NEARBY – Reading with Simon Strauß

Nearby: On the Political Value of an East German Longing is an essayistic non-fiction book in which Simon Strauß uses the small town of Prenzlau, Brandenburg as an example to reflect on social cohesion, democracy, and the importance of local community. Far removed from media-fueled self-righteousness, Strauß finds a more direct form of democracy, as people here still deal with one another directly. The book combines reportage, personal observations, and philosophical reflections. Its central thesis is that social cohesion arises where people actually encounter each other in everyday life, negotiate conflicts, and take responsibility for one another.

The author Simon Strauß was born in Berlin in 1988 and studied Pursued Classical Studies and history in Basel, Poitiers, and Cambridge. The bestselling author received his doctorate from Humboldt University of Berlin and works as an editor in the arts and features section of the FAZ. There, he is responsible for the theater section and also regularly appears on the newspaper's podcast. Podcast for Germany to hear.

Greeting for the festival opening

Frank Steffen (District Administrator of the Oder-Spree district)

Festival PreviewBINARY WIND MACHINE

The short film by Anna Faroqhi and Haim Peretz, created as part of a participatory film project by FILM OHNE GRENZEN (Festival Preview), follows the construction of a modern Baroque-style organ in Lehnin Abbey Church. During this process, young people discover traditional craftsmanship and the principles of binary logic. This 15-minute documentary shows how knowledge comes alive through practice and transmission – and how reality is created through joint action.

Stills (above): ©Julia Zimmermann