|
|
|
May 30, 2025
Newsletter June 2025
|
|
|
Dear Friends,
This summer, Washington, DC marks a historic milestone — 50 years of Pride — by hosting WorldPride 2025. It’s a powerful moment of celebration, reflection, and global unity. The Goethe-Institut Washington is honored to be part of the vibrant and historic occasion with a dynamic lineup of programs that spotlight queer culture, history, and voices from Germany, the U.S., and around the world.
Join us this month, both in person and online, for a series of inspiring film screenings, panel discussions, artist talks, and more. Together, let’s celebrate diversity, stand in solidarity, and create space for dialogue, creativity, and connection.
Sincerely,
Klaus Krischok
Director Goethe-Institut Washington
Regional Director North America
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Courtesy of Thomas Hitzlsperger
|
|
June 6, 5PM | Panel Discussion | Goethe-Institut Washington
Live Talk with Thomas Hitzlsperger
Join celebrated German soccer player Thomas Hitzlsperger for a powerful conversation about his life, career, and memoir "Mutproben" (Test of Courage). During this talk, organized by the German Embassy and hosted at the Goethe-Institut, Hitzlsperger will share his journey as a professional athlete, his decision to come out after retirement, and his ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in sports.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Samuel Huneke / Goethe-Institut
|
|
June 4, 7PM | Discussion | Goethe-Institut Washington
Being Queer in Times of Trouble
How have queer communities endured and resisted in moments of political upheaval and social unrest? Historian Samuel Huneke delves into this question in a compelling talk at the Goethe-Institut Washington. In conversation with activists Mai Manion and Andrew Tisell, Samuel Huneke will explore the resilience of queer life in the face of violence and persecution — offering historical insight into how past struggles can inspire today’s activism and response to ongoing challenges.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Stefanie Loos, Liv Mann Tremblay
|
|
June 5, 1PM | Discussion with Helene Bukowski & Shelley Pomerance | online
GEGENÜBER Talks – Literature Across Borders
The new North America-wide series GEGENÜBER Talks invites you to an evocative online conversation and reading featuring acclaimed German author Helene Bukowski and arts journalist Shelley Pomerance. Bukowski's haunting debut novel, Milk Teeth, explores themes of isolation, climate change, and the search for belonging. Set in a fog-shrouded, secluded territory, the story follows Skalde, a young girl whose world begins to unravel after she discovers a mysterious child in the forest — challenging the fragile order of her community. Join us for a live discussion of this timely and poetic work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© EuroAsia Shorts
|
|
June 6-13 | Annual Film Festival | Washington, DC
EuroAsia Shorts 2025
EuroAsia Shorts (EAS) returns June 6–13 with free in-person screenings, discussions, and receptions at embassies and cultural centers across Washington, D.C.! Celebrating 19 years, this year’s five events include four Partner Nights—pairing films from multiple countries around the theme Beyond Limits — and a Closing Night on June 13. Many events feature post-film discussions and complimentary receptions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Peter Keup, "The Spies Among Us", DC DOX
|
|
June 13, 8:30PM | Film Screening | Regal Gallery Place
The Spies Among Us
In collaboration with the German Embassy, we’re proud to support the screening of The Spies Among Us at the 2025 DC DOX Festival. Join us at Regal Gallery Place for opening remarks by Michael Hasper, Minister of Communication and Culture at the German Embassy, followed by the East Coast premiere and an exclusive post-screening discussion with the directors and the film’s protagonist, Peter Keup.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Berlin Diaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Imagine Photography
|
|
Through June 29 | Exhibition | Dupont Underground DC
Berlin Underground
In celebration of World Pride, this bold exhibition brings Berlin’s legacy of artistic innovation, openness, and freedom of expression to the U.S. capital. Berlin Underground features provocative video works that highlight the city’s avant-garde spirit and radical embrace of diverse identities. Don’t miss this powerful tribute to Berlin’s underground culture and its global artistic influence. Featured artists include: Endre Aalrust, Yalda Afsah & Ginan Seidl, Pauline Boudry & Renate Lorenz, Candice Breitz, Theo Eshetu, Hartmut Jahn, Vika Kirchenbauer, Alicja Kwade, Hito Steyerl, Nasan Tur, Ming Wong, Holly Zausner, and Tobias Zielony.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© unkown artist, Photo: Lunapark
|
|
GEGENÜBER Magazine | Online | Free Read
HEARTS – Street Art
The latest series of #artbits, the street art blog in the Goethe-Institut North America's online magazine, Gegenüber, is dedicated to the symbol of love, compassion, and humanity: the heart. Discover various heart motifs from the USA, Canada, and Mexico and learn more about the artists and messages. All texts are available in German, English, Spanish, and French.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Leo Khasin
|
|
June | Lots of Love Film Series | online
Kaddish for a Friend
Our June film in the Lots of Love film series is Kaddish for a Friend (2011), directed by Leo Khasin. In the film, Ali, a newcomer to Berlin’s Kreuzberg district, takes a reckless dare: breaking into the apartment of his Russian-Jewish neighbor. When the act threatens his residency status, he chooses to make amends. What follows is a moving story of unlikely friendship, empathy, and second chances. Stream this powerful film for free throughout June and discover a quiet, heartfelt portrait of connection across cultures.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© DEFA Stiftung/Ingo Raatzke, Wolfgang Ebert
|
|
June | Film Streaming | online
Lotte in Weimar
Available throughout June, in honor of the 150th birthday of German author Thomas Mann, Lotte in Weimar is the film adaptation of Thomas Mann’s 1939 novel of the same name. In it, Mann tells the story of Charlotte Kestner, who, as Goethe’s youthful love, inspired the character of Lotte in his novel The Sorrows of Young Werther. Nearly 40 years later, Lotte returns to Weimar and meets Goethe once again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@Goethe-Institut
|
|
You are Invited: Free Online Trial Classes
Thinking about learning German or finding the right course? Our free online group sessions give you a firsthand look at our teaching style. These trial classes, designed for beginners, also introduce you to our various course formats. No matter your level, you’ll discover how we teach, and which class suits you best. Come join us in May or June and have fun learning German!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
