Making films in a country that has been torn apart by years of war and occupation is truly a tall order, but this is what Salim Shaheen has done – over 100 times. For many, Shaheen is Afghanistan's answer to Steven Spielberg. A new documentary shines a spotlight on the zero-budget filmmaker and his films. By Jochen KurtenMore
This year's Film Festival Turkey Germany has kicked off without any financial backing from Turkey. Ankara withdrew funding at the last minute from an event that it seems to perceive as far too critical. By Jochen KurtenMore
In his latest film, "In the Fade", Fatih Akin puts his leading lady through hell. The acclaimed director draws on the series of murders committed by the NSU terror cell in Germany to produce some of his best work to date. By Jochen KurtenMore
In the occupied Gaza Strip, young Palestinians get a taste of the freedom they lack through surf. Jochen Kurten met German director Philip Gnadt and producer Mickey Yamine to discuss their documentary "Gaza Surf Club"More
Sonia and Melanie, two French teenagers fall into the clutches of radical Islamists: a new film takes a look at the real threat of Islamist radicalisation in Western societies. Review by Jochen KurtenMore
Fictional depictions of terrorism are sometimes a little too close to reality. After the horrific attack in Nice, two films, "Bastille Day" and "Made in France," fuel the debate on the media's role in glorifying terror. By Jochen KürtenMore
As refugees have dominated the news in recent months, Berlin's International Film Festival is also focusing on their stories. It's not just a politically correct trend: the event's social commitment has deep roots. By Jochen KurtenMore
"Queen of the Desert″ tells the life-story of eccentric explorer Gertrude Bell. This well-bred Englishwoman was drawn to the Middle East at the turn of the last century. It’s the first time that Werner Herzog has made a female character the main focus of one of his films. The result is disappointing. By Jochen KürtenMore
Jafar Panahi's "Taxi" truly deserves the Golden Bear it won at the Berlinale. For Jochen Kurten, the film's victory is more than just a political statement because "Taxi" takes the viewer on a journey through the Iranian capital and is full of warmth and humanity. The whole experience moved him deeplyMore
"Five Years" examines the fate of the German Guantanamo prisoner Murat Kurnaz. Director Stefan Schaller's film exposes viewers to the horrific abuse of human rights endured by camp detainees. Jochen Kürten reportsMore
Lebanon is suffering from the worst economic crisis in its history, which has led to a dramatic shortage of supplies. Electricity and petrol are hard to come by. By Diana Hodali
