The ancient concept of shapeshifting is deeply ingrained in folklore and literature across the globe. In our understanding, shapeshifting transcends its traditional depiction, evolving into a fluid concept beyond mere physical transformation. This fluidity is not only a survival mechanism and camouflage but also intertwines with the complexities of class, race, and gender, showcasing its adaptability and multifaceted nature.

For one week, the programme of Shapeshifting Film Festival intends to create a dialogue between video & film screenings and round-format discussions around the complex phenomena of “Shapeshifting”.

Each screening will pick up on a particular form or perspective onto Shapeshifting, may the phenomena be found in relation to environment, people or oneself. How does socio-cultural space incite transformation, when different communities come to live together (the negotiation between assimilation and cultural pluralism), when the digital realm provides tools for plural avatars or when there’s the need to come-out? How do interpersonal relationships entail (social) masks, (gender) performances and (identity) representations? And how does oneself shapeshift as a way for expression through alter-egos or as a growing process when leaving behind the innocence of childhood.

Oftentimes the world of cinema feels far: the distance to places, to characters, to other perceptions; the difference of scale between the screen and our body; or the simplification of block-buster narratives and their unrealistic conclusions. In counterpart, we look to showcase the works of young, emerging and marginalised filmmakers in an environment that seeks to contextualise their perspectives through group participation of the audience. Taking advantage of the spatial character of the Halle, we intend to activate people’s reflection through proximity, proposing a film experience on the concept of Shapeshifting with an emphasis on empathy and sharing.

RAUMERWEITERUNGSHALLE (the Halle)

The Raumerweiterungshalle (spatial-extension-container) of the non-profit association Selbstuniversität e.V., is a self-organised space for non-commercial projects and events, such as film evenings, performances, readings, concerts, seminars, discussions, exhibitions, and workshops, with a queer*feminist focus.

APPLYING

-Short-films up to 30 minutes
-No submission fee
-Selected films will receive a screening fee
-Submissions must be made via email at shapeshiftinghalle@protonmail.com including a screener link and film details (synopsis, year and country of production, short bio of the filmmaker, optional: film contextualization)
-Deadline of the open call is 31st of May 2024
-Selection will be announced by end of July
-Please have in mind that due to our small team, we won’t be able to send a confirmation email when receiving applications.

This project is funded by the Cultural Administration of the State of Berlin.

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What is Shapeshifting Film Festival? 

Shapeshifting Film Festival is thought to respond to a cultural climate in which the freedom of speech is shrinking on many fronts. For this, the concept prioritises the idea of transformation, a change in shape to carve new ways out for political and personal expression through moving image, when and where existing tools and methods of expressions are blocked and/or repressed. Shapeshifting can also be a way of survival, a mandatory act of self-protection, motivated either by the lack of agency or in search of it. Some forms of shapeshifting can be exemplified as, but not limited to, camouflage, transition(ing), undercover(ing), adaptation, association, assimilation. The festival will try to focus on these themes and try to put these variations in dialogue. In this direction, the main aim of the festival is to present a selection of curated film screenings, but at the same time, host platforms that would go beyond the language of film and hold discursive events (,as well as performances). Our hope is to contribute to Berlin’s scene as a new space for conveying critical discourse. 

What is Halle? 

The Raumerweiterungshalle (spatial-extension-container) of the non-profit association Selbstuniversität e.V., is a self-organized space for non-commercial projects and events, such as film evenings, performances, readings, concerts, seminars, discussions, exhibitions, and workshops, with a queer*feminist focus. An evolving collective of usually around ten members is responsible for the maintenance of the infrastructure and coordination of events. As the precarity of conditions for artists and cultural workers’ rapidly increases, Raumerweiterungshalle exists and acts in solidarity as a sustainable space that aims to facilitate the development of alternative approaches to cultural/political exchange and communal/community production.  

Accessibility 

Entrance to the screenings, discussions and workshops is free of charge. Donations are possible and welcome. The Raumerweiterungshalle is wheelchair accessible. Regrettably, there will be no audio description. All the films will be subtitled in English. The discussions will be held in English spoken language with no sign language interpretation unless advertised otherwise. 

How to apply? 

Submissions for short-films up to 30 minutes must be made via email at shapeshiftinghalle@protonmail.com including a screener link and film details: synopsis, year and country of production, still frames, short bio of the filmmaker and optionally a brief film contextualization text. Films from any year and formal language (with English subtitles) are welcome. The deadline of the open call is (extended to) 10th of June 2024 and the selection will be announced by the end of July. Selected films will receive a symbolic screening fee. Everyone can apply, priority is given to marginalised filmmakers. 

What are the festival’s resources? 

Raumerweiterungshalle is a registered e.V., and mostly sustained through donations and voluntary labour. The festival is funded by the Berlin Senate's Department for Culture and Europe. The systematic oppression of academic and cultural workers who show solidarity with Palestine has intensified in recent months in Germany, which caused the #StrikeGermany initiative. We acknowledge and respect the call to refuse collaboration with institutions or projects that receive such funds. On the other hand we consider it our task to contribute to changing these circumstances and hope to receive and show films that continue the fight against hegemonic systems.  

for any questions, comments/concerns, interests in collaboration, event proposals, -or- if you want to subscribe to our mailing list, please contact us at selbstuniversitaet[at]protonmail[dot]com