Cinema has long been an effective medium for language learning, offering rich insights into the culture of a country or region. That’s why our school hosts an annual Cineforum, a series of film screenings designed for all those who love Mediterranean languages and cultures.

This year, our Cineforum focuses on the theme of migration—a timely and relevant topic deeply intertwined with language barriers and the challenges of navigating diverse cultures. Each month, we will feature a film that explores a unique migration story, presented in a different language.

This year, all proceeds from Cineforum ticket sales will be donated to Mediterranea Saving Humans, an organization committed to helping migrants stranded in Southern Europe. Taalhuis Amsterdam supports Mediterranea and its projects.

The film evening begins with a brief introduction in English, where our teachers provide insights into the film and its director. After the screening, you’ll have time to discuss the film’s themes and practice speaking the language you’re learning—sometimes with group activities or assignments led by the teacher.

This month, we watch ‘Fuoccoammare’ (2016) by Gianfranco Rosi.

Time and place: Saturday, 15 March 2025, Gerard Doustraat 220
Duration: 1h 54m
Languages: Italian, Sicilian dialect, Arabic
Subtitles: English

Program
19:00 – Introduction
19:15 – Film
21:15 – Aftertalk

*The ticket price includes one free drink. The movie has English subtitles and the introduction and after-talk sessions will be in English or Italian depending on the preference of the participants.

What to expect
Before the screening, our teachers will provide an introduction to the film (in English), offering insights into its context, noteworthy elements, and characteristics of the work and the director. During the introduction, you will be provided with some elements that will allow you to fully enjoy the film, not only from the point of view of its artistic beauty but also from the point of view of its cultural content.

After watching the film, there will be time to discuss and chat more about what we have seen and share discoveries and points of view. If possible, we will use the language you are learning with fellow students, teachers, and native speakers.

About the movie
‘Fuoccoammare’ (Fire at Sea) is a documentary film by director Gianfranco Rosi that won first prize at the 2016 Berlin Film Festival. The documentary weaves together several stories that all have the island of Lampedusa, Sicily, in common. Lampedusa is the first port of call for migrants trying to reach Europe from the shores of Africa, risking their lives.

On the one hand, we follow the stories of inhabitants of Lampedusa like Samuele, a young boy, the son of a fisherman, in his daily life of school, playing in nature, and having lunch with his grandmother; we listen to the stories of Samuele’s grandmother and father and witness their lives. We listen to the radio, which keeps the Lampedusians on land and those who work at sea as fishermen. On the other hand, we also follow the stories of the migrants who have just arrived, and of Pino Bartolo, the doctor who is in charge of rescuing those who have arrived and also of taking care of those who unfortunately did not make it.