Abolitionist Kino is a series of film screenings and discussions around abolitionisms and transformative justice experiences, conceived by Abolitionist Jelly (a research group formed in 2023 in Berlin). While historically Abolitionism is the movement to end slavery and liberate enslaved individuals around the world, contemporary abolitionisms invite us to discuss and learn what it means to invoke and re-imagine the struggle for abolition – a world beyond police, prisons, and borders – today.
The first iteration of Abolitionist Kino at soft power will unfold around the screening of the documentary film A Litany For Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde (1995, 90 mins.) by Ada Gay Griffin & Michelle Parkerson. A Litany For Survival is a tapestry of history, poetry, music and politics. From her childhood roots in Harlem to her battle with breast cancer during her years in Berlin, the film explores Audre Lorde’s life, and body of work, that bridged the Civil Rights movement, the development of Black Feminist thought, and the struggle for lesbian and gay rights. The documentary features Lorde’s voice together with interviews with many of her fellow poets and activists, including Adrienne Rich, Sapphire, and Sonia Sanchez, all of whom pay tribute to Lorde’s impact as a mentor and inspirational force. The gathering is an invitation to join the collective learning practices of Abolitionist Jelly and reflect together around creativity as a path to abolition, inspired by the life and words of Audre Lorde. The event, a film screening followed by an informal space for discussion and exchange, will be facilitated by Derek MF Di Fabio and Susanna Gonzo.
Abolitionist Jelly consists of a group of artists, musicians, cultural workers, writers and researchers with a focus on abolitionisms and transformative justice practices. While historically, Abolitionism is the movement to end slavery and liberate enslaved individuals around the world, contemporary abolitionisms invite us to discuss and learn what it means to invoke and re-imagine the struggle for abolition – a world beyond police, prisons, and borders – today. Abolitionist modes of thinking encourage us to transform the ways in which we relate to ourselves and to each other, and to build kinships and communities different from our immediate family to keep us safe. With this aim, Abolitionist Jelly is meeting twice a month to share texts, podcasts, films, ideas and experiences to grow, learn, question, explore, grieve, vent, cry, and celebrate together with no specified outcomes.
Practical information:
The Screening starts at 19.30. Entrance by donation (sliding scale 5-10€), nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.
Accessibility:
The language spoken in the film is English and we have the option of English autogenerated subtitles. The facilitators of the event speak English and German. There will be pillows, stools and chairs with backrest available in the space. The event will last maximum three hours with a small break for drink and restroom.
The space of soft power is located on the 3rd floor and can be reached via stairs and an elevator. Access to the room is at ground level. The accessible toilet on the 3rd floor is at ground level and can be unlocked with a key from the security personnel on site. For questions about arrival in advance and for assistance on site when using the elevator (freight elevator), please call Linnéa on: 01573 0760994