NIMM PLATZ - THE ART OF SURVIVING und AHWACH – DANCE OF THE COMMUNITY

In the organizer's words:

Two films about resilience, cohesion and understanding through dance. Curated by the Moovy Festival.

The art of surviving
Turkey 2023, 27'09''
Director: Michael Maurissens
Co-production: Alan Antakya

In "The Art of Surviving", a moving and inspiring story unfolds around Duru, Elvin, Bade, Sare, Sude, Bade, Umut, Turna, Hazal, Masal and Nevra, all deeply affected by the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Northern Syria on February 6. These young girls, each with their own unique experiences of loss and resilience, come together to find their way to acceptance and rebuilding. United by their shared trauma and desire for a safer future, they find solace and strength in the transformative power of dance. Through their expressive movements, they process their emotions, rebuild their shattered lives and hold on to hope. Dancing becomes more than just a physical activity; it evolves into a celebration of life and a testament to their unwavering spirit. Their journey together illustrates the healing power of community and the importance of finding joy in the midst of adversity. "The Art of Surviving" is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty that can emerge from even the darkest of times.

and

Ahwach - Dance of the community
Morocco 2024, 71′
Director: Michael Maurissens

An ancient ritual from the edge of the Sahara - perhaps exemplary for many indigenous cultures - preserves another circular "knowledge" [about the spiraling and circular movements of life] about the common, unifying middle way between opposites. In the language of those who have called themselves Imazighen, "the free", for over 2000 years, Ahwach is the "dance of community". Although here, at the foot of the southern Moroccan Atlas Mountains, each village has its own Ahwach, they all sing and dance from one and the same, like the water of their springs, oases and rivers. Could we once again find the key to a dialog between identities, cultures and skills that have become irreconcilable?

NIMM PLATZ am Neumarkt is a joint project of Cologne's cultural administration and the independent cultural scene, with contributions from students at the University of Music and Dance (HfMT) and the Academy of Media Arts (KHM).