The “Generation Repair” Film Premiered on February 24 at Museum Neukölln
In an exploration of historical wounds and contemporary struggles, the international film premiere of “Generation Repair” offered a visual narrative of the enduring legacy of the Ovaherero and Nama genocide in Namibia
April 20th, 2024
Through a blend of documentary-style interviews and a cinematic journey across landscapes marked by colonial contrasts, the film delved into the trauma still haunting descendants of both victims and perpetrators of the genocide. As it unfolds, “Generation Repair” not only questions diplomatic agreements but also seeks to redefine the discourse on reparations and healing from a diasporic perspective.
Between 1904 and 1908, the German colonial forces unleashed a campaign of extermination in Southwest Africa, now Namibia, resulting in the deaths of up to 100,000 Ovaherero and Nama people. Survivors endured enslavement, forced labor and displacement, while the echoes of this brutal history continue to reverberate through generations. As Michael Küppers-Adebisi, one of the filmmakers behind the project, noted on his Linkedin page, despite gaining international recognition of their plight, “the descendants of the victims of the genocide are still fighting for recognition and reappraisal of the historical circumstances.”
The film “Generation Repair” stands as a testament to the ongoing battle for truth and reconciliation. Through a multiplicity of voices from Windhoek to Berlin, it illuminates the intersections of poverty and privilege, trauma and resilience, shaping the lived experiences of those connected to this tragic past. At its heart, the film challenges conventional narratives and institutional responses, inviting viewers to confront the complexities of historical memory and contemporary accountability.
District councilor Karin Korte, along with filmmakers Adetoun Küppers-Adebisi and Michael Küppers-Adebisi, attended the premiere, which underscored the importance of this cinematic exploration. Following the screening, a moderated discussion led by Dr. Matthias Henkel, an authority on city history and cultural remembrance, deepened the dialogue surrounding colonial legacies and the pursuit of justice.
Supported by funding from LEZ Berlin and the Neukölln Youth Welfare Office, “Generation Repair” emerged as a profound contribution to Black History Month Berlin 2024 and the final year of the UN Decade for People of African Descent. In collaboration with the Initiative for Black People in Germany (ISD), the film not only commemorated the past but also paved a path forward towards reconciliation and healing.
References:
- - https://www.visitberlin.de/en/event/film-i-generation-repair-transnational-dialogues-namibia-germany
- - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michaelkueppersadebisi_activity-7164646609971097600-V1Po?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
- - https://www.museumsportal-berlin.de/en/events/film-i-generation-repair-transnationale-dialoge-namibia-deutschland/
