SLEEK spoke to drama students from the the acting schools UDK Berlin and Ernst Busch Berlin, who had a lot to say about the events of the last year–how they have been impacted and what gives them hope moving forward.
Here, we highlight some of their most astute insights, as well as their concerns, challenges and desires about the future ahead.
"If BIPOC have the courage to come forward and share their horrific experiences in theatre, film or educational institutions, white people should always be aware of their privileges and critically examine them. I am in the middle of the process of seriously looking at my privileges and understanding how much I can be lulled into comfort because of the colour of my skin." - Sarah Schmidt
"It is a well-known fact that racist and discriminatory structures run through all institutions, from universities and other educational institutions to the theatre and film and media world. And a lot is being done, though not enough by a long shot. I expressly show my solidarity with the movement and am convinced that together we will achieve a lot in the coming years and decades." - Johannes Scheidweiler
"If you look at the big productions, the main cast is always white! The mindset has to change, and people have to educate themselves and keep up with the times. Looking the other way is no longer possible. I think it is time to hand over the reins to young filmmakers!" - Yasmin El Yassini
"I keep hearing now, especially from white perspectives, that something is finally happening. But I am always rather reluctant to proclaim great successes. The last thing we need is the false idea that we can rest on words that are not followed by action." - Benny Opoku-Arthur
CREDITS:
Photographer: Erik Cesla
Styling: Marian Schlicker
Makeup: Leana Ardeleanu
Hair: Philipp Verheyen
Actors/Actresses:
Benny Opoku-Arthur
Yasmin El Yassini
Sarah Schmidt
Johannes Scheidweiler
Alexandros Koutsoulis