The World is not my Village: 1st Part

7. November 2007, 19:00 - 23:00

The World is not my Village: Part 1

Bamako

A film and discussion evening by Sprachenatelier, in association with WEED (World Economy, Ecology & Development).

Set in: Malis, the capital city of Bamako. The singer Melé works in a bar. Her husband, Chaka, is unemployed. In the courtyard of their house, where they live together with their family, a new law is coming in to place. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank are being accused. Representatives of the African people are trying to reveal the big international coorporations for what they are and telling them exactly what they are doing wrong on the African continentfor which they are responsible for. The courtyard becomes a court room: while prosecutors, wittnesses and defense lawyers are at work, the day-to-day life outside carries on as normal, as if nothing is out of the ordinary. The discussions among the African people include such subjects as the way in which the North is treating the South.

„Bamako“ is an exciting, highly relevant film with a crafty way of making it's point by not limiting it to the events in Africa. The Mauritian director Abderrahmane Sissako sets up a trial against the World Bank and IWF. He is actively working against large international financial companies who say they are trying to fight against poverty and support economic prosperity, whose politics act in ways which cause impoverishment, inequality, debt, ecological damage and economic problems.

At the end of the film, we will discuss with Daniela Setton, from the NGO WEED, the effects of the IMF and the World Bank on the living conditions and the everyday life of the people in Africa, and why they need to be criticised for these effects. After the film we will be holding a discussion with Daniela Setton from the non-government organisation WEED. WEED is actively involved in promoting global development, social rights and ecological viability. WEED analyses the North/South relations, looks at the global conditions, and handles themes which are often overlooked in discussion and takes each international institution such as the World Bank and the IMF in sight.

This event is the first in a series called „The World Is Not My Village: Mankind in a Globalised World“. It will take place every three weeks (Wednesday at 19:00), when we will be showing films and hosting an open forum for those who are interested in themes such as globalisation, migration, environment with a focus on mankind and their worlds.

If you are interested, please let us know at: mail@sprachenatelier-berlin.de (Contact: Musa Aktas)

This event is free.