Each year that Washington University African & African American Studies Department presents its African Film Festival, the collection of cinema reminds audiences of the richness of the continent.
Those who have attended in the past will agree that it easily achieves its goal as a counter-narrative to the impoverished, war-torn imagery of an allegedly uncivilized region in a constant state of catastrophe that is often imposed on its sons and daughters by Eurocentric media producers.
When the festival returns this weekend, audiences will experience narratives that parallel their own. The films will move viewers to connect the dots between themselves and their ancestors – as well as shed light on the often overlooked contemporary issues.
Crises faced in Africa are addressed – but from a first-person perspective. And the films are packaged to show Africa beyond an assumed constant state of suffering.
“This year’s mix of films offers comedy, animation, documentary and dramas as we watch others travel,” said Wilmetta Tolliver-Diallo, who coordinates the festival.
For 2016, the festival will feature a pair of documentaries – a stretch from its usual format of feature film, narrative shorts and animation.
“I felt it was important that St. Louis see these works. We hosted the filmmaker of ‘Sembene!’ last year and thought it appropriate to show his film, especially since it pays homage to the father of African cinema, Sembene Ousmane,” Tolliver-Diallo said.
“The other, from the Afripedia collection, is such an important project undertaken by two Ethiopian/Eritrean nationals in Sweden to celebrate African creatives on the continent – this endeavor meshes perfectly with the philosophy of the festival.”
Amadaou Fofana, a Humanities Writ Large Fellow at Duke University and a scholar on Sembene Ousmane, will share his thoughts during a post-show discussion following Sunday evening’s film.
African & African American Studies post-doctoral fellow Jordache Ellapen will lead a discussion following Friday’s films, which are both windows into South African Cinema.
According to Tolliver-Diallo, who is also assistant dean, College of Arts & Sciences and senior lecturer, African and African American Studies at Washington University, a highlight of the festival is the matinee feature “Adama.” The film tells the story of a young man following his brother to the First World War and adequately brings to light the lives of many Africans who fought for France during the world wars.
Though intended for younger audiences, she said the story is exciting and enlightening for adults as well. The film, which is subtitled and best for youth ages 9 and up, is currently a finalist for the Caesar Awards (Oscar equivalent) in France.
“The African Film Festival is a wonderful contribution to St. Louis film culture,” said Gaylyn Studlar, program director in Film & Media Studies and David May Distinguished Professor in the Humanities.
“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.”
Films of the 11th Annual Washington University African Film Festival will be shown nightly at 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, April 1-3 in Brown Hall Room 100. All films are free and open to the public.
A Saturday Youth Matinee will take place at 3:00 pm – and as in prior years, the Saint Louis Art Museum is providing take-home craft activities for youth, in keeping with the film theme.
The St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will sponsor a reception following Saturday evening’s screening.
For more information and a full line up of this year’s films, visit http://africanfilm.wustl.edu/.
The films will move viewers to connect the dots between themselves and their ancestors – as well as shed light on contemporary issues.
