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Osnabrück Film Festival: 40 years of migration in film – discuss now!
On October 11th, experts will discuss migration and identity in film at the Osnabrück Film Festival. Admission free.
Osnabrück Film Festival: 40 years of migration in film – discuss now!
September 29, 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the Osnabrück Film Festival. On this special occasion, a panel discussion entitled “Germany, a country of immigration – in life and on screen” will take place. The University of Osnabrück announces that the event begins on October 11th in the Felix Nussbaum House and starts at 3 p.m.
In cooperation with the Institute for Migration Research and Intercultural Studies (IMIS) at the University of Osnabrück and the ThinkTank Migrationspolitik e.V., we look back on 40 years of film stories about migration. Thematically, the discussion focuses on the development of guest workers in the 1980s through the “baseball bat years” in the 1990s to current debates about refugee migration and integration.
Creative engagement with migration
The panel discussion aims to show how social developments in Germany, a country of immigration, are treated in independent films. One focus is on analyzing the changes in social discourses and film perspectives over the years. Prof. Dr. Christoph Rass emphasizes the important role that films play in the perception of migrants.
Numerous experts have their say in the discussion: In addition to Prof. Dr. Christoph Rass, the filmmaker Serpil Turhan and the cultural scientist Aurora Rodonò are also represented. The language of the event will be German and entry is free.
Cinematic perspectives on migration
A current example of the film's examination of migration is the Berlinale, where migration is treated as a central theme. Maria Kleftaki has seen several films about migration that focus on the search for a home. These include “Dreams” by Michel Franco, “The Light” by Tom Tykwer and “Our Wildest Days” by Vasilis Kekatos. These films shed light on both individual life stories and the challenges faced by migrants.
- „Dreams“: Der Film handelt von Fernando, einem talentierten Balletttänzer aus Mexiko, der aufgrund von Armut in die USA flieht.
- „Das Licht“: Hier wird die Geschichte einer syrischen Frau erzählt, die als Haushälterin einer wohlhabenden Berliner Familie unerwartete Veränderungen mitbringt.
- „Our Wildest Days“: Der Film zeigt das Roadmovie der jungen Chloe, die vor ihrer familiären Situation flieht und dabei ihre Identität sucht.
The diversity of the filmic narratives reflects the complex reality experiences of migrants in Germany and underlines the importance of cinema as a medium for reflecting on existing social identities and affiliations. Both the panel discussion and the films shown promote awareness of the diversity of cultural experiences and the challenges associated with migration.
Vera Hanewinkel from the University of Osnabrück is available for media inquiries and can be contacted at vera.hanewinkel@uni-osnabrueck.de.
Visit the film festival to learn more about the deep themes of belonging, identity and migration. Osnabrück Film Festival offers an excellent platform for the exchange of ideas and perspectives.
In addition, this clarifies Goethe Institute the relevance for culture and society in Germany, which actively addresses migration-related topics in the film and brings them up for discussion.