Filmmaking

**Film Night – Jaripeo Documentary** For **LGBTQIA+** **[Free with registration](https://wearevillage.org/en/shop/village-film/w22-2026)** Guest: ***Sebastián Arcos*** **Jaripeo** Directors: Efraín Mojica, Rebecca Zweig 2026 – 70 min (In Spanish and English with English subtitles) Every Christmas, the town of Penjamillo in Michoacán comes alive with the Jaripeo — a traditional rodeo that draws locals and returning migrants from the United States, a celebration of cowboy culture and rural Mexican masculinity. Beneath the surface of this hypermasculine ritual, a hidden queer subculture blooms.nablässiger Moralisierung bewegen. Co-directed by Efraín Mojica and Rebecca Zweig, the film blends traditional ranchera experimenting with electronic sounds, Super 8 footage, and dreamlike interludes to reveal a queer subculture thriving within one of rural Mexico’s most macho-coded traditions. Efraín itself serves as a guide and protagonist, alongside Noé, a desirable cowboy who keeps his identity largely private, and Joseph, an exuberant stylist who wears his flamboyance with pride. *Jaripeo,* which premiered at Sundance and had its international premiere at the Berlinale, does not seek to expose or resolve. It simply asks us to look more carefully, and to find, within tradition, the full complexity of desire and belonging.

For those about to write -- let them come to Berlin! Think of us as a writers' room on the Iron Curtain. We help you turn ideas into Beat Sheets, and Beat Sheets into Scripts. Whatever your level -- we help you to raise your game. We also do a lot of table reads. And provide constructive feedback. And talk about books and films and shows we love -- and draw inspiration for our own projects from them. We workshop works-in-progress. We give you the tools -- you find your flow. Broadly speaking, we have ways to make you write!

New Starting Time: 12:00 For space reasons, we are limited to a certain number of attendees, so please update your RSVP if you can't come. If you are new, come and say hello, as we know that suddenly going quiet for 45 minutes and staring at that blank page can be intimidating when it's your first time. We have a lot of long-term regulars who will be happy to help you feel welcome. In between sessions, we have a Telegram chat: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/).

Women Techmakers Berlin and SPICED Academy are joining forces to host an evening focused on both building *efficient AI systems* and navigating the real challenges of building a *career in tech*—beyond just learning technical skills. ## Talks Talk 1: Confidence Beyond Skills - What Really Holds Women Back in Tech Careers - by Marina Matveevskaia Many women in tech keep investing in new courses, skills, and certifications, yet still feel stuck or “not ready enough” to take the next career step. In this talk, we will look beyond technical competence and explore the less visible factors that often shape career growth much more strongly — such as self-trust, fear of visibility, internalized expectations, and the emotional impact of burnout or layoffs. I will share common patterns I see in highly capable women and why “just improving skills” is often not the real barrier. Participants will leave with new perspectives and simple reflection tools to better understand what is holding them back and how to move forward in a more sustainable and aligned way. Talk 2: Efficient Agentic Systems - by Jane Waithira Let Classical ML Do the Heavy Lifting, Let Agents Do the Thinking There’s a temptation to throw an LLM at every problem—but the most effective systems take a different approach. This talk explores how to combine deterministic, classical machine learning for predictable tasks with LLM-powered agents for reasoning and decision-making—so you can build systems that are fast, cost-effective, and reliable. ## Speakers **Jane Waithira:** Jane Waithira is an innovative, solution-oriented developer working in AI/ML, currently at SAP in Germany, where she integrates applied AI and GenAI for SAP's own cloud infrastructure. With over five years of experience building production AI systems, Jane has established her skillset in practical applications of ML and GenAI. Her talk will provide attendees with a practical framework for building efficient agentic systems that combine deterministic classical ML with the flexibility of LLM-powered agents. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/waithira-macharia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/waithira-macharia/) **Marina Matveevskaia:** Marina Matveevskaia is a Professional Identity and Transition Coach working primarily with women in tech and international professionals in Germany. With over 14 years of experience in the IT industry, including leadership roles, she understands the unique pressures and challenges women face in fast-paced, male-dominated environments. In her coaching practice, Marina focuses on burnout prevention, impostor syndrome, and career transitions, helping highly capable women build sustainable and fulfilling career paths. She also collaborates with the German Employment Agency (Arbeitsagentur) as an AVGS coach, supporting women in their return to the labour market. [www.linkedin.com/in/marina-matveevskaia](http://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-matveevskaia) ## Why Attend? * Learn from women working in Tech * Get inspired by real stories and practical advice * Connect with like-minded people in a supportive space * Discover career paths across Tech & AI * Network with the WTM & SPICED community Join us for an evening of inspiring talks, practical insights, and meaningful connections in the heart of Berlin’s tech community. ## About SPICED Academy SPICED Academy is a Berlin-based tech bootcamp that helps people transition into tech through intensive, hands-on training. They offer both in-person and online programs across data analytics, data science, web development, and AI, with a strong focus on real-world projects and career support. https://www.spiced-academy.com/en ## Inclusivity Statement Women Techmakers Berlin is committed to creating a **safe, inclusive, and welcoming space**. This event is open to people of all genders who support diversity in tech.

Teile deine Texte, erhalte Feedback, höre anderen zu. Kurzgeschichten, Gedichte, Essays – offener Abend für Lesende und Zuhörende. **Jeden vierten Dienstag des Monats um 20:00 Uhr in Berlin-Moabit** Einlass: 19:30 Uhr Leseabend Beginn: 20:00 Uhr **Über den Leseabend** In unserer Leseabend Textwerkstatt werden selbstverfasste Texte mit Gleichgesinnten geteilt. Ob Kurzgeschichte, Gedicht, Essay oder Roman-Auszug – hier findest du ein aufmerksames Publikum und bekommst konstruktives Feedback zu deinem Projekt. An diesem Abend wird nicht geschrieben, aber es gibt einen lebendigen Austausch über Sprache, Stil und Storytelling. Auch reine Zuhörer sind sehr herzlich willkommen. Teilnahme und Getränke auf Spendenbasis **Du möchtest vorlesen?** * Dein Text sollte unveröffentlicht und auf Deutsch sein * Maximale Lesezeit: 12 Minuten * Melde dich mit kurzer Beschreibung deines Projekts bei leseabend@textcollective.de (Spontananmeldungen sind je nach Kapazität möglich, können aber nicht garantiert werden)

Wir bieten allen Interessierten die Möglichkeit, mit Elektronik zu basteln. Workshops und Vorträge zu verschiedenen Themen rund um Elektronik und Software sind willkommen. Von Arduino bis zu komplett selbst entwickelten High-End Schaltungen sind wir für alle kreativen Ideen offen. Wir haben auch Gruppen rund um das Nähen, Programmieren, Retro Computer. Wir treffen uns immer am Dienstag und am Freitag ab 18:00 Uhr. Egal ob Anfänger oder Profi – hier seid Ihr jederzeit Willkommen. Ihr könnt mit anderen fachsimpeln oder auch mit unserer Hilfe Eure ersten elektronischen Gehversuche starten. Wenn zeitgleich in den vorderen Räumen Workshops oder Vorträge stattfinden, kann hinten Werkstattbetrieb stattfinden.

## DNA. presents: "CREATIVE WRITING" In this workshop, You will learn a method that can help You to strengthen Your access to Your creativity, write more, write better and get back into a flow state in which new ideas emerge. Rediscover Your creative flow with Lena's hourglass method. ##### HOURGLASS METHOD Lena will guide You through the three phases of her hourglass method, which consist of different writing exercises, and explain the background to them. You will use pen, paper and Your words as tools, but You don't have to be a poet to have fun and benefit from the workshop :) ##### APPLICATION OF THE METHOD: The method can also be used on Your own at home after the workshop, whenever You need a creative jump-start. ##### SETTING: The small group setting as a safe space also allows You to share your thoughts with others. You'll learn techniques to: * Tap into Your Inner creativity. * Overcome self-doubt and fear. * Express Yourself authentically and confidently. * Cultivate a sense of purpose in Your art and communication.

Curious what we do? Check our [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/filmmakersandmovienerds/) ♥️ Would you like to meet some like-minded filmmakers? Start a project? Or do you need help with a movie you are currently working on? Are you new in the city and you'd like to meet people tinkering with movies? **Then you should join us!** We meet every Sunday. It’s important to us that we get to know each other in person. To create a community of connected people, work, learn and grow together. For film making you need a crew of reliable people with a positive can-do-attitude. This is the place to find them. Together, we will talk about these topics: * What you are currently working on * What you need help with * What would you like to help with * What you you would like to learn This is event is great for: * filmmakers * movie nerds * writers * camera operators * editors * actors * sound recorders * composers * gaffers * producers We are limiting the amount of people, so we can have a structured introduction and discussion. After that we get together loosely with some drinks and chats. And then we mostly go for dinner with a couple of us. **Important information**: *To sustain and grow this amazing community, we started a member contribution that is due every month. The money we collect is used solely for the purpose of the community. Of course you can come once or twice without contributing to check us out!*

**\*\*\* Note:** RSVPs made here do not guarantee a spot at the course. In order to register you must go to: [https://berlinfilmcommunity.com/product/first_step_filmmaking_2day/](https://berlinfilmcommunity.com/product/first_step_filmmaking_2day/) and pay the workshop fee. *** The goal of this course is to demystify the filmmaking process, making it the fun experience you know it can be. Have you always wanted to make a film? Let’s get that crossed off your bucket list! In a bit more than two days you will come up with an idea, shoot it, and edit it, all while being supervised by an experienced and entertaining instructor! I have tailored this course to make it flexible enough to accommodate people with absolutely zero experience as well as for people who have done a bit of filming. With this course you don’t need any fancy equipment, you can use whatever you have for a camera and a computer. This is a very hands-on workshop, the bulk of the learning will come through the process of actually making your own short film. You will learn the basics of how to structure a story, the art and techniques of visual storytelling, and how to piece it all together in the edit. The workshop will be taught in English and will include 2+ days of instruction, in field help and that sweet sense of accomplishment you will get from making your own film. In order to make sure you get the attention you need, **the class is limited to a max of 12 people**. **Verein Membership & Discount** By registering for this workshop you get a **1 year membership into the Berlin Film Community's Verein** (Officially recognized Non-Profit Association) which costs €30 and gets you an instant **10% off of not only this workshop**, but also all paid workshops and seminars we offer. Plus, being a member gets you many other benefits, such as free seminars, access to filmmaking equipment for free, rental discounts at 25p and more! **Friday equipment check and brief storytelling:** In addition to the two days of instruction and practical film work we will hold a 2 hour pre-meeting on the Friday before the workshop, which is of course included in the cost of the workshop. These two hours will allow me to check your camera and computer, making sure that they are capable enough to shoot and edit footage. I will also make sure you have an editing program installed which you will be using on Sunday. There will also be a brief story/script session which will give you some tools to help guide your story writing process so that you can hopefully have an idea prepared for the next day. This Friday session has been added in order to assure that the workshop runs super smoothly, plus we will all get to meet a bit before and hang out! If you cannot make the Friday session please let me know so we can discuss your equipment. **What you need to bring:** A camcorder, DSLR or mirrorless camera with video capabilities, or even a phone that can shoot video (make sure to have enough space to record onto it). You will also need a laptop for editing on Sunday. Actors will be available as well as some extra filmmaking support for the groups in the field on the Saturday shoot day. You can of course have any friends come to help with the acting, just please let me know. Conducted in English. No previous experience is required. If you have any questions or want to learn more about what we are doing, feel free to reach out to me at ***alex@berlinfilmcommunity.com.*** **Prep Day:** **Friday, May 29th – 19:00 – 21:00** * Equipment Check * The basics of storytelling **Day 1:** **Saturday, May 30th – 09:00 – 16:00** * How to get started – From smartphones to DSLR cameras * Composition * How to tell a story visually * Shooting for the edit * Working with actors * Filming your own short with professional supervision * Q&A and summary Day 1 **Day 2:** **Sunday, May 31st – 09:00 – 16:00** * Introduction to basic editing * How do you tell a story through editing? * Using music and sound effects in editing * Supervised practical exercise: Editing of your short films * Show your short film – Invite friends and family! * Q&A and summary of both days **About the Workshop Leader:** Hi, I’m Alex DePew and I have been working in the film industry for over 18 years and have led several filmmaking workshops, many of which have been here in Berlin. I absolutely love teaching newbies the ropes and I get tons of joy when I see someone light up as they make a connection between what I am teaching and something they have seen in a movie. When a student then applies that knowledge to their own film, it is a thing of beauty.

Hallo, Es wird wieder wärmer und ich freue mich auf Freiluftkino. Für alle die Lust auf einen netten Abend und Austausch haben: Kinoclub-Treffen am nächsten Mittwoch, den 27.5 zu „Gelbe Briefe“ im Freiluftkino Friedrichshain mit Regisseur Ilker Cataks. Ich freue mich auf alle die Lust und Zeit haben ☺️ Lg Laura Goldener Bär - Berlinale 2026 für Ilker Çataks präzisen und bewegenden Film um ein Paar, das in die Mühlen staatlicher Repression gerät. Plötzlich trifft es auch das Künstlerehepaar Derya und Aziz. Ein Gelber Brief, wie er viele Menschen in der Türkei erreicht hat, belegt die beiden mit einem Beschäftigungsverbot. Sie müssen sich mit der neuen Situation arrangieren und versuchen ökonomischem Druck zu trotzen. Doch immer mehr fressen sich Fragen von Widerstand und Anpassung in den Alltag ihrer Familie. GELBE BRIEFE ist der erste komplett türkischsprachig gedrehte Film des Berliner Regisseurs Ilker Çatak (Das Lehrerzimmer). In diesem psychologisch starken Film steht Berlin für Istanbul und Hamburg für Ankara. 5 Filmrollen!radioeins https://freiluftkino-friedrichshain.de/film/32293

**🎬 Screenwriters' Meetup Invitation 🎬** This meetup is for anyone passionate about storytelling—whether you’re a screenwriter, filmmaker, producer, or someone with a great idea looking for the right collaborators. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your screenplay, this is the perfect space to create, collaborate, and refine your work. **When You Bring Your Screenplay, Think About Three Key Ingredients:** 1. **Your Main Character** – Who are they? What drives them? 2. **The Central Conflict** – What’s at stake? What’s standing in their way? 3. **The Theme** – What’s the deeper idea that motivates you to tell this story? If you’re struggling to find a theme, define your character, or establish a strong conflict—don’t worry. That’s exactly what this meetup is for. We’re here to help you uncover the core of your story and give you the tools to develop it further. Already have an elaborate story? Great! Reflect on these elements: * **Compelling Characters** – Are they layered, dynamic, and memorable? * **Inner Conflicts, Interpersonal Tensions, and Global Stakes** – Does your story operate on multiple levels? * **A Strong, Personal Theme** – Does your theme resonate with you and give your story purpose? If you can identify these elements, we can dive even deeper and give you focused, constructive feedback to help your screenplay reach its full potential. Bring your ideas, your drafts, and your passion. Let’s collaborate, challenge each other, and create stories that matter. We can’t wait to see you there!

*English follows below* **Berlin hat genug Postkarten. Diesmal geht's darum, herauszufinden, welches Bild darin wirklich deins ist**. In 3 Stunden bewegen wir uns von Ostkreuz über das RAW-Gelände und die Warschauer Brücke bis zur Oberbaumbrücke. Durch Orte, die bewusst ausgewählt sind, weil sie voller Kontraste, Bewegung und dieser typischen Berlin-Energie stecken, die man nicht inszenieren kann. Kein geführter Rundgang, kein Motivabhaken. Eher ein gemeinsamer Spielplatz für Fokus, Aufmerksamkeit und den eigenen fotografischen inneren Blick. **Im Mittelpunkt steht eine Frage, die bei normalen Fotowalks fast nie gestellt wird: Wie filterst du aus all dem Lärm, den Reizen und den tausend möglichen Motiven einer Großstadt heraus, was dir eigentlich wichtig ist?** Nicht was sehenswert ist laut Reiseführer. Was dich wirklich anhält. Mit kleinen Übungen, echtem Austausch und Orten, die genug Reibung haben um interessant zu werden, schauen wir gemeinsam darauf, wie Fokus, Vorstellungskraft und das eigene Kopfkino beeinflussen, welche Bilder entstehen. Und warum manche Fotos später noch leben, während andere drei Sekunden nach dem Öffnen schon vergessen sind. Manche merken hier zum ersten Mal, wie stark die eigene Wahrnehmung Fotografie verändert. Den Abschluss macht ein echter Berliner Moment. Späti-Kaltgetränk, Streetfood, ein paar der bekanntesten Postkartenmotive der Stadt um uns umgeben. Nicht als Touristen-Selfie-Spot, sondern um die eigenen Bilder nochmal anders zu sehen und durch die Blickwinkel der anderen Ideen mitzunehmen, auf die man alleine nicht gekommen wäre. Smartphone oder Kamera, Einsteiger oder Profi: Der Raum ist groß genug, damit jeder auf dem eigenen Niveau arbeiten kann. Was zählt, ist Neugier auf die eigene Wahrnehmung und Lust auf mehr als die typische Touri-Fototour. SpendenBeitrag ab 20 €. => Kleine Gruppe, volle Aufmerksamkeit. Ich freu mich auf dich und deinen Blick. Auf die Bilder, die noch niemand gemacht hat, weil sie auf dich gewartet haben. Vorfreudige Grüße Pierre \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Between Postcard Motif & Your Image** **Berlin has enough postcards. This time it's about finding out which image in it is truly yours.** In 3 hours we move from Ostkreuz through the RAW Gelände and Warschauer Brücke to Oberbaumbrücke. Through places chosen deliberately because they're full of contrasts, movement and that typical Berlin energy you can't stage. No guided tour, no checklist of spots. More like a shared playground for focus, attention and your own inner photographic eye. **At the center is a question that almost never gets asked on regular photo walks: How do you filter out from all the noise, the stimuli and the thousand possible subjects of a big city what actually matters to you?** Not what's worth seeing according to a travel guide. What genuinely stops you in your tracks. With small exercises, real exchange and places that have enough friction to become interesting, we look together at how focus, imagination and your own inner vision influence which images emerge. And why some photos still feel alive later, while others are forgotten three seconds after opening them. Some people notice for the first time here how strongly their own perception changes photography. The ending is a real Berlin moment. Cold "Späti" drinks and/or street food, surrounded by a few of the city's most iconic postcard motifs. Not as a tourist selfie spot, but to see your own images differently and take home ideas from other people's perspectives that you wouldn't have found alone. **Smartphone or camera, beginner or pro: The space is wide enough for everyone to work at their own level. What counts is curiosity about your own perception and the desire for more than the typical tourist photo tour.** Suggested donation from 20 €. => Small group, full attention. I'm looking forward to you and your eye. To the images nobody has made yet, because they've been waiting for you. Warm regards and anticipation, Pierre

Welcome to our social mixer in the heart of Berlin! Whether you want to hang out with new friends, practice a new language, meet people from different cultures, immerse yourself in the local community, or just socialize in a friendly environment, come along and enjoy some drinks and food with new friends 🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ ​ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### Event Details 💰 Cost: Free 🍺🥃 Drinks and social 📍 Belushi's Berlin (Alexanderplatz) (Inside, or ask for Meet People Social) - Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 41 🕕 6:00pm onwards every Friday ​ **Or RSVP on the website for our Discord / WhatsApp communities, and to see who else is going and what their backgrounds/seniority/interests are:** 🔗 [Link to Website](https://theberlinsocial.com/event/meetup) ​ If you cannot find us, ask staff about Meet People Social, or ask in the WhatsApp community above. ​ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### Perfect For * 🌎 **International Students & Expats** in Berlin * ✈️ **Travelers & Digital Nomads** looking to connect * 🏠 **Locals** wanting to expand their social circle * 💼 **Working Holiday Visa holders** and new arrivals * 🎓 **University students** and language school attendees * 👥 **Anyone** looking for genuine friendships and networking \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### Why Join Our Berlin Community? * 🤝 **Meet diverse, welcoming people** from all backgrounds * 🗣️ **Practice conversation** with native and fluent speakers * 🌍 **Cultural exchange** and international perspectives * 🗺️ **Local insights** on best places to visit in Berlin * 🎯 **Social activities** and games \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### Ideal If You're... 📍 **New to Berlin?** Perfect for getting oriented and making friends ✈️ **Traveling solo?** Find your Berlin social circle 💼 **Looking for work opportunities?** Network with peers 🎓 **Student or recent graduate?** Connect with peers and mentors \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### Event Guidelines * Support the venue by purchasing drinks/food (no outside items allowed) * Maintain appropriate behavior and respect for all attendees * Bring physical ID if required by venue (call ahead to confirm) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ​ ​ *Berlin Germany make new friends social mixer afterwork drinks meet people connect network social international party friends event new night welcome world culture japanese french chinese german korean italian spanish brazil lingos meet people community expats travelers digital nomads students cultural exchange friendship meetup multicultural language exchange multilingual conversation practice english Berlin Germany make new friends social mixer afterwork drinks meet people connect network social international party friends event new night welcome world culture japanese french chinese german korean italian spanish brazil lingos meet people community expats travelers digital nomads students cultural exchange friendship meetup multicultural language exchange multilingual conversation practice english*

English is below In kurz & authentisch & unseriöser Künstler:) inneres und dann äußeres Fotoauge trainieren und Spaß dran haben. Wahrnehmung, Fotografie, Streetfood, Walk & beste U-Bahn :) Dazwischen Berlin in urban, lebendig, divers, dreckig, wunderschön, direkt im Kiezleben, mind. 1 Späti-Getränk, viele Reize und immer wieder ein Fokus. Dein Fokus. Wirst ihn immer wieder neu, anders, vertiefend für dich kennen lernen. Zwischen Ostkreuz bis Markthalle 9 wird unser Spielplatz sein. Ich freu mich darauf :) ausführlich, seriös: Dieser Street Walk verbindet urbane Erfahrung, Wahrnehmung und Fotografie in Berlin. Wir bewegen uns bewusst abseits klassischer Touristenrouten durch Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg und die Übergänge dazwischen. Straßenleben, Menschen, Bewegung und Streetfood gehören dabei genauso dazu wie das Fotografieren selbst. Dieses Format versteht sich weniger als klassische Fototour und mehr als urbane Erfahrung zwischen Wahrnehmung, Stadtgefühl und Fotografie. Die Kamera dient dabei nicht nur zum Festhalten von Motiven, sondern als Werkzeug, um bewusster zu sehen und Momente anders wahrzunehmen. Wer Lust hat auf schnelle Touristenbilder oder reine Technikvermittlung, wird hier wahrscheinlich nicht ganz glücklich. Wer dagegen neugierig darauf ist, wie stark Wahrnehmung, Aufmerksamkeit und Atmosphäre beeinflussen, welche Bilder entstehen und welche Erinnerungen bleiben, dürfte hier genau richtig sein. Das Format richtet sich an fotointeressierte Menschen, an Menschen ausm Kiez genauso wie auch Touris, die Berlin mal anders erleben wollen. Nicht als klassische Tour, sondern näher dran. Manche kommen fürs Fotoauge, manche für die Atmosphäre, manche einfach, um die Stadt (wieder) bewusster wahrzunehmen. Ich komme aus der Wahrnehmungspsychologie mit meiner Leidenschaft für Fotografie und verbinde diesen Blick mit urbanem Erleben. Und klar, auch der Gang zum Späti darf dabei nicht fehlen. Die ersten Walks sind Teil einer Beta Phase, in der ich gemeinsame Street Experiences auch ausserhalb von Teamevents ausprobieren möchte. Damit dieses Format in dieser Form möglich bleibt und sich entwickeln kann, liegt die Spendenempfehlung ab 20€. Bring Neugier, Kamera und/oder Smartphone für deine Wahrnehmung mit. Der Rest passiert unterwegs. Ich freue mich auf euch und auf die ersten gemeinsamen Walks diesen Sommer. This street walk combines urban exploration, perception and photography in Berlin. We make a conscious effort to stay away from the usual tourist routes, exploring Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and the areas in between. Street life, people, movement and street food are just as much a part of the experience as the photography itself. This format is less of a traditional photography tour and more of an urban experience that blends perception, a sense of the city and photography. The camera serves not only to capture subjects, but as a tool to see more consciously and perceive moments differently. Those looking for quick tourist snaps or purely technical instruction are unlikely to be entirely satisfied here. On the other hand, anyone curious about how strongly perception, attention and atmosphere influence which images are created and which memories remain is likely to be in exactly the right place here. The format is aimed at people interested in photography, at Berliners from the neighbourhood as well as those who want to experience Berlin in a different way. Not as a traditional tour, but something more intimate. Some come for the photographic eye, some for the atmosphere, and some simply to perceive the city more consciously again. I come from a background in perceptual psychology with a passion for photography, and I combine this perspective with urban experiences. The first walks are part of a beta phase, during which I’d like to try out shared street experiences outside of team events as well. To ensure this format can continue in its current form, the suggested donation is from €20. Bring along your curiosity, a camera or a smartphone to capture your experiences. The rest will happen as we go. I look forward to seeing you all and to our first walks together this summer. Pierre

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

**Get your creative flow going with a Sunday Afternoon Maker Meetup!** Whether you are looking to carve out dedicated creative time, wanting to get a lingering project across the finish line, or just looking to chat with fellow local makers—this is the space for you. 🧵 **What to Bring** Bring any art or craft project you are currently working on, as long as it is portable and quiet. Think: * **Yarn & Thread:** Knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, hand-sewing, mending. * **Paper & Sketching:** Sketchbooks, adult coloring books, watercolors, bullet journaling. * **Digital:** Tablets, iPad drawing, laptop writing/design. * *Please note: Because we are meeting in a shared public space, no power tools, sewing machines, or high-odor materials (like strong solvents or spray glues), please!* **📍 Where to Find Us** * We will be meeting at **Columbus Metropolitan Library - Martin Luther King Branch** in **Meeting Room 1**. Room is reserved under **CBUS Maker Meetup.** **⏱️ Timeline** * **1:00 PM:** Arrive, grab a seat, get settled, and do a quick round of introductions so we can see what everyone is working on. * **1:15 PM - 3:00 PM:** Open maker time! Chat, craft, relax, and swap creative ideas. **⚠️ A Note on RSVPs** Space for this first meetup is strictly limited to 10 spots. If your plans change and you can no longer attend, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot. We ask that you try to give at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel. *** **We can't wait to meet you and see what you're making! All skill levels welcome.**

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.

PLEASE NOTE!!! This event will be In-Person for our very 1st Improving collab! If you know the [Columbus Unity group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/) location, we'll be at the same place. This is our 1st event and are doing a soft launch with limited attendance. 1st come 1st serve. If you want to be there and we fill up, please email me at [info@thecogg.com](mailto:info@thecogg.com) and I'll be in touch. All street parking is free on Sundays but you can also pay to park in any of the local garages. See image of [parking map here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mr9_LFIggbs-0_Zd3AJTGNqEhgMf2TzQ/view?usp=sharing). \-\-\- On the last Sunday of the month, we're having our usual end-of-the-month social gathering with our GameDev Meetup meeting. There will be announcements and presentations followed by some social networking Let's continue the conversations with good vibes and friends. All are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds to this public event. If we can, we'll be streaming or uploading the video later via our COGG YouTube channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams) (Also please do subscribe if you have not done so!) No game development experience required! If you are interested in doing a 20 minute game development related presentation, please fill out our form online here: [https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1](https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1) Or e-mail us at info@thecogg.com with the following: Your Name, Company/Affiliation, Name of Your Game/Topic, Description, Tech Needs, and Your Contact. Be sure to check out our Discord for real time news updates: [https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ](https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ)

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle **SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free! Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest. While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for. Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/) *** ### What to Expect: * Guided candle making experience * Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance * 100% soy wax candles * Optional drinks and snacks * Time to relax while your candle cools *** ### Important Notes: * Please arrive on time so we can start together * Candles will need time to set before taking home * This is a beginner-friendly event *** ### RSVP Required Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat. **Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids) 5oz Glass Jars $15 8oz Candle Tins $25 12oz Glass Candles $35 12oz Amber Jars $40 16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!) **All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).** **Payments accepted:** * Credit Card * Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee * Cashapp: $DaclaudL