Projects 2006

Berlinale Talent Campus # 4

Once again, young filmmakers and international experts in the field convene at the Berlinale Talent Campus # 4 to explore all stages of filmmaking: "philosophy", from "pre-" to "post-production", "promotion". 500 up-and-coming talents from all over the world have the opportunity to learn from professionals and colleagues during workshops and conversations. Editing is one of the programme’s specials, while the KinoKitchen offers a short film competition on “Hunger, Food and Taste”.

The House of World Cultures opens its doors for six days of networking between top film experts and those on their way.

China – Between Past and Future

Traditions, historical breaks and the latest developments within art: the festival offers visitors a chance to experience how one of the world’s most important countries is dealing with rapid social and cultural changes. The programme examines the development of new forms and new individual languages in the fine arts, music, opera and literature, as well as their relationship to China’s fascinating traditions.

Dance Congress Germany

Next year, a Dance Congress will be held in Germany for the first time since the days of the Weimar Republic. Like its historical predecessor, it will be a gathering of experts from the fields of dance, choreography, education, criticism, science, production and cultural policy. Held under the motto ‘Knowledge in Movement’, the Congress will explore the relationship between dance, culture and imparting knowledge. The focal point will be the artistic interests and positions of choreographers and dancers and their favourite work formats and processes.

War of Images

The controversies surrounding the caricatures of the prophet Muhammad and the violent reactions in the Islamic world raise important questions about the rules by which cultures with different value systems can peacefully co-exist. Suddenly, it has become clear just how far-reaching the phenomenon of globalisation has become. Indeed, every act of public communication today has the potential to be perceived by every other individual, regardless of where he or she lives; limiting a message to a particular country or target group is no longer possible. Moreover, parallel to the globalisation of the world economy, based as it is on secular and liberal ideas of human and civil rights, there have developed new networks with entirely different value systems—networks that no longer allow themselves to be consigned to the periphery of the international community.

IN TRANSIT 06

“In Transit” means passing through, transition, change. The international IN TRANSIT festival sees itself, above all, as a focal point for dialogue with dancers and theatre artists from cultures experiencing radical changes and upheavals. This year it features a major programme on Brazil – as well as current productions from Asia and Africa.

Brasil: Copa da Cultura

Culture and football – this liaison is a matter of course for a country in which a special feeling for the body, its movements, and its rhythms are basic to cultural identity. The singing legend Gilberto Gil and the football legend Pelé have launched the initiative for a Brazilian “cultural world championship” – Copa da Cultura 2006 – parallel to the football world championships. Open-air concerts by top stars, exhibitions, football broadcasts, dance, films, discussions – the House of World Cultures is Berlin’s center of the culture campaign.

my construction site

Until August 2007 the House of World Cultures, the building with the winged roof, will be a major construction site as it undergoes renovation. And by virtue its unfinished state, it will offer space for reflection and experimentation.