Cinema evening: Queer Exile Berlin” and exciting discussions in Kreuzberg!

Cinema evening: Queer Exile Berlin” and exciting discussions in Kreuzberg!

On September 9, 2025, a special event dedicated to the queer community took place at the Moviemento cinema in Berlin. A cinema and discussion evening, organized by the district offices of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Neukölln, offered visitors the opportunity to see the third part of the queer Berlin documentary film trilogy “Queer Exile Berlin”. The film begins at 7:30 p.m. and highlights the experiences of queer people in the vibrant capital.

“Queer Exile Berlin”, directed by Jochen Hick, lasts a total of 105 minutes. The performance was intended to be in German and English as well as with English subtitles (OmeU). The documentary examines the role of queer people in the development of Berlin, focusing on political disputes and the challenges of the queer scene. The film interweaves personal stories with historical events and current issues.

Film and director

Director Joachim Hick led the discussion after the film screening, which deepened the themes of the film. The trilogy began with “Out in East Berlin” (2013) and “My Wonderful West Berlin” (2017), and thus reflects the constant change and development of the queer scene in Berlin over the years.

Among the many inspiring protagonists featured in the film are Eunice Franco, Monika Tichy and Gloria Viagra. They contribute to the comprehensive presentation of Berlin as a place of longing and at the same time a challenge for newcomers.

Insights into queer history

The event and the film are part of a larger context that illuminates the development of the LGBTQ+ movement. Historically, queer people in Germany were often subjected to persecution, especially during the 19th century. Section 175, which criminalized homosexuality, was introduced in 1871 and had a serious impact on the queer community.

Particularly dramatic moments became visible during the Nazi era, when thousands of queer people were murdered in concentration camps. The pink triangle, a symbol of this cruel persecution, has transformed over the years into a symbol of resistance and collective memory.

The Stonewall uprising in 1969 ultimately marked the beginning of a global movement that also inspired German activists and led to the emergence of Christopher Street Day demonstrations in the 1970s. The progress made in the following decades, such as the introduction of civil partnerships in 2001 and marriage for all in 2017, are crucial milestones in the history of LGBTQ+ rights.

Despite the progress made, the challenge remains. Discrimination and violence are still current issues. The film “Queer Exile Berlin” and the associated discussion evening are therefore not just a look back, but also a call to further promote the visibility of queer people in all areas of life.

Overall, the event created a space that encouraged the audience to reflect on developments and raise their voices in the ongoing discussion about equality and social acceptance.

For further information about the event and Berlin's queer history, see Berlin.de, Moviemento.de and [Stephano.eu].