Moving pictures, changing perspectives

Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

The Berlin International Film Festival might be over, but the experience has left us with lasting memories. DW Akademie supported participating filmmakers, and we are happy to celebrate their accomplishments!

Berlinale 2022 | Filmemacherin Akuol de Mabior

South Sudanese director Akuol de Mabior at the Berlinale

Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

Authentic stories in the spotlight

Films give us new perspectives while driving the development of society and the economy. That is why DW Akademie supports filmmakers worldwide with funding from the German government (BMZ). In "No U-Turn," Ike Nnaebue brings people – who often only appear as statistics – to life and allows them to have their say as they set out on the path through Africa to a better future.
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

Filmmaker Ike Nnaebue focuses on migration from an African perspective

"It’s been quite a journey, and the film is a journey as well" is how Nigerian director Ike Nnaebue described his experience with "No U-Turn" at its premiere in the storied Zoo Palast cinema. The filmmaker is already an accomplished director in "Nollywood", and his first documentary brought him to Berlin. The film is a part of the DW Akademie project "Generation Africa".
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

Documentary Award: Special Mention for "No U-Turn"

"We give the Special Mention to a film that sensitively gives voice to the people of Nigeria who are in a state of constant transit in their desperate search for a viable future. We rejoice with Ike Nnaebue and his team for 'No U-Turn'," said Susanne Schüle, jury member for the Berlinale Documentary Award.
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

"I wanted to understand better the kind of hope that transcends the fear of danger"

In his film, Ike Nnaebue traces the overland migrant route from Nigeria to Europe – a journey he once attempted himself. In conversations, he explains the longings of the people in West Africa. When he meets Laura and Sandra, he knows that his film will end with them. Unlike Nnaebue, the women are planning to continue their journey and cross from Morocco to Europe in a rubber dinghy (film scene).
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

"Generation Africa" film series: 25 documentary films on migration

"The Generation Africa project has shown us that much can be achieved in documentary film through collaboration within the continent and internationally and building capacity within," said Don Edkins (left), executive producer with STEPS. Together with DW Akademie, STEPS supports African filmmakers like Ike Nnaebue (right) who focus on migration and the future of young people in Africa.
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

The African film industry: International attention, local development

"Generation Africa" offers filmmakers support and training in story development, dramaturgy, production and post-production. Global attention for African film productions – such as "No Simple Way Home" – improves professional opportunities for filmmakers on the continent. Together with its partners, DW Akademie is working to strengthen emerging film industries in the Global South.
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

Akuol de Mabior's personal documentary debut: "No Simple Way Home"

Akuol de Mabior was 16 years old when her father was killed in a helicopter crash just three weeks after his inauguration as South Sudan's vice president. Her father, John Garang de Mabior, led the liberation movement for more than 20 years. Today he is revered as the founding father of South Sudan. Yet the documentary "No Simple Way Home" is much more than a family history.
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

"No Simple Way Home": First festival entry from South Sudan

The civil war has left its scars and peace is still fragile. Within this context, director Akuol de Mabior accompanies her mother Rebecca Nyandeng as she becomes the first female vice president of South Sudan. The film is not only an intimate portrait of the "mother of the nation", but creates access to the past, the present and the future of the country.
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

Family and country: What does home mean?

Akuol de Mabior does not provide a simple answer in her film "No Simple Way Home". The filmmaker was born and raised in exile. While both her mother and her sister Nyankuir have found their roles in the new country of South Sudan, Akuol de Mabior wonders how the civil war-torn country can ever become her home. "I will be thinking about it forever."
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

Films from Africa, for Africa: Great cinema in local languages

"I can't wait for us to show this film in South Sudan," said Don Edkins (right) of STEPS, pictured here with the film team after the premiere in Berlin. The South African non-profit organization STEPS is committed to bringing cinema to rural regions in Africa. To this end, "No Simple Way Home" will also be subtitled in local languages to better reach diverse audiences.
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

Crystal Bear for Best Film in Generation 14plus: "Alis"

"A moving film which, utilizing the simplest of means, creates an unbelievable closeness and intimacy. The protagonists and the audience are all confronted with pain and memories, albeit in a gentle manner. How do I manage to come to terms with my past without falling apart beneath it? The film answers this question with impressive honesty and directness," said the jury.
Powerful films, impressive people – DW Akademie at the Berlinale!

Documentary with impact: Change begins on screen

Ten young women who once lived on the streets of Bogotá tell of their hopes and dreams in "Alis". Filmmakers Clare Weiskopf and Nicolás van Hemelryck hope to make a difference with their film. Participating in an impact production workshop held by DW Akademie and the partner organization DOC:CO in Colombia helped them design their impact campaign #AlisExiste for social media.