Film Africa to hold 10th edition in London
Film Africa, London’s biggest festival dedicated to African cinema from across the continent and diaspora, will hold its 10th edition from October 28 to November 6.
Presented by the Royal African Society (RAS), the festival will showcase films that demonstrate the diverse ways of being African.
More than 48 titles from 16 African countries – including no fewer than 22 UK, European and world premieres – will be displayed and screened at London venues including the Africa Centre, Bertha DocHouse, BFI Southbank, Picturehouse Central, Rich Mix, The Ritzy and at the South London Gallery.
The films, ranging from feature-length to shorts, fiction and documentary, will reflect the depth and variety of African stories and have been selected by this year’s curators, namely Aseye Tamakloe, Nyambura M Waruingi and Wilfred Okiche.
The films are centred around themes including a mother’s love, belonging, sisterly bonds, migration, sexuality, gender, religion, abortion rights, repressed trauma, freedom struggles and issues that reflect the technical and artistic capacities of this era of African filmmakers.
Desta Haile, RAS deputy director, said: “The films for this 10th edition are so beautiful and eclectic, spanning so many countries and feelings. As a volunteer for Film Africa back in 2018, it is now a real joy to be part of the organising team. Our partners – curators, judges, directors, artists, food, media, food, drink, music – have helped us pull together a stunning 10 days for the people, and I can’t wait to welcome people in person to our screenings, Q&As, workshops and events, and to our online events.”
Sarah Wechselberger, Film Africa festival producer, added: “Film Africa’s mission remains the same: to offer a platform to showcase and celebrate the best contemporary African cinema in London and the UK, reaffirming our emphasis on discovering new talent.”
The festival will kick off with the gala screening of feature-length film Our Father the Devil by Cameroonian director Ellie Foumbi. It will also feature seven narrative and documentary films on BFI Player, director Q&As, panel discussions, online events, educational workshops and masterclasses.
It will unveil new partnerships with Cinewax, Mobile Film Festival Africa, EbonyLife Media – where CEO Mo Abudu will host a masterclass for young Film Africa Creatives – alongside existing partnerships with Beyond Nollywood and Deaffest.
In addition, there will be innovative shorts competition for the annual Baobab Award for best short film and the Film Africa Audience Award for best feature film, which will attract cash prizes of £1,000.
Film Africa showcases and celebrates the best contemporary African cinema in London and is supported by the UK and BFI, Amazon Literary Partnership, Garfield Weston Foundation, Miles Morland Foundation and EbonyLife Media.
tagged in: Film Africa, Royal African Society