Screening at Babylon Organized by The Italienisches Kulturinstitut in Berlin
The Documentary “On The Bride's Side” Directed by Antonio Augugliaro, Gabriele Del Grande and Khaled Soliman Al Nassiry Was Screened at the Babylon on the 6th of March 2016
March 08th, 2016
The Italienisches Kulturinstitut Berlin in collaboration with the cinema Babylon screened “On the bride’s side”, a documentary that narrates immigration in an original but also emotional way through a real story which took place from the 14th to the 18th of November 2013. The event took place during “CinemAperitivo: vi raccontiamo l ́Italia” a joint initiative of Italienisches Kulturinstitut Berlin and Babylon. It was an occasion to screen films about the past and contemporary history of Italy and then, time to reflect on the films and to eat and drink together. After the screening there was also a meeting with the poet and editor Khaled Soliman Al Nassiry and the actress Tasnim Fared. The curators of the event were Mara Martinoli (Babylon) and Andrea D'Addio (Berlino Cacio e Pepe).
The film tells the story of three friends, Gabriele Del Grande (journalist and writer), Khaled Soliman Al Nassiry (poet and editor) and Tareq Al Jabr (poet and interpreter) who decide to help five Palestinian and Syrian refugees unloaded in Lampedusa, to reach Sweden from Milan in order to request political asylum. They undertake a four day trip finding an alternative way to prevent detention by staging a wedding parade. A young Syrian friend with a German passport, participates in the journey dressed like a bride and some friends dress up as guests. During the journey the characters tell their stories, their dreams and their hopes whilst travelling 3000 km through Europe.
During the preview of the documentary at the 71st Venice Film Festival in the Orizzonti section, there was a parade of 80 brides thanks to an announcement on Facebook, as an homage to immigrants who were lost to the sea. Furthermore editing and post production was made possible thanks to a crowdfunding campaign launched on the 18th of May 2014 which collected almost 100.000 Euro.
“On The Bride's Side” received the Premio del público in 2015 at Certamen de Cine de Viajes del Ocejón, it has been nominated as best long documentary in occasion of the David di Donatello prize (2015), it received a special highlighting for the best docu-film for the Nastri d’argento prize (2015) and a nomination for best music for the Globi d’oro (2015).
The Italienisches Kulturinstitut Berlin, which organized the event, is the official organ of the Italian state and Cultural Department of the Italian Embassy. It aims to promote the Italian language and culture in Germany through cultural events in various fields. It is represented in major cities of the five continents and it supports initiatives based on the principles of democracy and international solidarity dialogue. The Institute is also a member of the Association of the European Cultural Institute.
Photos © Hyde Flippo
- Reference: www.babylonberlin.de
- Reference: www.iicberlino.esteri.it
- Reference: http://www.comingsoon.it
Caterina Gion, Berlin Global
