DOK Leipzig/ 3/ Leena Pasanen Speech
The festival opened last night and the press people sent out a Release under the heading ”Political Voicings at Opening of DOK Leipzig”. I quote from the text:
Leena Pasanen: “DOK Leipzig traditionally stands for peace and human dignity. Today this is perhaps more necessary than ever before,” said the native of Finland, who had previously lived in Budapest for 3 years and experienced the dramatic changes under the Orbán administration.
These circumstances caused Pasanen to express concern over Legida, whose demonstration took place at the same time as the opening of DOK. “I want to do more than merely ignore this demonstration, I want to take a stand: Our Leipzig is tolerant, open-minded and willing to help those who need help.” Above and beyond this, documentary films are an excellent tool in combatting ignorance and narrow-mindedness. As this was the first time that the opening film was being screened in the east concourse of Leipzig’s central railway station simultaneously to the ceremony, Pasanen was ready and waiting with a suggestion for those sympathising with Legida: “Instead of demonstrating, they would be better off going to the station to watch the great film by Andreas Voigt.”
… I doubt they did, but many welcomed this fine initiative – see photo.
And another voice – Jan Rofekamp, sales agent and Head of Documentary Campus, described what happened in the streets of Leipzig on his FB page like this: Big anti-migrants demonstration here in Leipzig right now, neo-nazis, skinheads, screaming, blowing whistles, lots of German flags, massive police presence on the streets…very disturbing and very scary…
