Using his family history as an example, Louis Henderson explains why true solidarity does not mean that we need to be equivalent but how our shared experiences and common interests can be the basis of unity.
A plea for transnational archival work. By Can Sungu
“Fiktionsbescheinigung.” 16 Cinematic Perspectives on Germany
“Fiktionsbescheinigung” (literally “fiction certificate/certificate of fictionality”) is a concept used in German officialese. When people from non-EU countries apply to have their residence permits extended, they receive this particular certificate to cover the period during which their application is processed, thus enabling them to prove their temporary right of residency in Germany. Yet this period is a time of insecurity for them nonetheless. Will the application be rejected or approved? Processing can take several months and sometimes even years. The application itself would actually be more enough to prove the right of residency, but the German authorities seemingly prefer a more bureaucratic approach.
With this in mind, the film series “Fiktionsbescheinigung. 16 Cinematic Perspectives on Germany,” poses the question: who is able to enter German cultural history, cinemas and the film canon and who is left outside? Who determines what is shown? What can be done about how roles are traditionally attributed within the cultural industry?