2003 Statement
This year, the African Film Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary by presenting an extraordinary collection of films from the African continent. The selected films have set trends for artistic and technical ingenuity and excellence, and will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers. The astonishing variety of themes and styles is indicative of the diversity of Africa, which is blessed with a richness of culture and history, despite the ravages of war and great economic hardship.
The NYAFF is proud to present a mid-career retrospective of Abderrahmane Sissako, a truly international filmmaker who has always put Africa at the center of his world. Sissako’s oeuvre is one of the most honest in its narrative position and delicate in its political enunciation. His contribution to world cinema deserves recognition not only because he is one of Africa’s most accomplished artists, but also because his life’s work frames the complex identity of filmmaker as global citizen.
AFF will also be highlighting the exciting work coming from South African directors dealing with crucial issues facing the region, from post-apartheid realities to controversial land reforms.
In addition to the best new work from the continent, our “African Classic” presentation will be Heritage Africa, Kwaw Ansah’s devastating satire of the elite during colonial times in Ghana.
AFF continues to lead the mission in bringing the distinctive experience of African cinema to the hearts and imagination of the world.
With thanks to Kaine Agary, Tracy Binta Austin, Joan Baffour, Luca Bonetti, Francoise Bouffault, Rumbi Bwerinofa, Michael Clarke, Kevin Duggan, Joy Elliott, Guetty Felin, Tunde Giwa, Brigitte Houngbedji, Glenda Johnson, Kojo Associates, Maureen Slattery, M.C. Stephens, Don Webster, and Cheryl Wilson.
Special thanks to J. Michele Hill for creating the beautiful banners for the festival.
This program was organized by Richard Pena and Mahen Bonetti of the African Film Festival, Inc. along with Prerana Reddy, Alonzo Speight, Ekwa Msangi, and Belynda Hardin.
