︎CALL FOR FILMS
06.5.2024
CALL FOR FILMS
AKE DIKHEA?
We are looking for films that offer a critical reflection on the lived realities of Romani people and productions that include Romani film professionals. Romani people and organizations can also make recommendations for films and Roma and non-Roma filmmakers are invited to submit their films.
Film registration methods:
FilmFreeWay: https://filmfreeway.com/AkeDikhea
Google Form: https://forms.gle/zjKEPN5saTEjoAmQ6
For film recommendations:
E-mail: info@akedikhea.com
Deadline for submission or proposals:
Monday, 15.07.2024
AKE DIKHEA? translated means “YOU SEE?". It is a self-organized, international festival of Romani film that will take place in Berlin on 21st – 27th October 2024. The festival presents the world and societies from the perspective of Romani people. We ask the questions which films represent us? Which themes are important to us? How do we see ourselves and how do we want to be seen? We don't want to wait until someone gives us a voice. We want to shape the social space ourselves and decide on the themes and structure of the festival events.
The festival is organized by the Berlin Roma self-organization RomaTrial and takes place at the traditional cinema BABYLON and at the Grüner Salon of the Volksbühne thatre in Berlin.
Further information can be found on the akedikhea.com website.
The International Festival of Romani Film AKE DIKHEA? stands for a unique, participatory selection process: Thanks to our worldwide network of (Romani) filmmakers, we are able to discover topics, people and perspectives that would otherwise remain hidden or only have a local or national impact. The whole process is transparent and inclusive:
Between 06.05.2024 and 15.07.2024, we will collect proposals and applications for films from various Romani communities, stakeholders and individuals.
The artistic director Hamze Bytyçi and the festival co-curator Lisa Smith will together select around 10-20 short and feature-length films to be presented at the film festival.
For the duration of the festival (21.10. – 27.10.2024), an international jury – of Romani and non-Romani film professionals – will meet to make a selection for the best short, best feature and attendees of the festival will determine the audience choice award.
We accept films by Romani and non-Romani filmmakers with the highest degree of reflection on prejudices against Romani people. We accept all film genres and lengths.
We accept films by Romani and non-Romani filmmakers with the highest degree of reflection on prejudices experienced by Romani people.
The submission of films via Google form is free of charge. For the submission via FilmFreeWay, we require a symbolic fee of 1 Euro.
It is possible to register short films as well as feature-length films, we accept all film genres.
We accept films regardless of the year of production, even though we prefer films finished in 2023 and 2024.
Each individual or organization may propose a maximum of five full-length films and ten short films.
If the film is not in English, it must have English subtitles.
We do not accept unfinished films. We ask that you only propose and register completed films that are ready for public screening. It will not be possible to submit a new film version after the application deadline.
AKE DIKHEA?
8th International Festival of Romani Film
21. – 27.10.2024
We are looking for films that offer a critical reflection on the lived realities of Romani people and productions that include Romani film professionals. Romani people and organizations can also make recommendations for films and Roma and non-Roma filmmakers are invited to submit their films.
Film registration methods:
FilmFreeWay: https://filmfreeway.com/AkeDikhea
Google Form: https://forms.gle/zjKEPN5saTEjoAmQ6
For film recommendations:
E-mail: info@akedikhea.com
Deadline for submission or proposals:
Monday, 15.07.2024
Background information:
AKE DIKHEA? translated means “YOU SEE?". It is a self-organized, international festival of Romani film that will take place in Berlin on 21st – 27th October 2024. The festival presents the world and societies from the perspective of Romani people. We ask the questions which films represent us? Which themes are important to us? How do we see ourselves and how do we want to be seen? We don't want to wait until someone gives us a voice. We want to shape the social space ourselves and decide on the themes and structure of the festival events.
The festival is organized by the Berlin Roma self-organization RomaTrial and takes place at the traditional cinema BABYLON and at the Grüner Salon of the Volksbühne thatre in Berlin.
Further information can be found on the akedikhea.com website.
Selection process
The International Festival of Romani Film AKE DIKHEA? stands for a unique, participatory selection process: Thanks to our worldwide network of (Romani) filmmakers, we are able to discover topics, people and perspectives that would otherwise remain hidden or only have a local or national impact. The whole process is transparent and inclusive:
Between 06.05.2024 and 15.07.2024, we will collect proposals and applications for films from various Romani communities, stakeholders and individuals.
The artistic director Hamze Bytyçi and the festival co-curator Lisa Smith will together select around 10-20 short and feature-length films to be presented at the film festival.
For the duration of the festival (21.10. – 27.10.2024), an international jury – of Romani and non-Romani film professionals – will meet to make a selection for the best short, best feature and attendees of the festival will determine the audience choice award.
We accept films by Romani and non-Romani filmmakers with the highest degree of reflection on prejudices against Romani people. We accept all film genres and lengths.
Proposal guidelines
We accept films by Romani and non-Romani filmmakers with the highest degree of reflection on prejudices experienced by Romani people.
The submission of films via Google form is free of charge. For the submission via FilmFreeWay, we require a symbolic fee of 1 Euro.
It is possible to register short films as well as feature-length films, we accept all film genres.
We accept films regardless of the year of production, even though we prefer films finished in 2023 and 2024.
Each individual or organization may propose a maximum of five full-length films and ten short films.
If the film is not in English, it must have English subtitles.
We do not accept unfinished films. We ask that you only propose and register completed films that are ready for public screening. It will not be possible to submit a new film version after the application deadline.
︎AKE DIKHEA? 2024 is coming!
15.02.2024
We are very happy to open another year with AKE DIKHEA?. Between October 21 – 27, 2024, already the 8th edition of the film festival will take place. We are currently busy with exciting events and encounters during the Berlinale and the European Film Market, but will get back to you soon with more information about this year's Call for Films and other details! Stay tuned!
︎AKE DIKHEA? 2023: REVIEW OF THE YEAR
21.12.2023
2023 – What a great festival year!
With its 7th edition between 23 and 29 October 2023, the International Roma Film Festival AKE DIKHEA? was able to consolidate and expand its unique position as the world's leading Roma film festival. Under the patronage of Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth and in partnership with the European Film Academy, the festival invited people to show the courage of their imagination: With the motto "Decolonise Imagination", it posed fundamental questions about artistic production and representation of Roma* in film and art in general. It became clear that Roma filmmakers can take the narrative into their own hands, reshape the meaning of "being Roma" and - in the words of Artistic Director Hamze Bytyçi - proudly show self-determined clichés!
The festival focused on screenings of 20 short, documentary and feature films from 13 countries, two panel discussions on the decolonisation of film archives and on Roma* in pop culture, a captivating flamenco evening and, of course, the audience favourites: the opening and closing evenings with a little glamour and a lot of music! In one week, the packed programme attracted over 1,000 visitors to the BABYLON cinema and the Grüner Salon at the Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz in Berlin.
In addition, 46 international film professionals travelled to the festival as guests who took part in the specialist programme: the annual meeting of the AVAZYA network of Roma filmmakers, the AVAZYA Film Lab or the online speed dating with leading European short film festivals. For the young audience, the dance star of last year's AKE DIKHEA?, David Kwiek aka Mr Quick, offered a workshop in contemporary dance.
This year, the festival team was supported by over 15 volunteers from the "Kaštenca & Barenca" project, who also brought a fresh, young perspective and a great deal of interest in film. And so we look to the future with great hope
With its 7th edition between 23 and 29 October 2023, the International Roma Film Festival AKE DIKHEA? was able to consolidate and expand its unique position as the world's leading Roma film festival. Under the patronage of Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth and in partnership with the European Film Academy, the festival invited people to show the courage of their imagination: With the motto "Decolonise Imagination", it posed fundamental questions about artistic production and representation of Roma* in film and art in general. It became clear that Roma filmmakers can take the narrative into their own hands, reshape the meaning of "being Roma" and - in the words of Artistic Director Hamze Bytyçi - proudly show self-determined clichés!
The festival focused on screenings of 20 short, documentary and feature films from 13 countries, two panel discussions on the decolonisation of film archives and on Roma* in pop culture, a captivating flamenco evening and, of course, the audience favourites: the opening and closing evenings with a little glamour and a lot of music! In one week, the packed programme attracted over 1,000 visitors to the BABYLON cinema and the Grüner Salon at the Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz in Berlin.
In addition, 46 international film professionals travelled to the festival as guests who took part in the specialist programme: the annual meeting of the AVAZYA network of Roma filmmakers, the AVAZYA Film Lab or the online speed dating with leading European short film festivals. For the young audience, the dance star of last year's AKE DIKHEA?, David Kwiek aka Mr Quick, offered a workshop in contemporary dance.
This year, the festival team was supported by over 15 volunteers from the "Kaštenca & Barenca" project, who also brought a fresh, young perspective and a great deal of interest in film. And so we look to the future with great hope
Photos © Stephanie Ballantine
Photos © Alexander Ali Rönisch
︎AKE DIKHEA? 2023: AWARDS AND HONORABLE MENTIONS NOW
PUBLIC!
30.10.2023
The jury of AKE DIKHEA? 2023 – Benita Bailey, Pamela
Cohn and Delaine Le Bas – found their favourite films! Also the Audience Choice
Award and an Honorable Mention by the Artistic Director are clear now. Check
out the awards and honorable mentions now:
By Robin Kvapil
Czech Republic ● 2022 ● 75’
Jury Statement:
Our jury gives this award to a film that shows the undeniable power of one individual to change many, many lives — those of his own family, as well as dozens of strangers he’ll never meet. The director follows his main protagonist from the humble circumstances of his own life to the halls of European political power, all the while infusing the story with an exhilarating portrait of a generous, fully awake, and driven human being, one who means to change the world one truckload at a time. The jury gives the Best Feature Film award to Robin Kvapil’s “Citizen Miko”.
By Alecio Araci
Sweden ● 2023 ● 15’
Jury Statement:
This ground-breaking short film explores the intersectionality of identity and trauma, celebrating the diversity within the Roma community and queerness. It addresses themes of self-acceptance, love, grief, and intergenerational relations, fearlessly tackling taboos. With its poignant storytelling, authentic representation, and emotional depth, viewers are captivated by the twists and aesthetic brilliance. Every detail in the film tells a story, shedding light on lesser-discussed hierarchies within the Roma culture. By doing so, the film reflects back to the community a new narrative. The director said, this film is a means for himself to heal. We, the jury, believe this film gives audiences of the Roma community, the LGBTQ+ community, and all other communities the opportunity to heal as well. The prize for the Best Short Film of the 7th International Roma Film Festival goes to “Chavo”.
By Tom Wilson
Romania ● 2018 ● 70’
As an International Festival of Romani Film, we are especially happy that the film “Matthew Mark Luke John” won the Audience Choice Award. The feature film was shot in Romania in a Romani village of which over the half of its population migrated to Germany and found a new home in Berlin. These are people very active at RomaTrial, the association organizing AKE DIKHEA? since 2017. More than 15 young people originally from this Romanian village supported our festival as volunteers. We were happy that most of the audience of the screening of “Matthew Mark Luke John” came from the Romani community and that they made their voices be heard!
By Ádám Császi
Ensemble Cast: Kristóf Horváth, Franciska Farkas, Edmond Oláh, Rómeó Pápai, Cristopher Pászik, Norbert Varga
Hungary ● 2022 ● 93’
Jury Statement:
As the jury we discussed how we need to work together to “decolonise our imaginations” to quote the festival and the spaces we are in. For the film which we found outstanding on so many levels, these are the questions which we hand back to the director to discuss further and address and so therefore we give a Jury Special Mention to the ensemble cast of Three Thousand Numbered Pieces for their outstanding contributions.
By Farzad Samsami
Norway ● 2022 ● 18’
Jury Statement:
Our jury wanted to recognise this beautiful fictional family portrait with an Honourable Mention —not only for the director’s accomplished script filled with painful silences and halting declarations of love and his adept and sensitive direction, but also for the deeply nuanced and moving performance from its lead, played by Angel Jansen, a young talent to watch. The Honourable Mention for a Short Film goes to Farzad Samsami’s “Lavina”.
By Sejad Ademaj
Germany ● 2022 ● 13‘
Statement of the Artistic Director:
The film not only brings my personal story to the screen, but also my long-standing political concern: the right to stay for Roma in Germany and a stop to the deportation of people who were born and raised here. And especially in times of the planned tightening of asylum laws and the upcoming massive deportations of many different people, this film is more important than ever. “Fifteen Minutes” shows in an authentic and empathetic way how a political decision can turn a happy everyday moment into a disaster for an entire family.
Best Feature Film
Citizen MikoBy Robin Kvapil
Czech Republic ● 2022 ● 75’
Jury Statement:
Our jury gives this award to a film that shows the undeniable power of one individual to change many, many lives — those of his own family, as well as dozens of strangers he’ll never meet. The director follows his main protagonist from the humble circumstances of his own life to the halls of European political power, all the while infusing the story with an exhilarating portrait of a generous, fully awake, and driven human being, one who means to change the world one truckload at a time. The jury gives the Best Feature Film award to Robin Kvapil’s “Citizen Miko”.
Best Short Film
ChavoBy Alecio Araci
Sweden ● 2023 ● 15’
Jury Statement:
This ground-breaking short film explores the intersectionality of identity and trauma, celebrating the diversity within the Roma community and queerness. It addresses themes of self-acceptance, love, grief, and intergenerational relations, fearlessly tackling taboos. With its poignant storytelling, authentic representation, and emotional depth, viewers are captivated by the twists and aesthetic brilliance. Every detail in the film tells a story, shedding light on lesser-discussed hierarchies within the Roma culture. By doing so, the film reflects back to the community a new narrative. The director said, this film is a means for himself to heal. We, the jury, believe this film gives audiences of the Roma community, the LGBTQ+ community, and all other communities the opportunity to heal as well. The prize for the Best Short Film of the 7th International Roma Film Festival goes to “Chavo”.
Audience Choice Award
Matthew Mark Luke JohnBy Tom Wilson
Romania ● 2018 ● 70’
As an International Festival of Romani Film, we are especially happy that the film “Matthew Mark Luke John” won the Audience Choice Award. The feature film was shot in Romania in a Romani village of which over the half of its population migrated to Germany and found a new home in Berlin. These are people very active at RomaTrial, the association organizing AKE DIKHEA? since 2017. More than 15 young people originally from this Romanian village supported our festival as volunteers. We were happy that most of the audience of the screening of “Matthew Mark Luke John” came from the Romani community and that they made their voices be heard!
Jury Special Mention to the Ensemble Cast
Three Thousand Numbered PiecesBy Ádám Császi
Ensemble Cast: Kristóf Horváth, Franciska Farkas, Edmond Oláh, Rómeó Pápai, Cristopher Pászik, Norbert Varga
Hungary ● 2022 ● 93’
Jury Statement:
As the jury we discussed how we need to work together to “decolonise our imaginations” to quote the festival and the spaces we are in. For the film which we found outstanding on so many levels, these are the questions which we hand back to the director to discuss further and address and so therefore we give a Jury Special Mention to the ensemble cast of Three Thousand Numbered Pieces for their outstanding contributions.
Short Film Honorable Mention
LavinaBy Farzad Samsami
Norway ● 2022 ● 18’
Jury Statement:
Our jury wanted to recognise this beautiful fictional family portrait with an Honourable Mention —not only for the director’s accomplished script filled with painful silences and halting declarations of love and his adept and sensitive direction, but also for the deeply nuanced and moving performance from its lead, played by Angel Jansen, a young talent to watch. The Honourable Mention for a Short Film goes to Farzad Samsami’s “Lavina”.
Honorable Mention by the Artistic Director
Fifteen MinutesBy Sejad Ademaj
Germany ● 2022 ● 13‘
Statement of the Artistic Director:
The film not only brings my personal story to the screen, but also my long-standing political concern: the right to stay for Roma in Germany and a stop to the deportation of people who were born and raised here. And especially in times of the planned tightening of asylum laws and the upcoming massive deportations of many different people, this film is more important than ever. “Fifteen Minutes” shows in an authentic and empathetic way how a political decision can turn a happy everyday moment into a disaster for an entire family.
Best Feature Film – Citizen Miko by Robin Kvapil
Best Short Film – Chavo by Alecio Araci
Audience Choice Award – Matthew Mark Luke John by Tom Wilson
Jury Special Mention to the Ensemble Cast –
Three Thousand Numbered Pieces by Ádám Császi
Short Film Honorable Mention – Lavina
by Farzad Samsami