African Arts and Culture In the Spotlight on Governors Island

African Film Festival Inc.’s Fifth Annual ‘Family Day Celebration’ Returns to New York on Sunday, August 26

NEW YORK (August 17, 2012)—New Yorkers can immerse themselves in African culture on Sunday, August 26 as African Film Festival, Inc. returns to Governors Island for its fifth annual “Family Day Celebration.” The family friendly event, offering free African short films, African dance classes, Double Dutch, storytelling, needle arts and affordable African cuisine, runs from 12 pm to 5 pm.

“We invite area residents to treat themselves to the sights, sounds, feel and even tastes of Africa at our annual celebration of African arts and culture on beautiful Governors Island,” said African Film Festival, Inc. Founder Mahen Bonetti.

An exciting array of activities will be presented, including storytelling by Malika Leigh Whitney (3:30 to 4:30 pm), double-roped fun and fitness led by The Double Dutch Dreamz (3:30 to 4:30 pm), and needle arts with Michelle Bishop of Harlem Needle Arts (noon to 2 pm).

African rhythms will be in the spotlight with Afro-Brazilian, Senegalese Sabar and Guinean dance classes led by world-renowned instructors Quenia Ribero, Babacar M’Baye and Mamady Sano at 12:15, 2 and 3:30pm, respectively; acclaimed master percussionists Afro Brazilian Drummers, Sing Sing Rhythm and Les Merveilles de Guinea will provide musical accompaniment. Selected short films will be screened. African cuisine by the restaurants La Galette Café (Chef Ndickou Lam) and The Seasoned Pot (Chef Charmain Sithappah) will be avaoilable for purchase.

Events will center around Colonels’ Row on Governors Island, a family and tourist destination located off the southern tip of Manhattan across from the Financial District. To get to Governors Island, take the 1 to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the R to Whitehall Street. Then take the free Governors Island Ferry, located in the Battery Maritime Building, Slip # 7, to the Island and follow the signs to the festivities.

The rain date for the event will be Saturday, September 8.

About African Film Festival, Inc.:
For over twenty years, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) has bridged the divide between post-colonial Africa and the American public through the medium of film. AFF's unique place in the international arts community is distinguished not only by leadership in festival management but by its comprehensive approach to the advocacy of African film and culture. AFF established the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in 1993 with Film Society of Lincoln Center. The New York African Film Festival is presented annually at the Walter Reade Theater by
African Film Festival, Inc. and Film Society of Lincoln Center, in association with the Brooklyn Academy of Music. AFF also produces a series of local, national, and international programs throughout the year. (To learn more, visit www.africanfilmny.org).

About Governors Island:
Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor, is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise. For almost two centuries, Governors Island was home to the U.S. Army and Coast Guard.
Today, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) oversees 150 acres of the Island. Its mission is to bring Governors Island back to life and to make the Island a cherished destination. Governors Island has partnered with dozens of organizations to bring an unprecedented number
of concerts, activities, programs, festivals, and more to the Island. (To learn more, visit www.govisland.com).