“We are at a stage in history were the thirst of justice is growing, the tools for justice exist but if we don’t struggle in an imaginative way we will still allow power to dominate the discussion." Joshua Castellino
“How we were seen during the colonial period, is how we still continue to be seen now… .“ Sima Luipert
Colonialism is omnipresent in law as well. Using examples from Namibia and Kenya, we aim to highlight the colonial influences in law and demonstrate how law reproduces power structures and social and economic inequalities. On the other hand, law can also be a tool for transformation and the pursuit of justice.
Our films explore this dual nature of law. Not in dry legal jargon, but from the perspectives of activists, affected individuals, and survivors. Legal experts explain why it is often the seemingly undefined bodies of knowledge, rather than strict legal definitions, that play a key role in law as an instrument of control; and why, as Audre Lorde suggested, within this understanding lies the great freedom to “dismantle the master’s house.”
Through interactive formats and exchanges with workshop participants, we aim to explore the traces of colonialism in law and discuss approaches and solutions to overcome them.
We want to remind ourselves and all involved of the transformative potential in recognizing that law is not only a mirror of power structures but also a social construct—and therefore, changeable.
The film series complements an academic anthology on decolonial legal critique and practice, published by Nomos and also available affordably from the Federal Agency for Civic Education. It includes foundational texts from Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL), legal post-/decolonial texts, and previously unpublished discussions with lawyers, survivors, and activists on the subject.
The primary language of the workshop is English, but German speakers are also welcome.
All necessary materials for the workshop will be provided. Bring your voice, your stories, and your experiences!
Language: English (German speakers are welcome, and brief translations will be provided if needed)
With: Sima Luipert, Joshua Castellino, Karina Theurer and Hannah Franzki
For: Afro-Community, Activists, Asia-Community, BIPoC*, Generally interested individuals, Youth, Media creators, Students
An event by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Foundation
