BAMcinématek

17TH NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL AT THE BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Join us in celebrating the conclusion of the 17th New York African Film Festival at BAM, in conjunction with DanceAfrica.

Come out for good music, good dance, good food and of course GOOD FILMS!

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRI MAY 28
2:00pm, 6:50pm
FROM A WHISPER
WANURI KAHIU, KENYA, 2008, 90min.
This film commemorates the 10th anniversary of the August 1998 terrorist bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, in which over 250 people died and more than 5,000 were injured. The film tells the story of an artist and an intelligence officer, and how they find unique ways to move on from the tragedy that shattered their lives.

4:30pm, 9:15pm
KAAY FI (COME HERE)
ZAPO BABILEE, SENEGAL/FRANCE, 2009, 52min.
Kaay Fi is a documentary of the sabar tradition of the Faye or Sing Sing family. The film flows around the preparations for a tànnibéér or sabar party, but its presentation of this event includes footage of many aspects of the géwël tradition including géwël children learning to play the various rhythms on the sabar drums, a tailor preparing the outfits for the group to wear at the sabar party, and the magnificent playing and dancing by members of the Faye family.

SCREENING WITH NORA
ALLA KOVGAN AND DAVID HINTON, USA/UK/MOZAMBIQUE, 2008, 35min.
Based on a true story, Nora takes us to the Zimbabwe of dancer Nora Chipaumire’s childhood as she
journeys through the vivid memories of her youth. With the help of local performers and dancers of all ages, she brings her story to life in a swiftly moving poem of sound and image.
Nora

SAT MAY 29
6:50pm, 9:15pm
SEX, OKRA AND SALTED BUTTER
MAHAMAT SALEH HAROUN, CHAD/FRANCE, 2008, 81min.
Mr. Haroun reveals an incredible sense of humor in this comedy. An extra-marital affair leads to Hortense’s separation from her very traditional African husband, who is in for a ride as he learns about her love affair, his eldest son’s secret love life, and the responsibilities of single parenthood.
Sex, Okra and Salted Butter

SUN MAY 30
2:00pm, 6:50pm
MOVEMENT (R)EVOLUTION AFRICA
JOAN FROSCH AND ALLA KOVGAN, VARIOUS COUNTRIES/USA, 2007, 65min.
An astonishing exposition of nine African choreographers from Senegal to South Africa who challenge stale stereotypes of “traditional Africa” and unveil soul-shaking responses to the beauty and tragedy of 21st century Africa!

SCREENING WITH
AREA BOYS
OMELIHU NWANGUMA, NIGERIA, 2008, 25min.
Lifelong Lifelong friends Bode and Obi decide to repent from their corrupt way of life. They cut ties with their megalomaniac boss, but life as “good” citizens proves difficult, and so they plan one last job to fund their transition. The friends are then faced with a life-or-death situation as they search for an escape from their vengeful former boss’s henchmen.


MON MAY 31
2:00pm, 6:50pm
AFRICA FIRST SHORTS featuring:
COMING OF AGE
JUDY KIBINGE, KENYA, 2007, 12min.

COMING OF AGE takes us through the development of Kenyan democracy through the eyes of a young Kenyan girl. The naïve post-independence euphoria is reflected in an innocent young girl’s outlook; Moi’s oppressive regime is narrated through her teenage turmoil; and a more mature narrator comes of age with the election of President Kibaki. But after disputed election results in December 2007, we are left to wonder if democracy ever truly comes of age.

BRONX PRINCESS
YONI BROOK AND MUSA SYEED, GHANA/USA, 2008, 38min.
Bronx Princess follows headstrong 17-year-old Rocky as she leaves behind her mother in New York City to reunite with her father, a chief in Ghana. By confronting her immigrant parents’ ideas of adulthood during her tumultuous summer between high school and college, Rocky must reconcile her African heritage with her dream of independence.
Bronx Princess

SAINT LOUIS BLUES
DYANA GAYE, SENEGAL/FRANCE, 2009, 48min.
Traveling from Dakar to Saint Louis, the passengers in a taxi exchange stories of their lives through songs. Touching upon themes such as destiny and fate, this film presents an interesting plot told in a particular cinematic manner that makes the viewer want to travel and discover.
4:30pm, 9:15pm

IN MY GENES
LUPITA NYONG’O, KENYA, 2009, 78min.
What is it like to be “white” in a “black” society? Agnes, a woman with albinism, overcomes the difficulties of being born with no pigment in a society that discriminates against the condition. In My Genes asks us to consider how it feels to be a member of one of the most hyper-visible and yet effectively invisible groups of people in a predominantly black society.

…AND MUCH MORE

For more information on this year’s New York African Film Festival, feel free to contact us on:

Facebook African Film Festival, Inc

for in-depth information on the films, including photos…

Twitter @AfricanFilmFest

for up-to-the-minute updates during the festival…

Youtube AfricanFilmFest

for teasers and previews from this year’s film selection!

Also, check out our updated homepage

www.africanfilmny.org

for schedule information, synopses and more details on what’s to come!

2009 New York African Film Festival opening night film

GANGSTER’S PARADISE: JERUSALEMA

now in theaters

In 2009, African Film Festival, Inc. opened its festival with the powerful film Gangster’s Paradise: Jerusalema, an unflinching look into the crime, corruption and the transgressions of those looking to survive in the most crime-infested district of Johannesburg. Today, we are proud to announce that the film by director Ralph Ziman will now have its theatrical release on June 11, 2010 in New York and Houston, and in Los Angeles on June 18.

Gangster’s Paradise: Jerusalema is written and directed by Ralph Ziman, and stars Rapaulana Seiphemo (Tsotsi), Robert Hobbs (District 9), Kenneth Nkosi (District 9), Eugene Khumbanyiwa (District 9), and Louise Saint-Claire (District 9).