Black Europe Film Fest: Edelweiss Film Screening and Moderated Q&A

Event Date & Time
| -
Event Location
The Main Cinema

115 SE Main Street
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Black Europe Film Festival (from mspfilm.org)

Opening Night Film: Edelweiss

Thursday, January 30 • Reception at 6:30pm • Screening at 7:30pm • Tickets: $10 General (+ $2 online service fee), $8 Members (no fee), $5 Students (door)

This special Black Europe Film Festival Opening Night screening is followed by a Q&A with the director of the film, Anna Gaberscik, moderated by Dr. Jamele Watkins, Assistant Professor of German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch at the University of Minnesota.

ABOUT THE FILM

US Premiere. Edelweiss (2023) is a performative documentary about the harrowing realities of Black people living in Europe, Austria specifically. It takes its title from the theme song of The Sound of Music and explores what it means for Black bodies to occupy the iconic landscapes celebrated in the film. The movie is a frank depiction of the perspectives of many Black people and people of color who have varying connections to Austria—some who call it home, some who have made it their home, and others who would never call it home.

Edelweiss was made to make Black people and people of color in Austria and beyond feel seen, empowered, and validated in the complexities of their experiences, especially in predominantly white societies. To white audiences, Edelweiss should be a wake-up call—a call to action. The film puts a mirror up to a society that lives to sweep things under the rug. Edelweiss is a loud declaration of existence and presence. It is an active challenge and demand.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Anna Gaberscik is an Austrian filmmaker and visual artist whose work explores themes of identity, belonging, and the lived experiences of marginalized communities in Europe. Her films often blend documentary and performative elements to challenge dominant narratives and bring visibility to underrepresented voices.

Dr. Jamele Watkins is a scholar of race and migration studies with a focus on Black diasporic experiences in German-speaking Europe. Her research and teaching explore intersections of literature, film, and cultural studies, with an emphasis on issues of identity and resistance.

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