Passa Podcast - Bridge Stories
The Animal Stories are a selection from Cinemaximiliaan's collection of stories called Bridge Stories. In this podcast, you will hear five stories about animals. Stories from people who have left home, who all speak different languages and who have all been touched by the same thing: life and an animal.
1. The monkey is the story of Ibrahim Mohamed Qashta (Ibo)
2. A swallow is the story of Rola Zamzameh
3. Two birds in a cage is the story of Mariana Al Hanash
4. Mice is the story of Fatiullah Ehsani
5. A chicken is the story of Marthe Tskasa Fimi
The idea for bringing these stories together began during the harsh winter of 2023, when people were sleeping on the bridge near the “Klein Kasteeltje”. In addition to the many solidarity actions by local residents who provided food and shelter, Cinemaximiliaan invited people to express themselves artistically, because art has the power to restore identity.
“Fear of expressing myself haunted me for years. I was afraid to write the truth.
With Cinemaximiliaan’s support, I broke the silence and began writing again.”
After the Bridge Stories writing project of 2025, Wederik de Backer invited participants to tell a number ofstories, each centred on a different animal, into his microphone. Voice actress Ellis Meeusen gave voice to the translations of their stories. This podcast is the result.
CREDITS
The Cinemaximiliaan project BRIDGE STORIES went through various phases in collaboration with Muntpunt: Brussels City of Stories 2022 and Passa Porta: Bridge Stories in 2023 and B.S. A sense of belonging in 2025, each time with writing workshops at Passa Porta and a screening at the Passa Porta festival. The theater performance that will premiere at the KVS in 2026 is a continuation of that work.
Auteurs & performers
Ibrahim Mohamed Qashta (Ibo), Rola Zamzameh, Mariana Al Hanash, Fatiullah Ehsani, Marthe Tskasa Fimi
With thanks to
Carmien Michels, Haleh Chinikar, Karima Qias, Maxime Savoldi, Ngangi Mutiri, Annabelle Van Nieuwenhuyse, Omar Kasmiry, Alice Carson, Eva De Pue, Youssef Akl, Jeanne Kinnoo, Wederik De Backer & Ellis Meeusen, Muntpunt, Needcompany, KVS, Migratie Museum Migration
Production
The Passa Podcast Animal Stories is a Cinemaximiliaan – Passa Porta – Klankverbond collaboration.