Respect! Film The Gods of Molenbeek in Augsburg: A poetic journey through children's questions
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Children ask about the big things in life
On December 9, 2026, the City Library of Augsburg invites you to the Respect! film The Gods of Molenbeek. The Finnish-Belgian-German documentary by Reetta Huhtanen tells the story from the immediate perspective of six-year-old children about friendship, faith, belonging, and the attempt to understand a complex world.
An artistic experience between everyday life and world interpretation
The focus is on Aatos, Amine, and Flo, who live in the Brussels district of Molenbeek. For the children, this place is primarily home: a space for play, imagination, nature observation, and curious conversations. They listen to spiders, discover black holes, and discuss how a flying carpet is controlled. The documentary form preserves the openness of childlike perception.
Faith, friendship, and aesthetic experience
Aatos is interested in religions and is searching for his own gods. His friend Amine talks about the Muslim faith, while Flo critically questions religious concepts. The film's exploration thus leads into central themes of cultural education: identity, religion, friendship, curiosity, and the question of how people give meaning to their world.
When the adult world intrudes into the children's world
Molenbeek is often associated with terrorism and violence in the media. For Aatos, Amine, and Flo, the district initially remains a familiar living space. When a bombing occurs nearby, the atmosphere of the film fundamentally changes: the threats of the adult world penetrate the playful imagination of the children. Reetta Huhtanen addresses this contrast with great closeness, without overshadowing the children's perspective.
Cinematic design and art historical context
With a running time of 73 minutes, the documentary combines precise observation with a poetic visual language. Camera, editing, and sound follow the movements, conversations, and fantasies of the children. This creates an aesthetic experience that does not instruct but encourages individual reflection. The film premiered in 2019 and has been described as an empathetic portrait of childhood friendship and the search for meaning.
Respect! Augsburg lives diversity
The screening is part of the event series Respect! Augsburg lives diversity, a collaboration between the City Library of Augsburg and the Office for Social Integration of the City of Augsburg. The original French version with German subtitles will be shown. The film is approved for all ages and is recommended for youth aged 12 and older.
Conclusion: An invitation to think together
The Gods of Molenbeek opens a sensitive view of childlike imagination, religious questions, and coexistence in a diverse city. Visitors can expect a touching artistic experience about friendship, belonging, and the power of questioning. The free screening at the City Library of Augsburg offers a valuable cultural enrichment and invites everyone to experience the film live and together.
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