Mexico City, Ibero Americana University. 6 November 2024.
A Cinematic Journey to Connect Cultures
The 4th edition of the EthnoKino Film Festival proved to be nothing short of extraordinary. Originating in the heart of Bern, Switzerland, our festival has always been about celebrating ethnographic storytelling and the shared humanity that binds us all. This year, we took that ethos to new heights or more accurately, across the globe. From bustling metropolises to remote natural landscapes, our festival embarked on a world tour, making stops in Mexico City, Meiringen, Patagonia, Marrakech and Berlin.
Each destination on our tour was carefully chosen to resonate with the festival’s mission of exploring human stories and the intricate relationships between people, culture, and their environments. Here’s a glimpse into each leg of our journey:
Bern: Where It All Began Our world tour began where EthnoKino’s heart beats strongest: Bern. The city’s vibrant cultural scene and engaged community provided the perfect launchpad for this year’s festival. Local audiences embraced our selection of films, which ranged from intimate portraits of everyday life to broader explorations of global issues. The opening event at a historic venue brought together filmmakers, anthropologists, and cinema enthusiasts for thought-provoking discussions and a celebration of ethnographic storytelling. This year, we have also moved to two new incredible venues: one located along the beautiful Aare River, Cinematte, and another, Quinnie, one of the largest cinemas in town. See extensive highlights and gallery at the blog post.
Mexico City: A Vibrant and Young Kickoff Our journey began in the pulsating heart of Mexico City. Known for its rich tapestry of traditions, food, and art, the city provided the perfect backdrop for opening the festival. Local audiences were treated to films that explored themes of migration, identity, and resilience all particularly poignant given Mexico’s vibrant social and historical landscapes. The screening was followed by lively discussions, underscoring the power of cinema held particularly among young audiences in ENAH, IBERO Americana University and at Huerto Roma Verte in a geodesic bamboo house.
@Photographs by Hanna Gubler.
Meiringen: Alpine Magic in the Swiss Alps From the bustling streets of Mexico City, we journeyed to the serene landscapes of Meiringen, nestled in the Swiss Alps. This intimate setting allowed for deep reflection on films centered around mountain cultures, climate change, food and resilience. Screenings were accompanied by music and walks through the stunning alpine terrain, reinforcing the connections between the local and the global. The event was organised in collaboration with our partners Klimaneutralen Region Oberland-Ost and hosted by Kino Meiringen.
Patagonia: Stories for Community Patagonia offered an otherworldly setting for our festival’s third stop. With its windswept plains and towering peaks, this region in the southern hemisphere captivated audiences and filmmakers alike. Here, we showcased stories of indigenous stewardship, climate challenges, and the enduring spirit of local communities. Wide community engagement was a testament to the profound relationship between storytelling and place.
Marrakech: Where Tradition Meets Modernity Our final destination brought us to the historic yet cosmopolitan city of Marrakech. This vibrant cultural hub, with its labyrinthine medina and bustling souks, provided a dynamic stage for films celebrating African and Arab heritage. The festival was held in a big nomad's tent at Terre d'Eveil closed with a celebration of shared traditions and music.
Berlin: A Hub of Creativity and Exchange The world tour culminated in Berlin, a city renowned for its artistic innovation and cultural diversity. Here, the EthnoKino Film Festival found an enthusiastic audience eager to engage with thought-provoking narratives from around the world. The screenings, curated by Melike Atmanoglu were held in the coziest cinema in the world Lichtblick kino, emphasized themes of urbanization, migration, and the intersections of tradition and modernity. Berlin’s vibrant creative community brought a unique energy to the post-screening discussions, with filmmakers and attendees exchanging ideas late into the night. This stop underscored the city’s role as a global crossroads for cultural dialogue and innovation.
Beyond the Screen: Building Community Through Storytelling
What made this year’s festival truly remarkable wasn’t just the films, it was the connections forged at every stop. Filmmakers, scholars, activists, and local audiences came together to share their experiences and insights. Whether through post-screening Q&A sessions, workshops, or impromptu conversations over coffee or an apero, the festival became a living, breathing space for intercultural exchange.
Looking Ahead: EthnoKino’s Evolving Vision
The success of our world tour has inspired us to dream even bigger. EthnoKino has always been about more than just films; it’s a movement dedicated to fostering understanding and dialogue through the power of ethnographic storytelling. As we look ahead to future editions, we’re committed to deepening these connections and bringing untold stories to even more corners of the world.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on this incredible journey. Whether you were in Bern, Mexico City, Meiringen, Patagonia, Berlin or Marrakech, your participation and passion are what make EthnoKino a truly global celebration of humanity. We thank our sponsors and partners for making this a truly remarkable year.
Stay tuned for updates on our next adventure for 2025. Until then, let’s keep the conversations alive and the stories flowing!
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