I Luv Africa, Part 2
December 1-4, 2009
Come celebrate a week of African independent film, food, and discussion!
The “I Luv Africa” film series and community discussion is an event open to the public featuring independent films depicting stories about African culture and people.
TUESDAY 12/1 @ 7:00pm
Film screening of Sleepwalking Land
Mozambique; drama, 2007; 97min
In the midst of Mozambique’s devastating civil war, Muidinga, an orphaned refugee, wanders the countryside in search of his mother. His only companion is an elderly storyteller, and the only guide to finding his mother is a dead man’s diary. Together, the storyteller and diary lead him on a magical, and sometimes macabre, journey across war-torn landscapes to find the family he lost. Based on Mia Coutou’s acclaimed Portuguese novel of the same name, Teresa Prata’s transporting drama underscores the power of imagination in surviving, and ultimately overcoming, the catastrophe of war.
WEDNESDAY 12/2 @ 7:00pm
Film screening of Democracy in Dakar
Senegal; documentary, 2008
This film explores the impact youth in Senegal have on the political landscape and how these young people used Hip-Hop music as a political tool.
THURSDAY 12/3 @ 7:00pm
Special film screening of Tabataba, courtesy of La Maison Française
Madagascar; drama, 1987; 1h 16min
In 1947 the inhabitants of Tanala, a village on Madagascar’s east coast, has joined the great revolt against French colonization. The story of the uprising and its suppression is shown through the eyes of Solo a young boy whose daily life and childhood will be upset.
FRIDAY 12/4 @ 6:00pm
Join us on the final night of the series for two film screenings and a special catered reception.
The Soul of Ashanti
Ghana; documentary, 2009; 60min
A special presentation from the Africa Channel, this documentary follows the kingdom of the Ashanti tribe of Ghana, West Africa. The film takes viewers on a suspenseful journey between myth and reality, ancient culture and modern life; giving them an insider view of the Ashanti culture, history and the challenges of modern times, while exploring the future for the kingdom. Through the course of the documentary, a fundamental truth about the “Soul of Ashanti” is brought to light.
Youssou N’Dour: I Bring What I Love
Senegal; documentary, 2008; 1h 42min
The bestselling African pop musician of all time, Youssou N’Dour was named one of Time’s 100 most influential people and called “the rare rock star whose music matters.” In 2005, he produced his most personal album, Egypt, which presented his Islamic faith as peaceable and tolerant. But while the record won international acclaim, it was also denounced as blasphemous. Filmed over three years and featuring original music by N’Dour, this intimate portrait follows the artist on tour abroad and at home in Senegal as he wins back his public.
All films are FREE; $5 suggested donation at the door
Tags: africa, africa channel, democracy in dakar, documentary, drama, french embassy, ghana, i luv africa, madagascar, maison française, rwul, screening, senegal, soul of ashanti, tabataba, youssou n'dour
