The Memory Guardians

In the court of the Memory Guardians, a trial ensues about what to do with the statue of the Kneeling Woman, following her defacement in Zehlendorf and relocation to the Zitadelle Museum in Spandau. While one counsel advocates that the statue be publicly displayed in the Zitadelle Spandau Museum to caution against “left-wing extremism”, another argues that she should be kept in the more private Schaudepot indefinitely to educate about difficult history. Yet another argues for her to be destroyed, given the racist beliefs of her creator, the violence against her and the messiness of contextualising all this Black pain for a public.

Directed by Nnenna Onuoha, The Memory Guardians leans on a strong ensemble — Adrian Blount, Mable Preach, Massiamy Diaby — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2024.