Landesvertretung Brandenburg beim Bund in Berlin (State Representation of Brandenburg at the Federal Government in Berlin), 29.2.2024

In "The Nearness of Distance" (Die Nähe der Ferne), performance artist Nezaket Ekici presents an hour-long cinematic reflection on long-distance relationships. Based on the marriage of Bettina and Achim von Arnim—two lovers who, 200 years ago, were separated across cities—Ekici artist embarks on her own carriage journey from Wiepersdorf Castle to Berlin, revitalizing the reality they endured for many years. The film, shown for the first time in Berlin, was created in 2021 as part of a scholarship at Wiepersdorf Castle, the place where Bettina and Achim von Arnim initially lived together from 1814. Accompanied by quotes from the partners' letters, Ekici traverses the landscapes and places that repeatedly separated the lovers. The artist’s carriage ride was inspired by her own personal experience, as she also lives in a long-distance relationship with her husband between the cities of Berlin and Stuttgart. The project illustrates the timeless experience of outer distance and inner closeness that long-distance love entails. The work re-contextualizes the courage and creative attitudes which characterized the couple Bettina and Achim von Arnim in modernity. Program: Welcome: State Secretary Dr. Friederike Haase Introduction: Annette Rupp, Director of the Cultural Foundation Wiepersdorf Castle Film: "The Proximity of Distance" Performance: Nezaket Ekici Performance Reading_Letter Quote Panel Discussion: • Nezaket Ekici • Dr. Phil. Andreas Dammertz • Branka Pavlovic, Filmmaker • The discussion will be moderated by Pia Kollonitsch, Freelance Journalist. Afterwards, we invite you to a get-together with drinks and snacks. Date: 29.02.2024 / Start: 18:30 (Doors open at 18:00) (Text Edited: Jono Wang Chu)

Costume, Megaphone, Book, Projector, Soundboxes

ca. 3 h

Program: Welcome: State Secretary Dr. Friederike Haase Introduction: Annette Rupp, Director of the Cultural Foundation Wiepersdorf Castle Film: "The Proximity of Distance" Panel Discussion: • Nezaket Ekici • Dr. Phil. Andreas Dammertz • Branka Pavlovic, Filmmaker • The discussion will be moderated by Pia Kollonitsch, Freelance Journalist Thanks to Landesvertretung Brandenburg beim Bund in Berlin (State Representation of Brandenburg at the Federal Government in Berlin)