solidarity, enabling individuals to eventually re-engage with broader society. The goal is to move from isolation to community, fostering understanding and respect, even if it means acknowledging different needs and creating exclusive spaces temporarily.
The panelists discuss whether "Störenfrieda" is a feminist film. Alina Iklamova confirms it, stating that the film explores contemporary feminism, its inclusivity, and its challenges. She emphasizes that the film aims to spark discussion and self-reflection, rather than providing definitive answers. Christian Kindler agrees, commending the film for addressing feminist themes without resorting to simplistic good-versus-evil narratives, making it relatable for male viewers. Kassandra Finli appreciates the film's soft and realistic portrayal of characters, making them relatable and avoiding caricatures.
An audience member asks about bridging the divide between different generations and political viewpoints, and the challenge of maintaining various safe spaces given funding constraints. Kassandra Finli states that safe spaces will always be necessary and that the need for them should override concerns about funding. People will find community regardless of financial support. Alina Iklamova emphasizes patience, understanding, and open dialogue, drawing parallels to her own experiences with language differences and different social environments. She highlights the importance of visibility as a starting point for dialogue and mutual respect, even if not everyone immediately embraces politically correct language. The discussion concludes with an anecdote about advocating for Christopher Street Day's meaning, stressing the importance of visibility and active participation, not just presence, to foster understanding.