{"id":39449,"date":"2023-07-25T19:39:46","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T17:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/festival-of-lights.de\/?page_id=39449"},"modified":"2025-07-23T18:04:51","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T16:04:51","slug":"statements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/festival-of-lights.de\/en\/statements\/","title":{"rendered":"Statements"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n Statements<\/span>\n <\/h2><\/div>\n
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A special thanks to our supporter, partner, friends and fans from the last 20 years! Only with the help of the amazing engagement and enthusiasm from many personalities, artists, creatives, institutions and companies the successful FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS in Berlin could be realised with such an international awareness. Here are some of the statements (translated from German by E.K.):<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n The Festival of Lights is both an art experience and a feast for the eyes. At the same time, each event carries a wider message, which is encapsulated in the motto for the year. This year, the motto is \u201cLet\u2019s shine together!\u201d It represents a call for solidarity, togetherness, and community. The illuminations turn the city itself into a work of art. Through their creativity, the artists combine reality with space for imagination. The Festival of Lights invites our city\u2019s residents and visitors alike to get inspired by the spectacular, colorful visions it offers!<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Kai Wegner<\/div>
Governing mayor of Berlin and patron of the Festival of Lights, 2025
To the complete message<\/u><\/a><\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n For the 20th time in October, we are transforming our capital city into a radiant world stage for magnificent light art. Bigger, more colorful, more spectacular than ever before. Historic monuments, famous buildings and popular squares will become shining stars for ten nights. \r\n\r\n“Celebrating Freedom” is the motto of our anniversary edition. 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, we want to celebrate freedom. After all, what could be better than freedom, which gives us so many opportunities to shape our lives as we wish. \r\n\r\nWe show our very own interpretations of freedom with elaborate fa\u00e7ade projections – inspiring, extraordinary, unique. Look forward to magical moments, touching stories and unforgettable memories. We look forward to seeing you!<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Birgit Zander<\/div>
Director and event organizer of the Festival of Lights<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n Since 2005, the Festival of Lights has fascinated guests from near and far with its impressive light art. With innovative themes and concepts as well as the latest technology, it has always been adapted to current events over the years and has thus constantly reinvented itself. No wonder it is one of the most popular events in Berlin’s cultural calendar, it literally stands for Berlin’s radiance as a creative and cosmopolitan cultural metropolis. I am already looking forward to this year’s edition under the motto Colours of Life. I wish you magical moments and thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who supports our shining mission!\r\nI wish you magical moments and thank everybody from the heart who supports us on our shining mission!<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Burkhard Kieker<\/div>
CEO visitBerlin<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n Facing the reality and impacts of the climate crisis is a shared responsibility of citizens, governments and businesses. Together with Amazon Global Optimism founded The Climate Pledge in 2019\u2014a commitment to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement 10 years early and be net-zero carbon by 2040. The initiative seeks to help companies develop ambitious roadmaps to play their part in tackling this challenge. Signatories commit to three principal areas of action: regular reporting, carbon elimination strategies, and credible offsets. To date, more than 100 companies have already joined the community. By partnering with the Festival of Lights, The Climate Pledge seeks to inspire people to work decisively on innovative solutions to address climate change. The challenge is huge. But by working together, we can build a new vision of the future starting now, truly Creating Tomorrow. We wish everyone a unique Festival of Lights!<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Christiana Fugueres<\/div>
The UN’s former climate change chief and founding partner of global optimism<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n Berlin stands as a beacon, a guiding light and a shining purpose, for all those who value freedom. The Festival of Lights \u2013 projected on the landscape of a city re-built \u2013 captures this spirit; and the U.S. Embassy is proud to be a part of what has become a bright new tradition. This year the Festival is a celebration of the 30th anniversary of Reunification. Reunification was not only a seminal event for Germany, it closed a chapter of history that began with the rise of national socialism and World War II. It inspired and gave hope to people across Europe and around the world. We will shine a light on those shared interests, common values, and sense of mutual commitment.<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Robin Quinville<\/div>
Charg\u00e9e d’Affaires of the Ambassy of the United States to the Federal Republic of Germany<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n The Festival of Lights is one of the most special features of Berlin each year. The Singapore Embassy is honoured to be part of this great event, and to play a small role in promoting light art through our international art contest.\r\n\r\nI hope the artists\u2019 works will bring joy to all Festival visitors.<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Laurence Bay<\/div>
Ambassador of the rRepublic of Singapore to the Federal Republic of Germany<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n I am delighted that the Embassy of Canada is taking part in the Festival of Lights for the first time this year and that we are bringing Berlin to light. The FOL has established itself as an integral part of Berlin\u2019s cultural calendar, bringing together people from all over the world. \u201cConnecting cultures\u201d is the motto and we are happy to show what unites Germany and Canada. Together with our colleagues from other participating embassies, ministries and cultural institutions, we want to reflect the colorful diversity of this city in photographs. The design of many colorful mosaic stones, which can be seen on our fa\u00e7ade symbolizes Canada\u2019s diversity. Multiculturalism is not only an official national policy but a cornerstone of our society. As our motif draws attention to Canada\u2019s candidacy for a seat on UN Security Council 2021\/22 you can use the hashtags #CanadaCSNU and #CanadaUNSC to learn more. There is also the opportunity to visit the Embassy\u2019s Multimedia Information Center \u2013 the Marshall McLuhan Salon \u2013 every Friday from 12:00 to 17:00. [\u2026] <\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Stephane Dion<\/div>
Ambassador of Canada in the Republic of Germany<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201cWith the commencement of the Festival of Lights Berlin 2018, featuring video mapping celebrating 70 years to Israel, it is my pleasure to send greetings from Jerusalem.\r\n\r\nIsrael\u2019s participation in the Berlin Light Festival is symbolic of our strong relationship and wonderful cooperation. The special relationship between Israel and Germany has in its power to shed great light. We gladly work together in the spread of that light, sharing values and ideals.\r\n\r\nWe invite you to enjoy the special program of this year\u2019s festival and to celebrate the powerful partnership between our two countries, both in Jerusalem and in Berlin.\u201d<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Yuval Rotem<\/div>
Directo and General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Zum Videomapping<\/u><\/a><\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n [\u2026] The Embassy of Israel and the Festival of Lights have created many special events in the past and, now we want to celebrate the 70 years anniversary of the State of Israel together. This will bring light to a new location and will display the culture and art of Israel in a German setting.\r\n\r\nFor the first time in 3D-mapping a story will come to life that celebrates the history of Israel. Broadening this experience will be many engaging activities during the Festival. Please join us for a very special birthday present and we hope you will enjoy the light art we created together!<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Jeremy Issacharoff<\/div>
Ambassador of Israel in the Republic of Germany<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201cI am very happy and honored to be part of the Festival of Lights for the first time.\r\n\r\nIt is incredibly exciting for me to transform the venerable \u201cStadthaus\u201d into a completely new building with my patterns.\r\n\r\nThe \u201cStadthaus\u201d and I are celebrating a double premiere. I wish everyone glowing evenings in Berlin!\u201d\r\n\r\n(translated by the FoL team)<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Guido Maria Kretschmer<\/div>
Fashion Designer and TV Presenter<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201cThe contrasts and undone, unfinished fascinate me about Berlin.\r\n\r\nThis makes it even more beautiful to project prints of WUNDERKIND on one of the most prominent and historically important buildings on Unter den Linden in the city centre.\u201d<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Wolfgang Joop<\/div>
Modedesigner<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201eCongratulations to the tenth FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. All the best from your Franzi!\u201d<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Franziska van Almsick<\/div>
World Champion in swimming<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201cFor three years now, we have witnessed this spectacular event and are always overwhelmed\u201d\r\n\r\n(translated by the FoL team)<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Stephen Arigbabu<\/div>
Basketball national player<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201eIt is a very special mood and I absolutely love the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS!\u201d<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Robert Harting<\/div>
Olympic hcmapion in discus throw<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201cI am happy that my favorite city Berlin presents itself so great and that the whole world looks at it.\u201d\r\n\r\n(translated by the FoL team)\r\n\r\n<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Natascha Keller<\/div>
Field hockey olympic champion<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201cFor me, the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS is one of the most beautiful and creative events in Berlin!\u201d\r\n\r\n(translated by the FoL team)<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Ren\u00e9 Koch<\/div>
Star-Visagist<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n \u201cI feel like Rolf in wonderland, transported into other spheres and a magical ambience. In this world of light i feel at ease and travel through it in my flying saucer until i don\u2019t land again until next light year.\u201d\r\n\r\n(translated by the FoL team)\r\n\r\n<\/span>\n <\/p>

\"\"Rolf Scheider<\/div>
Casting Director<\/div> <\/blockquote>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/filter>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/span>\n Botschaftsgr\u00fc\u00dfe \/ Greeting from the US embassy – Kent Logsdon<\/span>\n <\/h2> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n
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