Twin city Timbuktu at the Chemnitz Film Nights
Chemnitz's twin city Timbuktu is the focus of the Film Nights at Theaterplatz on Wednesday, 29 July 2015. The drama "Timbuktu" will be shown, which focuses on the occupation of the northern Malian oasis city of Timbuktu by Islamist fundamentalists in 2012.
The organisers are using the evening as an opportunity to draw attention to the current situation in Chemnitz's twin city. "The partnership with Timbuktu is a special one for us. We have been following developments in Mali for many years and have been able to initiate and implement aid projects. We have been shocked by the setbacks the city has suffered at the hands of Islamist fundamentalists in recent years and the suffering the population has had to endure. I hope that many people will be prepared to continue supporting our twin city," said Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig.
In a pre-programme to the film, visitors will learn more about the current situation and the fate of Timbuktu. From 8.45 pm, a musician from Mali will play traditional African music on the national instrument kora, a bridge harp plucked with both hands. Marcel Maiga will then report on the current situation in Timbuktu. Maiga, who lives in Berlin and comes from Mali, not only represents the Malians living in Germany, but has also been the most important contact person for the city of Chemnitz and the Chemnitz-Timbuktu e.V. association in Mali for several years. Mayor Barbara Ludwig will also take part in the event.
In addition to Chemnitz-Timbuktu e.V., Arche Nova e.V. will also be on site at the Film Nights on 29 July to provide information about its two aid projects "Renovation of the sewage network in Timbuktu" and "Renovation and renewal of sanitary facilities in schools in northern Mali".
Donation boxes can be filled on the same evening. The donations received will go directly into the city's "Chemnitz helps Timbuktu" account. They will be used 100 per cent for projects in Timbuktu. They are selected in consultation with the mayor of Timbuktu and the embassy.
Donations can also be made by bank transfer to the donation account "Chemnitz hilft Timbuktu" (IBAN: DE20 8705 0000 3737 3700 00 | BIC: CHEKDE 81 XXX | keyword "Timbuktu").
About the film: In his drama "Timbuktu", director Abderrahmane Sissako, who lives in France, was born in Mauritania and grew up in Mali, tells the story of the occupation of the oasis city by Islamist fundamentalists in 2012 with melancholy, but also partly full of irony. Kidane lives peacefully with his wife Satima, his daughter Toya and Issan, a little twelve-year-old shepherd boy, in the dunes not far from Timbuktu, which has fallen into the hands of religious fundamentalists. In the city, the inhabitants powerlessly endure the regime of terror imposed by the jihadists to monitor their faith. Music, laughter, cigarettes and even playing football have been banned. The women have become shadows trying to resist with dignity. Tragic and absurd punishments are handed down every day by hastily appointed tribunals. Kidane and his family are spared from the chaos in Timbuktu. But their fate changes when Kidane accidentally kills Amadou, a fisherman who slaughtered his favourite cow "GPS". Now he has to face the new laws of the foreign occupiers.
"Timbuktu" at the film nights on the theatre square
29 July 2015
Admission: 8.00 p.m. | start of supporting programme: 8.45 p.m. | start of film: 9.15 p.m.
Tickets: 7.00 euros (online ticket in advance) or 8.50 euros at the box office
