Join us for a screening of the recently-restored 1993 classic by Ousmane Sembène, Guelwaar. Preceded by #NYAFF31 short film why some people be mad at me sometime by Mahlet Cuff. A live DJ set takes place starting at 7pm, and bring a blanket or chair to sit on the grass for the movie which begins at sunset! Co-presented by Maysles Documentary Center and The Africa Center

About the Film

On the morning of the funeral of political activist, Guelwaar, his friends and family discover that his body has disappeared from the morgue. Being that he died violently, theories on the whereabouts of the corpse multiply wildly before the truth is revealed. The remains of this baptized Catholic have been mistakenly buried in a Muslim cemetery. The confusion that ensues due to this bureaucratic mix-up and the amazing attempts to rectify this error add up to a razor sharp critique of contemporary politics and the fractious religious dogma that still exists in many places, including the sahel, a drought stricken belt in Senegal. The Sahel, being the area in which the film takes place. Inspired by a true story, Sembène uses the death of this champion of an independent, unified Africa to symbolize the petty jealousies and deeply rooted conflicts that are the enemies of that cause.
About Ousmane Sembène

About our Summer Series

During this annual series, AFF presents free programs throughout NYC, in public venues and city parks, including screenings of African cinema and family-friendly events such as the annual Family Day Celebration on Governors Island. Learn More