For nearly two decades, cinematic art that counters negative stereotypes, combats false narratives and offers first-hand insight about the continent of Africa have been showcased at Washington University.
On Friday (March 28) the 19th Annual African Film Festival returns to campus. It features a full weekend of programming that also showcases the diversity of the African Diaspora. Its rich culture and resilience are showcased through the lens of acclaimed new, emerging and established filmmakers. The festival showcases films, less than two years old, that have fared well at international festivals.
“The highlight of the festival is ‘Village Next to Paradise’ by Mo Harawe, the first Somali film to be featured as an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival,” said festival founder Wilmetta Toliver-Diallo, PhD, who serves as Washington University’s Senior Assistant Dean, Pre-Professional and Post-Graduate Planning. “The story follows a novelist attending the courtroom drama of a woman accused of infanticide.”
The film is one of six features that will be showcased at the festival, which is sponsored by African & African American Studies and Film & Media Studies in Arts & Sciences, and the African Student Association. It is funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council and the Women’s Society of Washington University.
Toliver-Diallo founded the festival in fall 2005 to increase dynamic conversations about the African continent on Washington University’s campus.
“I was thrilled that St. Louis recognized the significance of supporting African films and African filmmakers as they shed light on their reality,” said Toliver-Diallo.
The festival introduces contemporary artistic production by African artists to American audiences. The festival promotes African filmmakers, who have limited access to international distribution.
“Year after year, the films screened in this festival eloquently demonstrate how moving image media can give us important perspectives on Africa and on the shared concerns of humanity in the 21st century,” said Gaylyn Studlar, Washington University’s David May Distinguished Professor in the Humanities and Professor of Film and Media Studies.
An all-age matinee introduces authentic African perspectives to young people. The program takes place on Saturday, March 29 at 3pm and will include animation and short narratives.
“The Saint Louis Art Museum supports the youth matinee each year,” Toliver-Diallo said. “The Art Museum prepares take home craft kits associated with the youth matinee theme and donates materials to the festival for youth activities.”
Programming staples for the African Film Festival include a Saturday evening reception for festival goers hosted by the Saint Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Q&A sessions. This year’s Q&A will be led by renowned filmmaker Ekwa Msangi. He will speak with a producer for the film ‘Demba’ as well as Abbesi Akhamie, director of “The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí.”
“Our festival has screened Mamadou Dia’s short and feature film in previous festivals,” Toliver-Diallo said. “We are proud to screen his third film (second feature), ‘Demba.’”
The 19th Annual Washington University African Film Festival will take place March 28–30th in Brown Hall Room 100 on the Campus of Washington University. All programming is free and open to the public. For more information and a full schedule of selections/activities visit https://africanfilm.wustl.edu/ or call (314) 935-7879.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
A cultural feast for cinema lovers, this festival promises an exciting exploration of African narratives that captivate both heart and mind.
For cinema enthusiasts, this festival is a cultural feast that promises an engaging deep dive into African narratives that captivate the imagination and emotions.