Conference on Representation in Film (Vol. 2)

In cooperation with the Evangelische Akademie Tutzing, FILMFEST MÜNCHEN is presenting “Representation in Film (Vol. 2)”. This three-day conference (November 28–30, 2023) will address and discuss fresh perspectives on assigned roles, narratives and visibility in front of the camera as well as on the structures and decision-making processes that exist behind the camera. The agenda has been finalized and registration is now open.

The images we see stay in our minds. Stories we hear tell us about our world. Who identifies with them? Who writes the screenplays for our films, who chooses the faces that appear in them, which environments get to be portrayed — and more importantly: which do not?

“In March 2022, we, along with our partners and conference participants, delivered an important impetus to the German film industry. New alliances were formed, new networks were established, and we’re delighted that our conference was able to play a part in this. In this second round in late November, we aim to review the developments of the past year with regard to representation in film and the media in Germany. We will be focusing on young filmmakers and technology. We will also be examining far-right attitudes, which have been spreading in this country,” say Christoph Gröner (festival director, FILMFEST MÜNCHEN) and Julia Weigl (artistic co-director, FILMFEST MÜNCHEN).

Representation. So much more than just a lovely word. Representation means work, dialogue, but also contention. The word itself implies participation: being present. Whoever is seen as being a part of things, belongs. Unless all the parts are included and acknowledged, the result cannot be complete. Enabling representation also means recognizing privilege, sharing it with others, and in some cases having to relinquish it. Not everyone is happy with that.

The world of arts and culture has long been a front in a culture war between conservatives and movements that are progressive, diverse and exclusive. Amid recent political developments that have sought to normalize marginalization, polarization, and negative stereotypes, a further aspect has emerged. “The New Right has discovered the arts as a battlefield,” writes journalist Peter Laudenbach. The film scene is no exception.

From November 28 to 30, FILMFEST MÜNCHEN in cooperation with the Evangelische Akademie Tutzing will continue the dialogue begun at their first joint conference, “Seeing and Being Seen: Representation in Film”, in March 2022. What has transpired in the meantime? What obstacles remain? And what will the influence of artificial intelligence entail? In a search for solutions, the Evangelische Akademie Tutzing will address and discuss assigned roles, narratives, and visibility in front of the camera as well as the structures and (decision-making) processes that exist behind the camera. Representatives of major initiatives (such as Schwarze Filmschaffende e.V., Netzwerk Film + Demokratie, NewMotion), of various institutions (European Film Academy, MedienNetzwerk Bayern) and, for the first time, of all German funding institutions are expected to attend. International partners will contribute inspiring input.

This event is sponsored by FFF Bayern and supported by Creative Europe Desk München.

The complete conference agenda can be found here.

Information on registration is available here.