In recent weeks and months, there has been a lot of talk about displaced people, but very little with them. In the film project "Don't stop motion", three young people tell the story of their flight and their arrival in Germany. As part of our advocacy month "Let's talk about framing", we are analysing the significance of such film projects and their impact.
Through an evocative blend of personal narrative, homemade animation and a collaborative spirit, the film "Don't Stop Motion" brings to life the experiences of three young people who fled their homes and now live in Germany. Zahra, Muntazar and Ahmad offer a unique insight into the realities they face, including memories of their homes and the challenges of displacement. Using cardboard boxes, handmade puppets and stop-motion technique, the protagonists skilfully draw the audience into their touching life stories.
At the beginning of March, we had the privilege of presenting this extraordinary film alongside its creators at the Moviemento cinema in Berlin. The screening was followed by a discussion with one of the protagonists, Muntazar Al-Jassani, and the director Franziska Bausch-Moser. The project, directed by Franziska Bausch-Moser and Niels Bauder in collaboration with the production studio M6, is based on the first-hand experiences of the protagonists, who took part in interviews with psychological and media pedagogical support.
After arriving in Germany, Zahra, Muntazar and Ahmad are faced with a series of new challenges. As they seek refuge from war, they come to terms with the complexities and prejudices of their new home. Muntazar articulates this struggle poignantly: "We fled the war only to encounter this fucking problem... with skin colour. I always feel like an outsider.“ For him and many other refugees, navigating discrimination and racism is yet another hurdle on their path to building a life in a new, safer place. Yet they show remarkable resilience and determination, overcoming adversity and actively seeking ways to find their place in a new environment.
The film offers a fresh perspective by allowing refugees to speak for themselves rather than them being spoken about. Rather than aiming at entertaining its audience, it serves as a call for solidarity and the promotion of an inclusive society. Through the artistic portrayal of the protagonists' personal narratives, the audience embarks on an emotional odyssey that underscores the imperative of amplifying the voices of people on the move, especially racialized communities . It resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact, urging us to bridge divides and embrace inclusivity in the face of right-wing extremism.
As a project designed for educational and community engagement through screenings and discussions, Don't Stop Motion seeks to raise awareness and foster dialogue on these pressing issues.
Project ELPIDA shows the film "Don't Stop Motion" on 13.04.2024 from 20:30 at the Ost-Passage Theatre in Leipzig. Tickets can be reserved here.