Aufgabe 2.2
Task
You are taking part in the “International Youth Media Summit 2025,” which aims to push boundaries and break barriers in the media.
Write an article for the project website in which you sum up the information on the series “Sam – A Saxon” and about diversity in the German film industry.
TEXT
Auszug aus dem Interview
Tyron Ricketts: „Es müssen Plätze am Tisch freigeräumt werden“
„Geschichten, die das Leben schreibt“ ist eine gern verwendete Phrase. Im Fall von „Sam – Ein Sachse“ hat sich das Leben eine Handlung ausgedacht, mit der ein Drehbuchautor wohl kaum durchgekommen wäre.
Von Doreen Hinrichs
(634 Wörter) Hinrichs, Doreen. „Tyron Ricketts: ‚Es müssen Plätze am Tisch freigeräumt werden.‘“ GMX. 27. April 2023. Zugriff am 28. April 2023 von Quelle (Sprachliche Fehler in der Textvorlage wurden entsprechend der geltenden Norm korrigiert.)
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monatlich kündbarSchulLV-PLUS-Vorteile im ÜberblickDu hast bereits einen Account?Breaking Barriers: “Sam – A Saxon” and the Fight for Diversity in German Media
By a participant of the International Youth Media Summit 2025
The media world is changing — and with it, the stories we tell. At the heart of this transformation is a growing demand for more diversity and authenticity. One powerful example of this change is the German series “Sam – A Saxon”, which not only breaks new ground as the first German production on Disney+, but also highlights the importance of inclusive storytelling.
The Story Behind the Series
“Sam – A Saxon” tells the true story of Samuel Njankouo Meffire, the first Black police officer in the former DDR. Born in Germany to a Cameroonian father, Meffire rose to fame after reunification, becoming a media figure and even appearing in advertisements. But his life took a dramatic turn: he eventually became involved in criminal activities and spent time in prison. After serving his sentence, he rebuilt his life as a social worker and author.
It took more than 20 years for his story to be adapted for the screen. The reason was that the producer believed that audiences were not yet ready for a Black lead character. But the creators of “Sam – A Saxon” wanted to do more than just bring a powerful story to life, they made sure that diversity was reflected not only on screen, but behind the scenes as well. Writers and producers included people from various backgrounds to ensure that the series was authentic and inclusive.
A Broader Movement Towards Inclusion
The production of “Sam – A Saxon” mirrors a wider trend in the German film industry. Digital platforms, social change, and global conversations have helped promote more diverse casting and storytelling. Today, Germany’s screen productions are slowly starting to reflect the country’s multicultural society.
However, challenges remain. While actors from different backgrounds are more visible than before, many old structures still dominate behind the scenes. There is still a lack of diversity in key decision-making roles, such as directing, writing, and producing. Without inclusion on all levels, authentic stories can’t fully be told.
To move forward, the industry needs to create more opportunities for people from all backgrounds — not only in front of the camera, but also behind it. This is essential for reflecting democratic values and creating characters that go beyond clichés.
Conclusion
“Sam – A Saxon” is more than a series — it is a signal that things are changing in the German media landscape. But real progress depends on long-term commitment to diversity, especially in the people who shape the stories we watch. If we want to break barriers, we must listen to voices that have been ignored for too long, and give them the space to be heard.