Ep 8. Neuland

In season 28 episode 8 of POV, titled Neuland, viewers are taken on a journey to a small German town called Oldenburg where a group of refugees from Syria have been granted asylum. The episode focuses on the challenges and opportunities that arise when two very different cultures collide and explores the concept of integration in a new country.

The director, Anna Thommen, begins with an examination of the stark contrast between the two cultures. The refugees, who have experienced war and displacement, find themselves in a quiet, reserved town, where the residents are used to a certain way of life. The first hurdle is language. The refugees are quickly enrolled in German classes, and viewers get to see the struggles they face as they try to learn the new language. They attend classes almost daily, and the director is able to paint an honest picture of the daunting task that learning a new language can be.

Along with an imposed language barrier, the refugees must also navigate unfamiliar customs and traditions. Their way of life is drastically different from that of the Germans, and the director captures the awkwardness that is common when two cultures interact for the first time. As the refugees try to adapt, they are quickly met with the realization that fitting in is not going to be easy.

Yet, with every obstacle, there is hope. The director documents the many small victories that the refugees experience as they seek to integrate. Some of their triumphs include securing a job or managing to have a conversation with a neighbor. These incremental successes show both the hardships they are facing and the progress they are making in the face of it all.

The culture clash is particularly evident when it comes to gender roles. The women, who are used to a more traditional role of homemakers, are thrust into a society where gender equality is encouraged. The director highlights the various ways in which the refugees try to adjust to this new reality. Meanwhile, men from the Syrian community struggle with the idea of their wives working outside the home. They fear losing their sense of authority and control, which is a valued aspect of their culture.

Despite the challenges, the refugees provide a unique perspective on German society. Through their eyes, viewers are shown what is not usually seen on the surface. Their struggles also put into perspective the sacrifices that young people make to come to Europe in the hope of a better life. As the refugees struggle to adapt, there are many poignant moments when they reveal the reasons they chose Germany, and the hopes they have for their futures.

Through the difficulties, viewers are also given a glimpse of the compassion shown by the German people. The town of Oldenburg rallies around the refugees, offering them various forms of support. Many of the locals bring food and clothing donations to the refugee center, while others volunteer their time to help with language classes. These small gestures convey the welcoming spirit of the German people, and illustrate their determination to support the refugees’ journey to integration.

Overall, POV’s Neuland provides a compelling look into the complexities of integrating into a new culture. It shows the importance of empathy and kindness in making that process less painful, and the necessary work to bridge differences. Viewers are exposed to a raw and honest look into the lives of the refugees, and through their eyes, are able to contemplate the broader issues of migration, integration, and cultural clash. North American audiences have the opportunity to gain insights an struggles rather different from those at home.