The Berlin Language of Art & Music Conference 2014

"Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy: Practicing Cultural Diplomacy through Film"

Berlin; February 12th - 14th, 2014
Held Parallel to the Berlin International Film Festival

Conference Overview

As technological developments are accompanied by enhanced access to films, cinematography is increasingly gaining importance as an invaluable medium of cultural diplomacy. With innovative regional cinematic industries making their mark on the global artistic landscape, talent from around the world is being showcased to large audiences who would normally not have access to the cultural particularities of the diverse regions of the world.

These films, by telling stories that reflect the social, cultural and political landscapes of their origin, are serving to promote diplomatic relations on the one hand and at the same time challenge stereotypes and foster intercultural understanding on a scale never before imagined. In addition to the story-telling components inherent in films, they simultaneously raise intercultural awareness through the incorporation of art and music specific to their region of origin.

These contributions to international relations will be celebrated during two high-level conferences taking place in Berlin and in Hollywood. The conferences will examine the immense transformative value that film holds as a vehicle of Cultural Diplomacy. The conferences will gather an interdisciplinary mixture of practitioners of Cultural Diplomacy from across the globe for a true celebration of art as cultural diplomacy that will run parallel in Berlin to the world renowned Berlinale International Film Festival and in Hollywood, parallel to the 86th Academy Awards.

In both events the use of music and art as integral components of Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy will be explored and analyzed as tools for enhancing cross cultural understanding and interaction.

Conference Participants »

Participation in the conference is open to artists, film & creative industry representatives, governmental & diplomatic officials, academics, artists, journalists, civil society practitioners, private sector representatives, young professionals and students as well as other interested individuals from across the world.

If you would like to reserve a position and participate in the conference, please click on the link below and fill out the online application form:

Conference Speakers

Speakers & Delegates during the conferences will include among others artists & musicians, film-makers, actors, producers, screenwriters, leading politicians, senior diplomats, senior academics, renowned authors, and journalists.

Speakers for the Congress include:
Neta Riskin
Israeli Actress
Candela Figueira
US Actress
Nursel Köse
German Actress & Film Director

Conference Agenda

(Berlin; February 12th - 14th, 2014)

The Conference will feature a variety of lectures, seminars, panel discussions, and film presentations allowing participants to gain an in depth insight into the dimensions and implications of Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy across the world. Participants will be invited to contribute to the development of creative ideas and recommendations to promote film and cinema as vehicles of successful international relation and intercultural exchange. In addition, participants will have the unique opportunity to experience first-hand Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy in action by attending the world renowned Berlin International Film Festival.

The Conference will focus in particular on the following areas:
  • An Introduction to Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy
  • Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy in Practice - Case studies
  • Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy in the Diplomatic Sector
  • Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy as a Strategy of Nation-branding
  • The Cultural Industry of Film as a Driver of Development
  • Film as a Catalyst of the Creative Economy
  • Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy & Peacebuilding and in Conlict Zones
  • Cinematic Cultural Diplomacy in raising Political Awareness

Conference Locations

Based in Berlin, the conference will be hosted at a number of important political, historic, and cultural locations across the city.

Participant Papers »

The Conference Committee encourages academic research and analysis of issues related to the goals of the Conference. The Conference Committee would therefore like to welcome the participants of the conference to submit a paper they would like to be considered for presentation at the conference as well as being included in the proposal document that will be issued following the conference and will be sent to all governments and leaders of the international community worldwide.

Certificate of Attendance

All conference participants will be awarded an official certificate of attendance upon completion of the program, which will provide details of the speakers who took part and the topics discussed. Each certificate will be signed by members of the Conference Committee.