WHEN WORDS FAIL / DIES IRAE / VIBE ISTANBUL

WARM Movie night, “Vibe Istanbul”, a film premiere about the electronic music scene in Istanbul by Iranian author Nafisse Motlaq, panel discussion on spaces for personal freedom, and concert by DJs from the Middle East, protagonists of the film, European House of Culture and National Minorities.

“DIES IRAE/Day of Wrath, music and musicians at war in Ukraine”, an open air multimedia lecture and live performance about the music in times of war by Ed Vulliamy, edited by Thomas Crauk , park outside European House of Culture and National Minorities.

When Words Fail is a long-term WARM Festival project inspired by the work and thinking of Ed Vulliamy, a long-standing WARM member. Conceived as an annual night within the festival, the project explores moments when journalism and language reach their limits, and when music, film and performance take on the role of testimony.

Through different formats each year, When Words Fail brings together filmmakers, journalists and musicians whose work engages directly with conflict and questions of freedom, responsibility and cultural resistance.

The 2024 edition combined film, discussion and live performance.

It included the premiere of Vibe Istanbul, a film about Istanbul’s electronic music scene by Iranian author Nafisse Motlaq, followed by a discussion on spaces of personal freedom and a live set by DJs from the Middle East featured in the film.

The same evening also presented DIES IRAE/Day of Wrath: Music and Musicians at War in Ukraine, a multimedia lecture and live performance by Ed Vulliamy, edited by Thomas Crauk, examining music created and performed in wartime Ukraine.

When Words Fail remains an ongoing WARM format, returning each year as part of the festival’s wider engagement with conflict, culture and memory.