PRESS RELEASE
Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE) and a team of African Australians curators announce the inaugural Africa Film Fest Australia. A three-day curatorial festival celebrating the richness and diversity of African cinema. From 19 – 21 July 2024, audiences will be treated to a showcase of contemporary films from Africa and the diaspora, hosted at Riverside Theatres and supported by Screen NSW, City of Parramatta, Multicultural NSW and WeirAnderson Films.
“We are delighted to present an unforgettable program at this year’s Africa Film Fest Australia”, said Festival Co-Director Safia Amadou. “Curating this lineup has been a true labour of love. African filmmakers have so much to offer and we made sure to showcase their rich storytelling in the diverse selection of films. We have seven feature films, three of which are premiering in Australia. With films coming from Senegal, Mali, Kenya, Algeria plus more, there is a lot to be excited about.”
Another program highlight is the special guest appearance of Seirat Hulu, an acclaimed Ethiopian-American animator from Pixar’s SparkShorts program. Flying in from California, Hulu will share insights into the making of her stop motion animated short Self, a poignant story about a wooden puppet’s journey of self-acceptance amidst metallic figures.
OPENING NIGHT
The festival will kick off with the Australian premiere of Rise: Siya Kolisi Story. This compelling documentary chronicles the journey of Siya Kolisi, the first Black captain of the South African national rugby union team, detailing his rise from a challenging upbringing to international stardom. Join Kolisi, his family, friends, and teammates as they share the inspiring tale of his life. Before the film screening, immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds of the Kora, played by Malin Sylla, as you enjoy traditional African drinks.
FEATURE FILMS
The festival lineup includes a variety of feature films that highlight diverse narratives of African filmmakers:
- After The Long Rains – Australian premiere – A story of a young girl named Aisha, who dreams of becoming an actress and overcoming gender norms in her community.
- Girl – A touching tale of eleven-year-old Ama and her mother Grace, exploring themes of growth, memory, and the need to face the past.
- Colette and Justin – Australian premiere – Alain Kassanda’s debut film, offering a deep dive into his grandparents’ lives and postcolonial DR Congo’s history.
- All the Colours Are Between Black and White – A tender love story set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s anti-gay laws and winner of the Teddy Award for best queer film at Berlinale.
- Banel and Adama – A tale of young love and cultural conflict set in a remote Senegalese village.
- The Last Queen – Australia premiere – A historical epic about Queen Zaphira of Algeria, who stands up to the pirate Aruj Barbarossa.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Umoja Short Films & Q&A Session: The screening of a collection of short films from Africa, France, and Australia, followed by an engaging Q&A session with local and international filmmakers.
Afrofutures Animation – Western Sydney Screening and Workshop: A creative workshop and screening session exploring the growing genre of African animation, facilitated by Nigerian-Australian animator Edi Udo and Jamaican-Australian Rubeena King. Special guest Seirat Hulu, Ethiopian-American writer/director from Pixar’s SparkShorts program, will present the making of Self, a stop-motion animated short at Arts & Cultural Exchange Parramatta.
Black Diasporas: In collaboration with Africa Film Fest Australia, the program will feature screenings of short films by filmmakers from the Black Diasporas Naarm-Melbourne. This project uses oral narratives to document and celebrate the experiences and places significant to Australians from across the African diaspora. (Link to their website) https://blackdiasporas.com
Tickets for the opening night and festival are on sale now. Please visit riverside.com.au to secure your spot.
For more information, visit riversideparramatta.com.au/event-campaign/africa-film-fest-australia/ and http://africafilmfest.au
TICKETS:
$16 GA, $14 Members.
Opening Night: $24 GA, $18 Members
