Djam or an exciting European movie night

On the night of December 13, the red cinema of the HFF was filled with guests waiting with great anticipation and curiosity for the second European movie night concluding the European Year and the Go Europe! initiative of TUM International Center. Both former, future and current Erasmus students as well as language course participants and other interested parties gathered for the screening of the multilingual movie Djam by the French-Algerian director Tony Gatlif.

After the welcome by Denise Lichtig, director of the TUM Language Center, the coordinator of the competition, Angelika Weindel, awarded the winners of the TUM IC Photo Competition. As part of the Go Europe! project, it ran in 2018 under the title Europe on my mind. The twelve winning photos can be admired in the 2019 photo calendar and on the website of TUM International Center. During the award ceremony, prizewinner Pia Peitl stressed that the role of the EU in the lives of its citizens is often much greater than they are aware of – many things are taken for granted. The Erasmus stay in Paris made this clear to her and strengthened her awareness of Europe.

The director of the Europe Direct Information Centre Munich, Dr. Zuzana Jürgens, then shortly presented the film and drew attention to the upcoming European elections with a short commercial. The movie Djam lives through the strong character of the leading actress Djam and its intensive music scenes. Apart from the ecstatic music scenes, the hopelessness of the people living in Greece is highlighted, as the movie takes place shortly after the financial and in the midst of the refugee crisis. In spite of the miserable situation, the film challenges us to raise our heads again and remain optimistic.

After the movie a conversation with Costas Gianacacos from the Evangelical Migration Centre in the Greek House in Munich followed, in which the consequences of the refugee and economic crisis were discussed. The situation of the young generation and migration efforts to Northern Europe illustrate the European dimension of the crises. Tony Gatlif also warns against protectionist efforts in Europe and states: "The only true Europe is the Europe of culture and exchange". - An exchange made possible not least by Erasmus+.

To conclude the night with a sweet surprise, the TUM International Center and TUM Language Center staff distributed delicious Europe muffins: the perfect preparation for the Erasmus and Europe adventure!

Are you keen on living your own European Erasmus adventure? On the website of TUM International Center you can inform yourself about the various possibilities that Erasmus offers for exchange semesters and internships. TUM Language Center offers a broad variety of language courses as well as courses for intercultural communication that prepare you for your stay abroad.

If you are up for more movie nights with films in their original language and a discussion afterwards, the Diversity Movie Series of TUM Language Center is perfect for you. Come and enjoy!