Culture shock in Paimpont: A Syrian family secret in the film!

Culture shock in Paimpont: A Syrian family secret in the film!

Today, June 30, 2025, the film “The Barbarians – Welcome to Brittany” celebrates its premiere directed by Julie Delpy. The setting is the small Breton town of Paimpont, where the lives of the villagers are unexpectedly turned upside down by the arrival of a new family from Syria. How Mülheim an der Ruhr reports, the film is supported by a colorful cast: the primary school teacher presents herself as self-confident, while the supermarket owner struggles with an alcohol problem, complemented by a Breton-perceived Alsatian plumber and a simple-minded, tone-deaf village policeman.

The newcomers not only challenge the villagers' preconceptions, but also bring their skills with them. They are intelligent and can prepare galette dough, which is particularly appreciated in this region of Brittany. The film dares to strike a balance between seriousness and humorous exaggeration, while addressing human inadequacies and prejudices. At the same time, questions about political incorrectness and the welcoming culture are raised, which are particularly relevant in contemporary society.

Cultural diversity and tolerance

The film is more than just an entertaining story; it touches on essential topics such as multiculturalism and tolerance, which have been intensively discussed in Germany since the 1980s. FES emphasizes that a multicultural society is characterized by ethno-cultural diversity, which is also reflected in “The Barbarians”. The challenges that arise from such diversity are also part of the plot. In recent decades, numerous international migration processes, both through labor migration and refugee movements, have changed the social framework.

However, views on multiculturalism are divided. Supporters see diversity as an opportunity, while others see this development as a threat to national identity. Rabeya Müller, an imam, also describes the discrimination and prejudice that Muslims often experience in Germany. Your experiences are a clear indication of how important an active commitment to tolerance and equality in society is, as well as from Deutschlandfunk culture is explained in detail.

The path to human acceptance

The challenges of integration and cultural understanding are omnipresent in our society. The film “The Barbarians” takes on this topic and makes you think. In Mülheim, this material is presented in an exciting and entertaining way, which underlines how important it is to think outside the box and to openly address the fears and prejudices that so often determine how we live together. Without the willingness to critically address these questions, the search for a harmonious, multicultural society will continue to be a rocky road.