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’ll watch ‘Umuda Yolculuk’ (1990) by Xavier Koller.

Time and place: Saturday, 18 January 2025, Gerard Doustraat 220
Duration: 1h 45m
Languages: German, Italian, Turkish
Subtitles: English

Program
19:00 – Introduction
19:15 – Film
21:00 – 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 Turkish 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
‘Umuda Yolculuk’ (original title: ‘Reise der Hoffnung’-Journey of Hope) tells the story of a Kurdish rural family from Turkey, trying to illegally emigrate to Switzerland, a country they know only from a postcard.

We follow the journey of the Öztürk family from Eastern Turkey to Switzerland where they expect to find a prosperous life and many opportunities for employment and happiness. It is a dangerous journey due to natural elements but even more so due to discrimination and lack of solidarity from people they encounter on their journey. Nevertheless, the family does not give up. Once they arrive at their destination, they realise that – unfortunately – the journey of hope has only just begun.

A harsh, brutally honest, film about the reality of emigration. What a migrant is forced to let go of and how much a community can make a difference. The film is directed by Xavier Koller and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1991.