Jamel Rockt

Though this isn`t a typical academic write-up, I feel this project neatly illustrates many of my best skills and usefully conveys what my interests are.

Last summer, I from my native Duesseldorf to the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg Vorpommern. Situated in the old Prussian heartland, this part of Germany never really recovered after the war. By consequently being saddled with Communism for forty years and with little to no industry of any kind it continues to languish socially and economically to this day. It has become known primarily as a hotbed of far right extremism. The lack of job prospects, poor edcational system and the legacy of autocracy - whether from Prussian junkers, Nazis or Communist cadres - form a noxious cocktail and lead many of the young men, for they are almost always men, towards the comfort of political extremism.

One village in particular has become the tragic standard bearer of this phenomenom, a tiny hamlet called Jamel. This collection of no more than seven houses has gained international notoriety in the last few years for a very public occupation by neo-Nazi thugs. They`ve erected murals, sculptures and sign posts all honouring Jamel, as a kind of perverse National Socialist enclave. The move was largely instigated by a man named Sven Krueger, who is currently serving a prison sentence for illegal arms dealing and for selling stolen farm equipment. Incarceration hasn`t diminished Krueger`s influence, though, and he continues to work with far right NPD party to ensure that Jamel remains dominated by skinheads.

Fortunately, there is one ray of hope in this otherwise deeply distressing saga. Horst and Birgit Lohmeyer live in of the largest and prettiest old farmhouses in the village and they, thankfully, are not inclined towards racism and violence. Quite the opposite, in fact. Their consistent work to raise awareness about the issues of neo-Nazism has brough them many accolades (last year the North German Broadcast Corporation awarded them the illustrious title of "Heroes of the Norht" for the sterling efforts to halt the tide of extremism). Their flagship venture is an annual rock festival held in their back garden, called "Jamel rockt den Foerster", which translates to "Jamel rocks the Forester".

This festival become the subject of our 10 minute film which can be viewed on Vimeo here: http://vimeo.com/jamelrockt

The film neatly encapsulates my interests in history and politics as well as my passion for music. It`s also a testament to my German language skills and shows my willingess for creative and at times somewhat risky endeavours. Together with my friend from university, Alexander Hyde, I shot and edited the film.

I hope that rather than an essay or article, this will give you some indication of what I`m like as individual. Many thanks & enjoy!