Celebrating 50 Years of Independence and Cinema

Expanding upon the 2007 Festival themes, this discussion with African filmmakers, scholars and artists will look closely at selected films that reveal the ways in which cinema has been used as a political and social tool to undo the various legacies of colonization. Moving beyond the relationship between cinema and decolonization, guest panelists will also discuss the role of cinema in addressing contemporary issues facing the African Diaspora today.

Films in this year’s Festival once again dismantle long-held notions about African society and cinema — expanding and challenging the audience’s perception of concepts such as tradition and modernity, femininity; even what constitutes a tragedy or comedy, documentary or fictional feature is called into question upon entering the highly complex realm of African cinema. In the showcased films presented this year, heart wrenching tragedies are often imbued with a loving and even comedic touch, transforming harrowing stories and images into touchstones of resilience and fortitude (with films such as Clouds Over Conakry, Teranga Blues, Paris Selon Moussa, Movement (R) Evolution Africa); historically situated films are sprinkled with elements of magical realism (Max and Mona); and our 11 female-directed films ensure African cinema is no longer mistaken as under male dominion. Other highlights of this year’s festival include an exploration of African cinematic storytelling and the often permeable boundaries between documentary and narrative features. Films such as Rustov-Luanda, Colonial Misunderstanding and Love in a Time of War demonstrate the myriad ways African filmmakers have explored some of Africa’s complex historical issues outside the confines of traditional documentary cinema.

The 14th New York African Film Festival was organized by Richard Peña of the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the African Film Festival, Inc. (Mahen Bonetti, Aba Taylor, Muriel Placet-Kouassi, Alonzo Speight, and Wilson Sherwin).

With special thanks to the AFF Board of Directors, Joan Baffour, Luca Bonetti, Francoise Bouffault, Rumbi Bwerinofa, Gabriel Donati, Kevin Duggan, Jacki Fischer, Belynda Hardin, Alexander Markov, Sarah Mbodji, Andrew Milne, Philippa Naughten, Prerana Reddy, Keith Shiri, Antoine Tempe, Carol Thompson, Stephan Zaubitzer, National Council of Ghanaian Associations, Terrie Williams Agency, Kojo Associates and AFF’s volunteer team.