Documentary With us it is called Hanka: Sorbian identity in focus!

Documentary With us it is called Hanka: Sorbian identity in focus!

In Lusatia, where tradition and history are deeply rooted, an extraordinary film will soon celebrate its premiere: "With us it is called Hanka". The documentary from the director Grit Lemke will be shown on July 25, 2025 in the Brieske colliery and bath house. The film start is scheduled for 9 p.m. and the doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets cost 6 euros, reduced 4.50 euros, and the audience can look forward to an exciting examination of the Sorbian identity, which is represented by the diverse life plans of artists, young farmers and poets. The documentary illuminates the recovering of Sorbian culture and language, deeply interwoven with the personal stories of its protagonists. You can find out more about the premiere at Kulturkurier.

But what is behind the stories that are told in "With us it is called Hanka"? Grit Lemke, who grew up in Spremberg, not only explores her own Sorbian identity in her film, but also gives an insight into the life of Sorbs, a small West Slavic people who lives in Lausitz. With a population of around 60,000 people, they are the smallest ethnic group in Germany, and despite their long history - sorbs have been native to the region for about 1,400 years - they have repeatedly faced challenges over the centuries. The film shows how the Sorbs struggle with their identity and, like some of their protagonists, such as Martin and Ignac, find personal access to their roots. Martin, a fan of the Energie Cottbus football club, even discovers a new political perspective after he experiences from the Sorbian roots of his grandfather. Further interesting aspects about the Sorben can be found at Evangelische Zeitung.

tradition and challenges of sorben

The Sorbs, also known as turns, are recognized as an ethnic minority in Germany. Your life is shaped by your own language, culture and identity, and the recognition of these aspects is essential for its continued existence. During their history, they had to cope with many challenges, including the effects of Christianization, Germanization in the German Empire and the consequences of National Socialism. In the GDR, the Sorbs were recognized as an ethnic minority, but their culture was only insufficiently encouraged. The current situation shows how important the preservation of Sorbian culture and language is - not least in the face of the threats from emigration and the coal phase -out. Many sorb mixers had to give way, and traditions in the region are at risk. Information on the history of the Sorbs is on the side of the University Tübingen find.

As part of the cultural summer in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district, which will last until September 2025, the film "With us it is called Hanka" not only the climax of the event, but also to an important contribution to the preservation and promotion of Sorbian culture. In addition to the film performance, there will also be concerts, theater performances and experience tours during this time, all of which serve to celebrate the rich legacy of the Sorbs.

If you want to experience the film, you should secure the tickets in good time. However, the cinema program is canceled when it rains, so it is advisable to take a look at the weather. Parking is available at the market square in Brieske. If you have any further questions, the press contact person Jenny Linke is available at jenny-linke@osl-online.de or by phone at +49 3573 870 2403.