Ein Film von Özlem Alkış x Nadin Tanriverdi

Denn ich bin ein Mensch: Still Portraits (Because I Am Human: Still Portraits) is based on a series of workshops that took place from July to December 2022 in a total of eight cities in Germany - including Düsseldorf in cooperation with tanzhaus nrw. The workshops explored and reflected on Alevi poetry, spiritual rituals and practices. The film Still Portraits shows insights into the experiences and impressions of the workshop participants in short video sequences. It is an experimental film created by Nadin Tanriverdi during the workshops. It gives voice to the participants and documents their individual spiritual survival strategies.

In the Alevi tradition, the core statements of faith are reflected in music. For many Alevis, the asik - the musician - is not only sacred, but also a source of resilience. Using the life and work of the Alevi poet Aşık Daimi (1932-1983) as an example, participants were shown ways and given strategies to counter structural and political discrimination, to deal with collective memories of persecution and oppression, and to overcome difficult situations. Questions such as what gives me strength when confronted with difficult situations and what sources of my faith offer me resilience were explored and discussed.

In an informal atmosphere in the tanzhaus foyer, with snacks and tea, there will be the opportunity to meet and talk with members of the Alevi community as well as the participants and leaders of the workshop. Everyone is welcome.

Duration: ca. 60 – 90 min.