Paper short abstract:

Asmara - capital of the East African nation of Eritrea - is recognized as an architectural gem. In this film Asmarinos from different walks of life, guide us through the streets of their city and bring us to places of their choice. 63' film and 15’ filmmaker-led discussion

Paper long abstract:

Asmara - capital of the East African nation of Eritrea - is recognized as an architectural gem. In this film Asmarinos from different walks of life, guide us through the streets of their city and bring us to places of their choice. In doing so, and by talking about 'their own' Asmara, each person locates personal memories in public spaces investing the urban environment with individual meanings. Through their narrations - a chorus of different experiences embodying the nation - the country's history from colonialism to independence comes to life. While I was on location focusing on architecture, I realized that the individuals' narration revealed people's capacity to look at past events and repossess them as part of a collective history. A building that for me represented Italian fascism, for Asmarinos had already acquired a collective function that emptied it of its colonial symbolism. This process struck me as very meaningful and as fundamental for a cohesive society.

63' film and 15’ filmmaker-led discussion