Report back from Made in Germany?—Art and Identity in a Global Nation, by Angelika Nguyen, director of “Brotherland is Burnt Down”
From September 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the prestigious Harvard Art Museums in Boston, MA, will showcase the insightful exhibition “Made in Germany? – Art and Identity in a Global Nation.” Within this exciting context, my seminal film “Brotherland is Burnt Down” (1991; original German title: “Bruderland ist abgebrannt”) was included as a highlight in the exhibition’s accompanying program, featuring not one but two screenings for audiences to engage with.
On October 12, the film was presented in the stunning Menschel Hall, a visually striking cinema nestled within the museum’s expansive complex, alongside the thought-provoking documentary “Good Luck Germany” (2024; original German title: “Glück Auf in Deutschland”) by acclaimed filmmaker Pınar Öğrenci. In her documentary, Öğrenci delves deep into the lives of Turkish migrants and the intricate dynamics of the mining industry in the Ruhr region of West Germany, a subject that has shaped social narratives since the 1950s.
The thoughtful pairing of these two visually and thematically complementary films was exceptionally well-received, drawing an engaged audience of approximately 70 attendees who came ready for a stimulating cinematic experience.
Following the screening, curator Peter Murphy and I engaged in an enriching discussion with the audience. During the lively Q&A session, attendees shared many thought-provoking questions that sparked a vibrant exchange. Key topics included the complexities of East German history, the distinct characteristics of Vietnamese migration to both East and West Germany, and various interpretations of the striking imagery presented in Pınar Öğrenci’s film.
The event lasted about two and a half hours, allowing plenty of time for personal conversations between myself and attendees, particularly resonating with those who identified as Asian-American and shared their unique lived experiences.
The second screening, held on October 13 in a more intimate setting, was organized by the German-American Art Association of the Busch-Reisinger Museum, attracting around 25 attendees. This discussion took on a different focus, centering on the contrasting experiences between those socialized in West Germany versus my own formative years in East Germany.
Audience members expressed a keen interest in understanding the historical context surrounding the fall of the Berlin Wall and its profound impact on both migrants and East Germans, fostering a rich dialogue about personal and shared histories.
This smaller gathering also included an exclusive tour of the “Made in Germany? – Art and Identity in a Global Nation” exhibition, which features numerous artists with East German backgrounds. These artists poignantly reflect on the fall of the Berlin Wall, life in East Germany, and the sociopolitical climate of the GDR through their evocative works. Among the showcased talents are East German artists of color who provide unique perspectives, while West German artists often address the rampant racist sentiments and violence prevalent during a time of significant social upheaval.
This enlightening event was co-sponsored by the esteemed Goethe-Institut and the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung New York Office, adding to the depth of discourse surrounding the themes presented.
Learn more about this event here.
– How does the pairing of Angelika Nguyen’s film with Pınar Öğrenci’s *Good Luck Germany* enhance the audience’s understanding of migration narratives?
**Interview with Angelika Nguyen, Director of “Brotherland is Burnt Down”**
**Editor**: Angelika, thank you for joining us today. Your film is a highlight of the upcoming exhibition, *Made in Germany? – Art and Identity in a Global Nation* at Harvard Art Museums. Can you share what it means for you to be part of such a significant event?
**Angelika Nguyen**: Thank you for having me! Being included in this exhibition is immensely meaningful. It’s not just about showcasing my film, *Brotherland is Burnt Down*; it’s about creating a dialogue on the complexities of identity, migration, and history in a global context. The exhibition itself prompts essential questions about what it means to belong and how art reflects the influences of a globalized society.
**Editor**: Your film is being screened alongside Pınar Öğrenci’s documentary, *Good Luck Germany*. How do you see these two films complementing each other?
**Angelika Nguyen**: I believe the pairing is powerful. My film explores the experiences of Vietnamese migrants in Germany, particularly how their identities have been shaped by historical contexts. Pınar’s work dives into the lives of Turkish migrants and the mining industry in West Germany. Together, we offer a multifaceted view of migration narratives, showcasing the struggles and resilience of different communities. The thematic synergies create a rich tapestry of understanding for viewers.
**Editor**: The screening drew in an engaged audience. Can you tell us about the discussions that happened during the Q&A session?
**Angelika Nguyen**: Absolutely! The audience was incredibly engaged, which was wonderful to see. We delved into topics such as East German history, the nuances of Vietnamese migration, and varying perceptions of the imagery in Pınar’s documentary. The dialogue extended beyond the films themselves, allowing many attendees, especially those identifying as Asian-American, to share their personal narratives. It was a profoundly enriching experience.
**Editor**: What do you hope audiences take away from both your film and the exhibition overall?
**Angelika Nguyen**: My hope is that viewers walk away with a deeper understanding of the complexities of migration and identity. Art has the power to illuminate personal stories and collective histories that may be overlooked. I want audiences to reflect on their own identities and the diverse contributions that shape our societies. It’s about fostering empathy and sparking conversations.
**Editor**: Thank you for sharing your insights, Angelika. We look forward to the exhibition and the conversations it will inspire.
**Angelika Nguyen**: Thank you! I’m excited for this opportunity to connect with audiences through art.
