When I finished my Bachelor’s degree, I found myself in a bit of a rut. I didn’t feel ready for the world. I wanted to learn more but I was bored with my average German university. I yearned to pursue a Master’s degree but I wasn’t sure which field of study to pursue. The only thing I knew for sure was I wanted to study somewhere else — to meet new people, discover new interests, and overcome new challenges. In the end, I decided on business in Berlin. The city was new, the people were different, and the coursework was engaging. I came to appreciate and love it all. However, there were times when I wished I had aimed even higher, ventured further, and expanded my horizons and professional development. For those who have not yet pursued their Master’s degree (or are contemplating another), an informational event is scheduled for 12.03.2024. Attending this event will provide the extra ounce of courage needed to travel to destinations like the USA, France, Berkeley, INSEAD, and NUS. QS, the publisher of international university rankings, cordially invites you to the QS Master’s Fair at the Titanic am Gendarmenmarkt, where 25 top international universities will showcase themselves. Admission is free, and the event includes lectures on financing, feasibility, and, best of all, exclusive scholarships for attendees. What better motivation for shaping your dream future?
Text: Rosa Zwitscher / Photos: Cottonbro, Pixabay, Yan Krukau
QS Master-Messe, Titanic Gendarmenmarkt, Französische Str.30, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
12.03.2024 16h30–20h. You can register here for free.
The year is 2024. It’s February. The Berlin sky is gray. If you’ve been hibernating and missed the recent discussions, here’s a reminder: it’s Berlinale time again. The film festival is in its 74th edition, showcasing over 230 films for ten days starting today (15.02.2024). Tim Mielant’s historical drama “Small Things Like This“, featuring Cillian Murphy as a coal merchant in a small town in Wexford, Ireland, during the 1980s, will open the red carpet event. The film is part of the competition, vying for the Silver and Golden Bears against 19 other productions such as the documentary “Dahomey” and the debut film “Mé el Aïn” by Tunisian-French director Meryam Joobeur. Besides the buzz at Potsdamer Platz, Berlinale Goes Kiez (17.–23.02.) is back, bringing a touch of glamour to Berlin’s arthouse cinemas and beyond. “Last Swim” will be screened at City Kino Wedding, marking Sasha Nathwani’s feature film debut and kicking off the Generation 14pluscategory. The story revolves around Ziba, a British-Iranian teenager embarking on a journey of discovery with her friends on a scorching summer day in London. On 21.02. at Babylon Kreuzberg, Yorgos Zois invites you to a deserted seaside resort with “Arcadia“, where neurologist Katerina and former doctor Yannis are tasked with identifying a corpse. This captivating drama is part of Encounters, a section dedicated to showcasing new perspectives on cinema.
Fans of Nora Fingscheidt since “Systemsprenger” should add “The Outrun” to their must-watch list: Saoirse Ronan portrays Rona, who returns home after a long absence. As she confronts her memories of childhood and her tumultuous time in London, a poignant adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s autobiographical bestseller unfolds. Alongside the Berlinale’s main program, there’s a rich array of additional events. One notable example is Gewächshaus, a network by and for BIPOC filmmakers, hosting masterclasses, workshops, parties, and more at Fotografiska under the theme “Shifting Power at Berlinale”. Here’s hoping you snag tickets and soak in the festival atmosphere! What better way to escape Berlin’s dreariness than by immersing yourself in a film marathon, sinking into a cinema seat with popcorn in hand, and being transported to another world.
Text: Sophie Doering / Stills: The Outrun, Matt McQuillan & Les Films du Bal – Fanta Sy
The complete Berlinale program is available online. Further information can be found on the website.
@berlinale
January is almost over and with it the Vegan Food Challenge. As with many ambitious resolutions (more exercise, work-life balance, sustainable living), this is usually the end of the road. They rarely make it beyond the first few weeks of the year. Berlin start-up Wholey makes sticking to veganism a lot easier. They have set themselves the task of revolutionizing the breakfast game with organic plant-based products, focusing on long-term lifestyle changes. And they’re inviting you to Wholey headquarters in Berlin-Wedding this Saturday (27.01.2024), where they’ll be hosting the very first Good Mood Pop-Up, to help bring you closer to positive change and a healthier lifestyle. Together with innovative Berlin brands such as Mondarella, Vly, Mamma Natur, Karl & Karlo, BettaF!sh, Kombuchery, Kruut, Reoat and Ylumi, the motto is: using purely plant-based ingredients does not mean food has to be boring or compromise on flavor! We’ve been lucky enough to try some of the products ahead of the event, and we can confirm they’re innovative, packed beautifully and taste delicious. You can try the products for yourself, ask questions and learn how you can be part of the positive change at the pop-up. And Berlin wouldn’t be Berlin if there wasn’t music to set the (good) mood, right? A live DJ set will create the right atmosphere throughout the day. Participation is free — so there’s no excuse not to stick to your resolutions throughout the year.
Text: Stephanie Johne / Photos: kruut, Savannah van der Niet, Wholey
Good Mood Pop-Up by Wholey, Drontheimer Str.34A, 13359 Berlin-Wedding; map
Sat 27.01.2024, 11–16h. Reserve your spot for free here.
Colorful, humorous, and a little funky — the artist duo Zebu will showcase one of their large-format hand-tufted tapestries from the “Schnittmenge” series in a solo exhibition at the Cee Cee Cafe starting this Friday (19.01.2024). Collaborating since 2015, Lynn Lehmann and Dennis Gärtner’s artistic repertoire includes illustrations, graphic design, and paintings— manifested as prints, expansive murals, or tapestries. The art opening has been curated by Spoiler Aktionsraum. Housed in a former car dealership in Moabit, this curator collective consistently brings forth diverse artistic formats. If you wish to be part of it, feel free to drop by. The event kicks off at 18h with beer and wine provided!
Text: Sophie Doering / Photos: Paulina Hildesheim & Zebu
Cee Cee Cafe, Besselstr.13, 10969 Berlin–Kreuzberg; map
Art Opening 19.01.2024 18–22h
@ceecee.cafe
@z_e_b_u
@spoiler.zone
The pubs in Vienna’s working-class district mean more to Erich Bohacek, also known as “Rickerl,” than just places to socialize – they are his living room and his stage. Balancing roles as a gravedigger, sex store employee, and wedding singer, he navigates life with the hope of achieving his big breakthrough. However, Rickerl often struggles even to afford a trip to the movies with his beloved son Dominik. In “Rickerl – Musik ist höchstens ein Hobby,” director and screenwriter Adrian Goiginger – already recognized for “Die beste aller Welten,” “Märzengrund,” and “Der Fuchs” – crafts an emotional and melancholic comedy. The film not only depicts the challenges of everyday life in Vienna’s working-class district but also explores the yearning for success and the constant struggle for one’s own identity. Austrian singer-songwriter Voodoo Jürgens, in his first leading role as Rickerl, infuses the character with a musical soul. His songs intricately weave into the plot, enhancing the narrative’s intensity. After the screening at Passage Kino in Neukölln (29.01.2024) , there will be a talk and Q&A with Adrian Goiginger and Voodoo Jürgens, followed by a concert featuring the film’s songs. It promises to be an evening for cineastes and music lovers alike.
Text: Alison Musch / Stills: Rickerl
Pandora Film
Passage, Karl-Marx-Str.131, 12043 Berlin–Neukölln; map
Special Screening “Rickerl – Musik is höchstens a Hobby” 29.01.2024 at 20h.
@pandorafilmverleih
@yorck.kinogruppe