IDFA presents: Central Airport THF

Documentary about the iconic airport in Germany where hundreds of thousands of refugees arrived, how did they deal with this?

Central Airport THF is about the iconic airport in the middle of Berlin, which is known for the striking architecture of the giant, crescent-shaped terminal building. Since 2015, when hundreds of thousands of refugees arrived in Germany, Tempelhof has served as a reception center. Container houses are now available, but between 2015 and 2017 hundreds of people were housed in hangars. A logistical mega operation. This film is one of the special documentaries about urban issues that has been selected by IDFA and WeMakeTheCity.

Eighteen-year-old Ibrahim is one of the temporary residents of Tempelhof. In the voice-over, he shares memories of his village in Syria and of his escape. Ibrahim is followed, as well as an experienced surgeon who offers a listening ear to his Syrian countrymen. On a slightly hallucinating soundtrack, the predominantly static shots portray daily concerns: medical consultations, language lessons, having a cigarette. As if the film wants to counterbalance the chaos that is likely to dominate in the memory of that time. The life of the refugees contrasts with that of the Berliners and tourists who seek carefree entertainment in the immense Park Tempelhof in complete freedom. In this way the months pass.

Tempelhof doesn’t have to make much effort to impress. As a strict but safe haven, it extends its arms to everyone.

Tickets:

Ticket sale is via the website of Studio/K.

Credits & Info.

  • Subtitles: English.
  • Duration: 97 minutes.
  • You can find the trailer here.
  • Director: Karim Aïnouz
  • Production: Felix von Boehm / Lupa Film, Charlotte Uzu / Les Films d’Ici, Diane Maia
  • Cinematography Juan Sarmiento G.
  • Editing Felix von Boehm
  • Sound Moritz Springer, Florian Beck
  • Urban Movie

Tuesday 18 June 19.00 - 20.30
Studio /K: Timorplein 62, 1094 CC, Amsterdam

De verkoop van kaarten voor dit evenement verloopt via een externe partner, zie de tekst voor meer informatie.