For half a century, African nations have constructed modern identities from traditional and colonial experiences. For half a decade, The New York African Film Festival has bridged the divide between Postcolonial Africa and the American public through the medium of film.

Using visual culture as a means of communicating these new transitional identities, African cinema appeals to audiences around the world. The oral traditions, unique pacing and non-linear style of African storytelling become classifying characteristics of this continent’s cinema. A defiance of genres, subjectivity, and detached audience engagement results. The African Film Festival, a non-profit organization proudly leads the mission in bringing African cinema to the hearts and imaginations of the world.

This program was organized for the Film Society of Lincoln Center by Richard Pena, for the Brooklyn Museum of Art by Raina Lampkins-Fielder, and by the staff of the African Film Festival, lnc. – Mahen Bonetti, Don Webster, Maureen Slattery, Sharan Sklar and Tunde Giwa. Thanks are due to M.C. Stephens, Luca Bonetti, Hilary Ney, Prerana Reddy, Mamadou Niang, Nicole Kekeh, Brigette Houngbedji, Manthia Diawara, Joy Elliot, Laurence Hoffman, Kevin Dugan, Sara Stover, Lubangi Muniania, Aileen James, William C. MacKay, Devora Avikzer-Foravi, Warrington Hudlin, Amy Empson, Linda Fiske and Maguette Ndiaye.