African Cinema To Take Center Stage at Film Africa 2016 in London

Contemporary African cinema producers and artists are expected to grace the stage at this year’s Film Africa Festival in London.

The 10-day event will happen in 11 venues across London, including Ritzy Brixton, ICA, the British Library, South London Gallery, and Hackney Picturehouse, according to Screen Africa.

At least 23 filmmakers and onscreen artists from Africa will present their work and engage in a question and answer session at the event. Film Africa also plans to showcase at least 52 films from 22 African nations, including 33 U.K. and European premieres.

London audiences are hoping to catch a glimpse of the latest and best African cinema works, which will include feature, documentary, experimental, and short films. These films will mainly focus on bold debut features that highlight the sensational period of growth and recognition of African cinema.

African Migration Dialogue

In an attempt to address the ongoing discourse on the problems of African migration to Europe, Film Africa plans to present its first flagship story, entitled “Why I’m Here: Stories of Migration.”

The feature film compiles several intensely personal stories of African migrants and is designed to explore the intricacies of modern exodus and the correlation between migrants and the places they move to.

The film shows the story of an Ivorian refugee child and his journey back to the Ivory Coast, while ‘To the Forest of Clouds” documents the journey of Timothée’s family and their return to Africa, where his mother was born.

Another thought-provoking U.K. premiere expected to screen is “Those Who Jump,” which relives memories of life at a refugee camp on the Spanish/Moroccan border. The film is the work of Malian refugee Abou Bakar Sidibe.

“I want to say thank you to Film Africa for supporting my film (‘Mandela, My Dad and Me’) and African film in general. The festival should keep introducing us to new African voices,” British-U.S. actor Idris Elba of “Beasts of No Nation” told Screen Africa.

Film Africa

Film Africa is Royal African Society’s annual London film festival established in 2011 to celebrate the best of African films from Africa and the diaspora.

Each year, a wide range of London audiences converge at designated locations to enjoy a series of high-quality film programs and events, including workshops, talks, school screenings, and family activities.

The festival also supports new film-making talents through the Baobab Award for Best Short Film as well as the Audience Award for Best Feature Film.