Panel talk: Curatorial Discomforts

With Themba Bhebhe, Seggen Mikael, and Kareem Baholzer. Moderation: Djamila Grandits

In this panel discussion, we will take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at film cultural/film curatorial practice and working environments. What discrimination, hierarchisation and biases come to bear when works by non-white filmmakers are programmed and shown? What do BIPoC experience in working groups and contexts with white colleagues? How do BIPoC deal with discriminatory structures and experiences in a film cultural context?

What responsibilities and challenges arise in Black film curatorial practice? What conflicts, discrimination and biases come into play when working within predominantly white contexts?
What alliances and strategies do we need here. What urgencies and experiences
determine the work in and with institutions? What spaces and contexts for film cultural practices and positions do we long for? (DG+FH+GB)

Co-conception and organisation: Djamila Grandits.

The panel follows a workshop for BiPoC dealing with the same topic.

Themba Bhebhe is an independent film industry programmer and talent support expert and mentor working at the intersections of DEI, the African and Caribbean screen industries and Indigenous film in collaboration with organization such as Third Horizon, Durban FilmMart, the European Film Market and the film fund, New Dawn.

Seggen Mikael works freelance as a cultural manager, programmer and writer. She designs (film) programs and social media appearances, curates talks and organises projects with a focus on marginalized people and is part of the consulting collective DisChecks. In her work as a programmer and moderator, she mainly focuses on film/art and media, as well as intersectional discrimination, inclusion and equity.

 Kareem Baholzer is a writer, film festival programmer and -maker based in Berlin, aiming to approach the industry through a power critical lense. They are currently programming for the Xposed Queer Film Festival, viewing for the Berlinale and working on their own film project.

Djamila Grandits is a curator based in Vienna. As part of CineCollective, she directs Kaleidoskop Film and Freiluft am Karlsplatz. She is part of the pre-selection for Berlinale Panorama and a member of Zurich Film Foundation’s non-fiction commission. Most recently, she was involved in the programming of DOK Leipzig, Tricky Women – Tricky Realities and Frame[o]ut Open Air