Made as Indian-born filmmaker Chetna Vora’s examination film during her studies at the Film and Television Academy in Postdam-Babelsberg, Oyoyo (1980) was shot entirely within a student hall of residence in East Berlin. The film captures the relaxed energy of student life, featuring conversations with students from Chile, Cuba, Guinea-Bissau, and Mongolia. Living and studying alongside one another, we see them discuss their home countries, their experiences in the GDR, and their aspirations for the future.

Alongside their discussions, the students listen to music from Silvio Rodriguez, Nara Leão, and a song in Cape Verdean Creole, from which the film takes its title. Through their spontaneous interactions, singing, and dancing, we see them sharing their respective cultures, all with a convivial atmosphere. This rare and intimate profile offers an insider perspective on solidarity at the heart of a transnational community.

Curated by Emily Mason. 

Digitisation and restoration of the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, supported by the Film Heritage Funding Programme, financed by BKM, Länder and FFA.

Image credit: OYOYO, Chetna Vora, Film and Television Academy of the GDR, © 1980, digitisation and restoration of the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF, supported by the Film Heritage Funding Programme, financed by BKM, Länder and FFA.