THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
The Black International Cinema Berlin (BIC Berlin) marks its 40th anniversary this year, celebrating a legacy that has become a cornerstone of intercultural dialogue, artistic expression and social awareness in Germany and beyond. The milestone edition will take place from 21 to 23 November 2025 at the Marlene-Dietrich-Kinosaal in Rathaus Schöneberg, featuring a rich programme of films, exhibitions and discussions under the timely theme “Peace! Now! Always! Please!”
A Visionary Beginning
Founded in 1986 by Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith, the African American artist, educator and cultural entrepreneur behind Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre, the festival grew out of Berlin’s first Black Cultural Festival — a groundbreaking three-week event in West Berlin that showcased dance, theatre, music and film by Black and African diaspora artists. The festival emerged in response to social challenges and was created to provide space for the voices, perspectives and experiences of Black individuals and communities that were often overlooked in public discourse.
Griffith, who moved to Berlin from the United States, envisioned a space where art could serve as a bridge between communities divided by race, nationality or ideology. Under his leadership, the festival developed into one of Europe’s longest-running and most respected platforms for intercultural film and performance art. Prof. Griffith’s philosophy — “Art as a bridge, encounter as the foundation” — continues to define BIC’s mission: to make unseen faces visible and unheard voices audible.
The 2025 Edition
This year’s programme combines screenings, artistic exhibitions and forums exploring themes of peace, humanity and mutual understanding. Alongside the film festival, the “Footprints in the Sand?” exhibition will highlight artistic and documentary works reflecting on memory, migration and social responsibility.
Participating filmmakers hail from across the world — including Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas — reflecting the festival’s enduring international scope. The 2025 edition also coincides with CrossKultur 2025, Berlin’s intercultural initiative that promotes diversity and social cohesion through arts and dialogue.
A Legacy of Dialogue and Empowerment
Over four decades, the Black International Cinema Berlin has become more than a film festival — it is an enduring project in transnational cultural diplomacy. For artists of African descent, as well as other underrepresented voices, BIC offers a rare and vital platform for exchange and recognition.
In a time of global tension and social fragmentation, the festival’s 40th anniversary calls for renewed empathy and engagement. It stands as both a celebration and a reminder that peace — like art — must be pursued consciously, continuously, and collectively.
Vivian Asamoah
For programme details and updates, visit www.black-international-cinema.com
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