In September 2011, students from Hamburg, Germany, and Koszalin, Poland, participated in the inaugural edition of Sound in the Silence, an intercultural memorial project hosted by the borough of Altona, Hamburg, and cultural center MOTTE e.V. in collaboration with Gymnasium Altona/Hohenzollernring, Gymnasium Zespól Szkól in Koszalin, and the Neuengamme concentration camp memorial.

The week-long workshop, held at the former brick factory of the Neuengamme memorial, brought together 14-17-year-old students and artists from around the world, including Dan Wolf, Keith Pinto, Michael Hearst, Jens Huckeriede, Kijoka Junica, and Indrani Delmaine. Using the powerful history of the site as inspiration, participants engaged in an open-ended creative process, expressing their ideas and emotions through text, music, and dance without the pressure to perform.

The program also fostered cross-cultural connections as Polish students stayed with the families of their German peers, promoting deeper understanding and friendship. The week culminated in a moving 35-minute performance presented at the FABRIK cultural center on September 24 and at the Neuengamme memorial on September 26, captivating audiences and honoring the memory of the past.

About Jens Huckeriede's Film

Jens Huckeriede’s film captures the essence of Sound in the Silence, offering an intimate look at the creative journey of students and artists as they bring history to life. From the initial workshops to the final performance, the film highlights the collaborative spirit, artistic exploration, and emotional depth of this transformative project. With an international cast and crew, the documentary showcases the power of art and education to inspire dialogue, reflection, and connection across cultures.