Films & Events
The fifth edition of Africa in Motion from 21 October to 5 November 2010 features more than 70 films from 28 African countries.
The festival opens in a celebratory manner with a sensual film by award-winning Chadian director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun: Sex, Okra and Salted Butter. The opening film will be followed by a reception with drinks and nibbles in the Filmhouse café.
The action-packed opening weekend will see the attendance of Jean-Marie Teno, one of Africa’s most talented documentary filmmakers, with two of his films screening and a masterclass led by the director. A poetry afternoon at the Scottish Poetry Library and films with a poetic feel will be complemented by the screening of Nigerian films and films celebrating the release of Nelson Mandela twenty years ago. Discussions with experts in the different fields will follow the films and audiences will get the chance to engage with the films in Q&A sessions.
The first week of the festival will see days themed around individual causes for celebration: independence, environment, music, beauty and design. The second week continues our optimistic view on the African continent and its films with focuses on the amazing Francophone creativity, more music and dance, and – of course – African sports!
During the two-week festival several events will highlight the theme of celebrations running throughout the whole of the festival. A painting on film workshop, a dance masterclass, a children’s day with films made by and for children, a storytelling event and an animation workshop, as well as a fashion show, are all intended to spoil our audiences with exciting new experiences.
For the third time, we present our Short Film Competition supporting emerging talent from Africa, where the winner of the £500 prize money will be announced.
Please use the Sort by filters above to browse through the programme.
You can download the full programme from the links on the left.
Most screenings take place at Filmhouse Cinema, unless otherwise indicated. The afternoons of documentary screenings at the Edinburgh College of Art are free and non-ticketed.
Tickets can be booked in person at Filmhouse box office, or on the phone: 0131 228 2688 (open from 12 noon – 9.00pm daily), or online at www.filmhousecinema.com (no booking fees!)
Ticket prices:
Matinees (Mon to Thu) (Performances starting before 5.00pm): Full price £5.40, concessions £3.50
Friday Bargain Matinees: Full price £4.00, concessions £2.50
Evening Screenings & Sat/Sun Matinees (Performances starting 5.00pm or later): Full price £6.90, concessions £5.20
Ticket deals:
See any three (or more) films in the festival and get 15% off, see any six (or more) films and get 25% off, see any nine (or more) films and get 35% off. Tickets must all be bought at the same time.
AiM wants to reward its loyal audience members and has a very special offer in store. The first twenty people to book three films for the festival in one go at the box office will receive a free Africa in Motion bag stuffed with surprise goodies. Book your ticket in person and don’t delay – there is only a limited amount of goodie bags available.
By Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Hortense, a 40 year-old nurse originally from the Ivory Coast, leaves her family for her lover, Jean-Paul, an oyster farmer in the area of Bordeaux. Her husband Malik, a very traditional man, sees his whole world turned upside down. Suddenly, he finds himself raising their two younger children on his own, and, to his consternation, discovers that his third son, a handsome young man, is homosexual. The arrival of Amina, the lovely but lonely neighbour, and Malik's bossy sisters-in-law from Abidjan, provokes some surprising twists as Malik struggles to reconcile his traditional African principles with life in modern France.
This delightful, light-hearted satire is somewhat of a thematic departure for Chadian director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, whose previous work (Abouna and Darrat, both shown at previous AiM festivals) dealt with much heavier subject matters. This year Haroun's extraordinary filmmaking talent was internationally rewarded through receiving the Jury Prize at Cannes for his latest film Un homme qui crie (A Screaming Man). Sex, Okra and Salted Butter is, as the title suggests, a provocative and endlessly entertaining film, touching upon serious issues of modern African identity and social roles under its smooth and seductive veneer.
Africa in Motion 2010 will be opened by the festival directors. All audience members are invited to a reception in the Filmhouse café bar after the screening, featuring South African wine, Scottish snacks and Afro-Scottish entertainment. Our thanks to Scotland Food & Drink for generously sponsoring the canapés for the reception. Entertainment by ‘Zawadi Express’, Pan-African choir, percussion and dance, plus D.J. Tribbaz from Zimbabwe.
France 2008 | 1h20m |
Beta SP | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Thu 21st Oct at 8.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
This delightful, light-hearted satire is somewhat of a thematic departure for Chadian director Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, whose previous work (Abouna and Darrat, both shown at previous AiM festivals) dealt with much heavier subject matters. This year Haroun's extraordinary filmmaking talent was internationally rewarded through receiving the Jury Prize at Cannes for his latest film Un homme qui crie (A Screaming Man). Sex, Okra and Salted Butter is, as the title suggests, a provocative and endlessly entertaining film, touching upon serious issues of modern African identity and social roles under its smooth and seductive veneer.
Africa in Motion 2010 will be opened by the festival directors. All audience members are invited to a reception in the Filmhouse café bar after the screening, featuring South African wine, Scottish snacks and Afro-Scottish entertainment. Our thanks to Scotland Food & Drink for generously sponsoring the canapés for the reception. Entertainment by ‘Zawadi Express’, Pan-African choir, percussion and dance, plus D.J. Tribbaz from Zimbabwe.
By Jean-Marie Teno
1990: Thirty years after Africa's wave of independences, the end of the cold war and the dramatic political changes taking place around the world inspire a generation of young Africans to take to the streets and challenge the one-party state and its attendant nepotism, corruption and economic failure.
In a daring free style construction, Africa, I Will Fleece You mixes past and present, establishing a link between yesterday's colonial experience and today's violence and corruption in Cameroon, the only African country colonised by three European powers. Afrique, I Will Fleece You provides a devastating overview of 100 years of cultural genocide in Africa.
We are delighted to have Jean-Marie Teno in attendance to talk to the audience after the screening. Teno is also presenting a Masterclass in Documentary Filmmaking at the Edinburgh College of Art on Fri afternoon, 22 Oct, and we will be screening another of his Documentaries on Sat 23 Oct.
Cameroon/France/Germany 1993 | 1h28m |
Digibeta | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Fri 22nd Oct at 6.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
In a daring free style construction, Africa, I Will Fleece You mixes past and present, establishing a link between yesterday's colonial experience and today's violence and corruption in Cameroon, the only African country colonised by three European powers. Afrique, I Will Fleece You provides a devastating overview of 100 years of cultural genocide in Africa.
We are delighted to have Jean-Marie Teno in attendance to talk to the audience after the screening. Teno is also presenting a Masterclass in Documentary Filmmaking at the Edinburgh College of Art on Fri afternoon, 22 Oct, and we will be screening another of his Documentaries on Sat 23 Oct.
Like this? Try Sacred Places - Lieux Saints , Beyond the Ocean - Après l’Océan,
By Léandre-Alain Baker
Adapted from the novel of the same title by Senegalese author Abasse Ndione, 50 year-old Ramata defies the honour and reputation of her family and rediscovers love and passion with a young man, 25 years her junior. From then, her quiet and supposedly happy life in Dakar's high society changes radically. But as the affair progresses, Ramata is soon having serious doubts about her young lover and grows increasingly unsettled about their relationship which takes a dramatic turn when a long-buried secret from Ramata's past returns to haunt her.
In essence, this film is a story of metamorphosis, the metamorphosis of a beautiful woman and her relationship to the world that surrounds her. Ramata’s story echoes the philosophy and the poetry of president-poet Léopold Sédar Senghor, independent Senegal’s first president. Instead of the stereotypically African backgrounds, director Léandre-Alain Baker, from Congo-Brazzaville, has chosen to set the film in a very sombre light, reflecting the dark mystery of its characters and their situations. The role of Ramata is played by stunning Guinean-born model Katoucha Niane, an outspoken activist against female genital mutilation, who tragically drowned in the Seine River in February 2008, just after the film’s completion.
Senegal/Congo-Brazzaville/France 2009 | 1h24m |
Digibeta | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Fri 22nd Oct at 8.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
In essence, this film is a story of metamorphosis, the metamorphosis of a beautiful woman and her relationship to the world that surrounds her. Ramata’s story echoes the philosophy and the poetry of president-poet Léopold Sédar Senghor, independent Senegal’s first president. Instead of the stereotypically African backgrounds, director Léandre-Alain Baker, from Congo-Brazzaville, has chosen to set the film in a very sombre light, reflecting the dark mystery of its characters and their situations. The role of Ramata is played by stunning Guinean-born model Katoucha Niane, an outspoken activist against female genital mutilation, who tragically drowned in the Seine River in February 2008, just after the film’s completion.
By Sylvie Bayonne
This short will introduce the series of ‘visual poems’ we have in store for the audiences this evening. Inspired by Chinese philosophy of the nourishment of the mind, body and soul, Congolese filmmaker Sylvie Bayonne produces a tantalising visual piece of body nourishment in African culture where colours, tastes, smells and imagery stimulate the viewer's senses.
Democratic Republic of the Congo 2009 | 16m |
Beta SP | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Showing Sat 23rd Oct at 6.00 pm as part of AiM’s African Poetry Film Screenings
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
By Philip Cowan
Reflections of Ethiopia is beautifully shot and visually stunning: a portrait of Ethiopia in snapshots, including a coffee ceremony, music and dance. Its deeply observational style precludes words, with music and diegetic sounds creating a magical soundtrack.
To link with the screening of Reflections of Ethiopia, Edinburgh’s Fairtrade outlet One World Shop (at St John’s Church, Princes St) is inviting audience members for a free cup of Fairtrade Ethiopian coffee and nibbles, whilst browsing their wide selection of African food and gifts. Come along to One World Shop after the poetry readings and before the screening, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
Ethiopia/UK 2010 | 25m |
DV Cam | No dialogue |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Showing Sat 23rd Oct at 6.00 pm as part of AiM’s African Poetry Film Screenings
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
To link with the screening of Reflections of Ethiopia, Edinburgh’s Fairtrade outlet One World Shop (at St John’s Church, Princes St) is inviting audience members for a free cup of Fairtrade Ethiopian coffee and nibbles, whilst browsing their wide selection of African food and gifts. Come along to One World Shop after the poetry readings and before the screening, between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
By Various directors
Through their common theme, these short video 'gasps' or 'breaths' of South African cities give voice to the private dreams and nightmares of local poets, dancers, performance artist and filmmakers. They interrogate, with or against rational logic, the way South Africans understand their cities and urban life. Rebellious in their nature, under four minutes each, the films represent a genre seldom seen in South African film.
The City Breath project is a groundbreaking initiative that has initiated and developed new collaborations in the areas of the video poem, screen dance and experimental film in South Africa.
For further information about this film, see here.
South Africa 2010 | 1h7m |
DVD | Various languages with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Short Experimental
Showing Sat 23rd Oct at 6.00 pm as part of AiM’s African Poetry Film Screenings
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
The City Breath project is a groundbreaking initiative that has initiated and developed new collaborations in the areas of the video poem, screen dance and experimental film in South Africa.
For further information about this film, see here.
By Jean-Marie Teno
Sacred Places is set in St-Leon, a modest neighbourhood tucked between the cathedral and two mosques in the city of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. This city is where for 40 years, the famous FESPACO (Pan African Film Festival of Ouagadougou) has been showcasing the achievements of African filmmaking. This is a film about the fight to survive and to maintain one's dignity in a hostile environment.
Through the lives of three characters: Jules Cesar, the djembé maker and player, Bouba, the video-club manager of a neighbourhood movie salon that also serves as a praying place, and Abbo, a 50 year-old senior technician who decided to become a public letter writer, Teno skilfully lays out his rich, complex and profound observations on the many paradoxes of today's Africa. One of the many contradictions the director displays is the absence of African films in African distribution at a time of remarkable technological advances.
Sacred Places brings into view things that are personal, sacred and close to Teno's heart: identity in times of globalisation, the state of African cinema and the complicated relationship between art, popular culture and business. Honouring African traditions of oral culture, the director allows the richness of everyday conversations to place the film's weight on the words that are at the origin of any meaningful action.
We are delighted to have Jean-Marie Teno in attendance to talk to the audience after the screening. Teno is also presenting a masterclass in documentary filmmaking at the Edinburgh College of Art on Fri afternoon, 22 Oct, and we will be screening another of his documentaries the same evening.
Cameroon/France 2009 | 1h10m |
Digibeta | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Sat 23rd Oct at 8.30 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Through the lives of three characters: Jules Cesar, the djembé maker and player, Bouba, the video-club manager of a neighbourhood movie salon that also serves as a praying place, and Abbo, a 50 year-old senior technician who decided to become a public letter writer, Teno skilfully lays out his rich, complex and profound observations on the many paradoxes of today's Africa. One of the many contradictions the director displays is the absence of African films in African distribution at a time of remarkable technological advances.
Sacred Places brings into view things that are personal, sacred and close to Teno's heart: identity in times of globalisation, the state of African cinema and the complicated relationship between art, popular culture and business. Honouring African traditions of oral culture, the director allows the richness of everyday conversations to place the film's weight on the words that are at the origin of any meaningful action.
We are delighted to have Jean-Marie Teno in attendance to talk to the audience after the screening. Teno is also presenting a masterclass in documentary filmmaking at the Edinburgh College of Art on Fri afternoon, 22 Oct, and we will be screening another of his documentaries the same evening.
By Teco Benson
Celebrating African film would be incomplete without exploring the most lucrative film industry on the continent – Nollywood. If you wish to find out more about the context in which Nollywood films are made, stay on for Lagos Hot!
Teco Benson is one of the most productive Nollywood directors. The film is unique for its collaboration between a Nollywood film director and a UK-based child rights NGO, Stepping Stones Nigeria. It fearlessly deals with the controversial subject of child witches. It particularly focuses on the legal consequences for the perpetrators of child rights abuse in order to encourage families and communities to question their beliefs. The film is also an action-packed thriller that examines the role of religion and the church in Nigerian society today. The Fake Prophet is filled with suspense, drama and intrigue: viewers will be on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
Stepping Stones Nigeria was conceived by Gary Foxcroft in 2003 and is now one of the most effective international child rights charities working in the Niger Delta. The charity is dedicated to supporting the rights of vulnerable and exploited children such as the so-called child ‘witches’ and ‘wizards’ of the Niger Delta. By working in partnership with local community organisations, the charity delivers education, refuge, healthcare and hope for a brighter future to over 2,000 Nigerian children.
Gary Foxcroft will be present after the screening to talk to audiences about the work of Stepping Stones Nigeria and the issues touched upon in the film.
For further information about the film, see here.
Nigeria 2010 | 1h19m |
Digital Pr | English |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Teco Benson is one of the most productive Nollywood directors. The film is unique for its collaboration between a Nollywood film director and a UK-based child rights NGO, Stepping Stones Nigeria. It fearlessly deals with the controversial subject of child witches. It particularly focuses on the legal consequences for the perpetrators of child rights abuse in order to encourage families and communities to question their beliefs. The film is also an action-packed thriller that examines the role of religion and the church in Nigerian society today. The Fake Prophet is filled with suspense, drama and intrigue: viewers will be on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.
Stepping Stones Nigeria was conceived by Gary Foxcroft in 2003 and is now one of the most effective international child rights charities working in the Niger Delta. The charity is dedicated to supporting the rights of vulnerable and exploited children such as the so-called child ‘witches’ and ‘wizards’ of the Niger Delta. By working in partnership with local community organisations, the charity delivers education, refuge, healthcare and hope for a brighter future to over 2,000 Nigerian children.
Gary Foxcroft will be present after the screening to talk to audiences about the work of Stepping Stones Nigeria and the issues touched upon in the film.
For further information about the film, see here.
Like this? Try Togetherness Supreme ,
By Zina Saro-Wiwa
This short satirical fable by filmmaker Zina Saro-Wiwa, a previous guest at the festival and a member of the short film competition jury, about a Nigerian “child witch” named Comfort, questions the nature of belief and explores the role of pre-Christian deities in Nigeria.
Nigeria 2010 | 7m |
Digibeta | English |
Rating 15 |
Short Fiction
Like this? Try AiM Short Film Competition,
By Miguel Enwerem
Lagos is Africa’s city that never sleeps. Entertainment fever has set in, in what is now one of Africa’s most populated and dynamic cities. The Lagos entertainment industry has boomed over the last seven years. This exhilarating documentary explores the factors contributing to this growth in media and entertainment. Using interviews with contemporary artists to question the past, this lively, dense and interesting documentary deals with the phenomenon of Nollywood as well as fashion, music and art. The juxtaposition of archival footage of Fela Kuti and early Nollywood films with cutting edge DJs and contemporary fashion designers is enlightening. It also questions: what is the road ahead? This film is a perfect taster of the richness of contemporary Nigerian culture – which we will also celebrate at our closing fashion extravaganza on 5 Nov featuring the designs of leading Nigerian fashion designer Nkwo Onwuka.
A panel of experts on the Nigerian entertainment industry will host a discussion with the audience after the screening.
Femi Folorunso is a Programme Development Officer at Creative Scotland. Femi lectured in Drama and Cultural Studies at universities in Nigeria and the UK before joining the Scottish Arts Council (Creative Scotland since 1 July 2010). Femi continues to retain a strong academic interest in drama and cultural theory as well as in cultural policy development. He is an occasional visiting lecturer in postcolonial literature at the University of Dundee. His current research interests include disenfranchisement of immigrants under the neoliberal reconstruction of citizenship.
Oludolapo Ojediran is a research student in the Drama and Creative Industries Department at Queen Margaret University. She is a graduate of Performing Arts, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where she also obtained a Master of Arts degree in the same field and specialises in Dramatic Criticism.
Nigeria 2009 | 1h |
MiniDV | English |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Sun 24th Oct at 6.15 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
A panel of experts on the Nigerian entertainment industry will host a discussion with the audience after the screening.
Femi Folorunso is a Programme Development Officer at Creative Scotland. Femi lectured in Drama and Cultural Studies at universities in Nigeria and the UK before joining the Scottish Arts Council (Creative Scotland since 1 July 2010). Femi continues to retain a strong academic interest in drama and cultural theory as well as in cultural policy development. He is an occasional visiting lecturer in postcolonial literature at the University of Dundee. His current research interests include disenfranchisement of immigrants under the neoliberal reconstruction of citizenship.
Oludolapo Ojediran is a research student in the Drama and Creative Industries Department at Queen Margaret University. She is a graduate of Performing Arts, University of Ilorin, Nigeria, where she also obtained a Master of Arts degree in the same field and specialises in Dramatic Criticism.
Like this? Try The Fighting Spirit , The Importance of Being Elegant ,
By Adam Lowe
South Africa 1994 | 1h |
DVCAM | English |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
11 February 2010 marked the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison, another great cause for celebration. We are honouring the phenomenal legacy of this extraordinary man through two documentaries focusing on his imprisonment and release, followed by a discussion.
Award-winning South African photographer Jurgen Schadeberg and the BBC joined forces with the team behind Voices from Robben Island, to create this definitive documentary on possibly the most infamous island in 20th century world history. In an age in which the freedom of the individual has arisen, this island has become symbolic of the many struggles that continue to take place. The film looks at the Island’s 400-year history through the eyes of people incarcerated there. From those lepers and lunatics that were first locked up in the 17th century to its most (in)famous inmates Mandela, Sisulu, Mbeki, Kathrada, Mlangeni – the freedom fighters against apartheid South Africa.
Voices of Robben Island reveals the great courage of some of its prisoners through the personal accounts of individuals such as Mandela and Mbeki. The result is not simply a moving character-led film, but a piece of history in itself.
Award-winning South African photographer Jurgen Schadeberg and the BBC joined forces with the team behind Voices from Robben Island, to create this definitive documentary on possibly the most infamous island in 20th century world history. In an age in which the freedom of the individual has arisen, this island has become symbolic of the many struggles that continue to take place. The film looks at the Island’s 400-year history through the eyes of people incarcerated there. From those lepers and lunatics that were first locked up in the 17th century to its most (in)famous inmates Mandela, Sisulu, Mbeki, Kathrada, Mlangeni – the freedom fighters against apartheid South Africa.
Voices of Robben Island reveals the great courage of some of its prisoners through the personal accounts of individuals such as Mandela and Mbeki. The result is not simply a moving character-led film, but a piece of history in itself.
By Craig Matthew
Mandela’s release was a hugely significant historical event that no self-respecting journo wanted to miss. Hence, 11 February 1990 turned into a monumental media frenzy. Through the creation of an innovative montage from original footage, Welcome Nelson brings an interesting perspective to the day the world's most famous and best-loved prisoner walked free.
South Africa 2010 | 23m |
Digibeta | English |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
By Faouzi Bensaïdi
Set in a city that gave its name to a cult film, WWW: What a Wonderful World is as anarchistic as it is colourful. Today, Casablanca is a seductive, untamed, irresistible city, torn between tradition and modernity, between the past and the future, between sluggishness and speed. She is the protagonist in this film that refuses to be defined.
Kamel is a hired killer, who receives his orders on the internet. He usually calls Souad to make love after his hits and, each time, Kenza answers the phone. She directs the traffic in the mornings around the city’s largest traffic island. Kamel soon finds himself falling in love with her voice. The city dances and taunts, the characters tiptoe around each other and bump into each other at the most unexpected instances. WWW is a film with a big and pounding heart that, despite its unexpected twists and turns, lands on its feet.
This screening is kindly sponsored by Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh.
Morocco 2007 | 1h38m |
35mm | Arabic and French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Mon 25th Oct at 6.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Kamel is a hired killer, who receives his orders on the internet. He usually calls Souad to make love after his hits and, each time, Kenza answers the phone. She directs the traffic in the mornings around the city’s largest traffic island. Kamel soon finds himself falling in love with her voice. The city dances and taunts, the characters tiptoe around each other and bump into each other at the most unexpected instances. WWW is a film with a big and pounding heart that, despite its unexpected twists and turns, lands on its feet.
This screening is kindly sponsored by Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Edinburgh.
Like this? Try I Love Hip Hop in Morocco ,
By Rachid Bouchareb
In the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings by religious terrorists, many people were desperate to find their relatives in the chaos that ensued. This film explores inter-religious understanding and tolerance between generations and cultures, as Ousmane and Mrs Sommers attempt to find information about their children in London.
Ousmane is from West Africa, an immigrant in France, and Mrs Sommers lives a quiet life in the Channel Islands. Their chance meeting, as they search for their student children in London, results in a most unlikely bond. Their mutual humanity and compassion is heart-warming. Due to their similar predicament, they give each other the strength to continue the search, putting aside their cultural differences and learning that the difference between them is not actually that big.
London River features the famous Burkinabe actor Sotigui Kouyaté (also in Genesis) who died in April this year, and whose life we are celebrating during the festival.
French-Algerian film director Rachid Bouchareb is famous for his films Indigènes (Days of Glory, 2006) and Hors-la-Loi (Outside the Law, 2010), both controversial in France as they breach the taboo surrounding the relationship between France and Algeria.
UK/France/Algeria 2009 | 1h30m |
35mm | English, French and Arabic with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Mon 25th Oct at 8.30 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Ousmane is from West Africa, an immigrant in France, and Mrs Sommers lives a quiet life in the Channel Islands. Their chance meeting, as they search for their student children in London, results in a most unlikely bond. Their mutual humanity and compassion is heart-warming. Due to their similar predicament, they give each other the strength to continue the search, putting aside their cultural differences and learning that the difference between them is not actually that big.
London River features the famous Burkinabe actor Sotigui Kouyaté (also in Genesis) who died in April this year, and whose life we are celebrating during the festival.
French-Algerian film director Rachid Bouchareb is famous for his films Indigènes (Days of Glory, 2006) and Hors-la-Loi (Outside the Law, 2010), both controversial in France as they breach the taboo surrounding the relationship between France and Algeria.
By Kwezi Owusu
FREE
This short film has a message of hope in times of great pollution. Accra in Ghana is groaning under the weight of the plastic trash amassed on dumping grounds. Trashy Bags, a local initiative by Stuart Gold, has found an innovative and playful way to deal with the amount of plastic trash: they have become designers of highly original and fashionable bags of all shapes and sizes.
A representative of Trashy Bags from London will be present and available to speak to audiences after the screening. You might get the opportunity to buy your own trashy bag!
Ghana 2009 | 17m |
DVD | English |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Showing Tue 26th Oct at 2.00 pm as part of AiM's African environmental Documentaries.
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
This short film has a message of hope in times of great pollution. Accra in Ghana is groaning under the weight of the plastic trash amassed on dumping grounds. Trashy Bags, a local initiative by Stuart Gold, has found an innovative and playful way to deal with the amount of plastic trash: they have become designers of highly original and fashionable bags of all shapes and sizes.
A representative of Trashy Bags from London will be present and available to speak to audiences after the screening. You might get the opportunity to buy your own trashy bag!
Like this? Try The Dancing Forest, Joseph’s Road,
By Alex Gabbay and Stefano Cassini
FREE
Baallow is a proud and educated Hadza, one of the last tribes of hunter-gatherers in Africa. The survival of his people has become a matter of great urgency to him after the Tanzanian government's latest ploy to try and lease their ancient land for sports hunting. The film follows Baallow, a powerful figure and a charismatic self-appointed leader of the Hadza, as he travels long distances on his motorbike across unspoilt tribal territory in Central Tanzania, to drum up support for a change.
World Sales/Distribution: JMT Films Distribution Contact: Michael Treves [email protected] (20 Bialik st. 63324 Tel Aviv Israel) (+972-3-525 4782 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +972-3-525 4782 end_of_the_skype_highlighting)
Web site: http://www.jmtfilms.com/document.htm#thisland
Tanzania/UK/Kenya 2010 | 1h15m |
DVD | English and Swahili with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Tue 26th Oct at 2.00 pm as part of AiM's African environmental Documentaries.
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
Baallow is a proud and educated Hadza, one of the last tribes of hunter-gatherers in Africa. The survival of his people has become a matter of great urgency to him after the Tanzanian government's latest ploy to try and lease their ancient land for sports hunting. The film follows Baallow, a powerful figure and a charismatic self-appointed leader of the Hadza, as he travels long distances on his motorbike across unspoilt tribal territory in Central Tanzania, to drum up support for a change.
World Sales/Distribution: JMT Films Distribution Contact: Michael Treves [email protected] (20 Bialik st. 63324 Tel Aviv Israel) (+972-3-525 4782 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +972-3-525 4782 end_of_the_skype_highlighting)
Web site: http://www.jmtfilms.com/document.htm#thisland
By Craig Matthew and Joëlle Chesselet
FREE
This visually stunning documentary traces a journey over seven years into the memory and landscape of the nomadic Himba people of arid Northern Namibia. Guided by their oral history and rich ancestral tradition they resist the development of a dam scheme that will destroy their world forever. Confronted with the wholeness of their existence, the film poses questions about first world development and our own fragmented modern world.
South Africa/Namibia 2001 | 52m |
DVD | English and Otjihimba with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Tue 26th Oct at 2.00 pm as part of AiM's African environmental Documentaries.
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
This visually stunning documentary traces a journey over seven years into the memory and landscape of the nomadic Himba people of arid Northern Namibia. Guided by their oral history and rich ancestral tradition they resist the development of a dam scheme that will destroy their world forever. Confronted with the wholeness of their existence, the film poses questions about first world development and our own fragmented modern world.
Like this? Try The Dancing Forest, This Land My Land,
By Brice Lainé
When Séda & Tiyéda Bawiena return to Baga, their native village in Togo, they find it on the brink of ruin, devastated by decades of sustained exodus, bleak economic prospects and an increasingly infertile land. Armed with their unshakable faith in the ways of their ancestral land, they found the International Centre for Agro-Pastoral Development (CIDAP) that revolutionises life in their community.
The Dancing Forest seeks out the group of women who supported Séda from its beginnings 25 years ago, and details their unlikely triumph. Disseminating new methods of sustainable agriculture anchored on the ways of their forefathers, they resurrected an entire village.
This award-winning documentary offers a rare and intimate encounter with the fascinating women and men who fight the fights of daily persistence. Bursting with West Africa’s vibrant sights and sounds, The Dancing Forest goes beyond the usual African story of desolation and poverty to unveil a world of dignity and hope – a world where forests can dance.
Filmmaker Brice Lainé will be present to talk to audiences after the screening.
For further information about the film, see here.
Togo 2008 | 52m |
Digibeta | French and Nadwem with English subtitles |
Rating U |
Feature Documentary
The Dancing Forest seeks out the group of women who supported Séda from its beginnings 25 years ago, and details their unlikely triumph. Disseminating new methods of sustainable agriculture anchored on the ways of their forefathers, they resurrected an entire village.
This award-winning documentary offers a rare and intimate encounter with the fascinating women and men who fight the fights of daily persistence. Bursting with West Africa’s vibrant sights and sounds, The Dancing Forest goes beyond the usual African story of desolation and poverty to unveil a world of dignity and hope – a world where forests can dance.
Filmmaker Brice Lainé will be present to talk to audiences after the screening.
For further information about the film, see here.
By Sabine Hellmann & Julian Krubasik
This film lets you see the world through the eyes of a young Malawian man, Joseph Tenson. Like many teenagers, he goes to school and enjoys hanging out with his friends, but dreams of moving away to seek his fortune. At home in the village, the effects of a changing climate are felt and forests are cut down. A new initiative, JANEEMO, is planting trees for renewable bio-energy, food and medicine. Could this change Joseph’s choices for the future?
This is one of two Scottish-produced films that will be used by schools across Scotland to teach about global citizenship and sustainable development.
A representative of the JANEEMO project will be present to talk to the audience after the screening.
Malawi/UK 2010 | 12m |
Digibeta | English and Chichewa with English subtitles |
Rating U |
Short Documentary
This is one of two Scottish-produced films that will be used by schools across Scotland to teach about global citizenship and sustainable development.
A representative of the JANEEMO project will be present to talk to the audience after the screening.
Like this? Try AiM Short Film Competition, Fantastic in Plastic ,
By Holly Lubbock
Fezeka's Voice is the story of one man, Phumi Tsewu, and the choir to which he has dedicated the last 12 years of his life: the award-winning Fezeka High School Choir. This is the story of how one man's infectious love of music has inspired 77 under-privileged South African children to embrace focus, confidence, self-belief and an unwavering faith in their own futures.
The Fezeka High School Choir may be the national champion, but their school sits in one of the most deprived areas in South Africa. Gugulethu Township, like most ghettos within South Africa, is infected by many of the hardships brought on by extreme poverty. The film follows Phumi and three of his most talented singers as they, along with the rest of the choir, gear up for the trip of a lifetime: an invitation to perform in England as part of the Salisbury International Arts Festival, the children's first time outside of South Africa. It is a magical time for Fezeka's choir as they begin to understand what it is to feel wanted, accepted and proud.
Director Holly Lubbock will be in attendance to talk to the audience after the screening. Over the past ten years, Holly has been working in the British television industry as a successful editor with some of the UK’s top production companies. Having co-produced and co-edited the award-winning documentary Rave Against The Machine about the effect of civil war on pop culture in Bosnia, in 2004, she has become committed to giving life to documentaries with humanity as a central theme. Fezeka’s Voice is Holly’s first feature-length documentary as director.
Having spent a year off and on filming in Gugulethu, it became clear to Holly that whilst ambition and talent was plentiful at Fezeka High School, money was not and thus The Fezeka Project was born. This project is an alignment between Ciel Productions and the Fezeka Scholarship Fund, a registered UK charity created by those in Salisbury who had invited the choir to perform in England and who wanted to give back to the children who had brought them so much joy.
Phumi’s love and encouragement may be enough to get these kids to the doors of universities, but it is not enough to secure their tuition which is why support of the Fezeka Scholarship Fund is crucial to ensuring children from all over Gugulethu township are supported in whatever they hope to achieve.
Donations to The Fezeka Project will be split 70/30 with 70% going directly to the Fezkea Scholarship Fund and 30% used to help the filmmakers continue screening Fezeka’s Voice as far and wide as possible. For more information and details of how to donate please visit www.fezeka.com/howtohelp.
For further information about the film, see here.
South Africa 2009 | 1h20m |
Digibeta | English |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Tue 26th Oct at 8.30 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
The Fezeka High School Choir may be the national champion, but their school sits in one of the most deprived areas in South Africa. Gugulethu Township, like most ghettos within South Africa, is infected by many of the hardships brought on by extreme poverty. The film follows Phumi and three of his most talented singers as they, along with the rest of the choir, gear up for the trip of a lifetime: an invitation to perform in England as part of the Salisbury International Arts Festival, the children's first time outside of South Africa. It is a magical time for Fezeka's choir as they begin to understand what it is to feel wanted, accepted and proud.
Director Holly Lubbock will be in attendance to talk to the audience after the screening. Over the past ten years, Holly has been working in the British television industry as a successful editor with some of the UK’s top production companies. Having co-produced and co-edited the award-winning documentary Rave Against The Machine about the effect of civil war on pop culture in Bosnia, in 2004, she has become committed to giving life to documentaries with humanity as a central theme. Fezeka’s Voice is Holly’s first feature-length documentary as director.
Having spent a year off and on filming in Gugulethu, it became clear to Holly that whilst ambition and talent was plentiful at Fezeka High School, money was not and thus The Fezeka Project was born. This project is an alignment between Ciel Productions and the Fezeka Scholarship Fund, a registered UK charity created by those in Salisbury who had invited the choir to perform in England and who wanted to give back to the children who had brought them so much joy.
Phumi’s love and encouragement may be enough to get these kids to the doors of universities, but it is not enough to secure their tuition which is why support of the Fezeka Scholarship Fund is crucial to ensuring children from all over Gugulethu township are supported in whatever they hope to achieve.
Donations to The Fezeka Project will be split 70/30 with 70% going directly to the Fezkea Scholarship Fund and 30% used to help the filmmakers continue screening Fezeka’s Voice as far and wide as possible. For more information and details of how to donate please visit www.fezeka.com/howtohelp.
For further information about the film, see here.
By Various Directors
For the third consecutive year, Africa in Motion has invited African filmmakers to submit short films of up to 30 minutes for the festival’s short film competition. Short films often act as a springboard for aspiring filmmakers, with many of today’s established filmmakers having started this way. AiM’s Short Film Competition is part of the festival’s commitment to nurturing young filmmaking talent and it is well possible that the next sensation of African filmmaking might be included in this year’s short film competition!
A shortlist of eight films was compiled from all the entries, with a focus on films that are well made, stylistically innovative and original, with interesting and captivating subject matters and storylines.
The winner, who receives £500 in cash, is selected by our high-profile jury, chaired by the winner of last year’s short film competition, Paul Emmanuel (3SAI: A Rite of Passage). The winner will be announced directly after the screenings, with the audience also getting an opportunity to vote for their favourite, announced at the closing screening of the festival on 5 Nov.
Our thanks to The Africa Channel and African Movie Channel for sponsoring the prize for the short film competition.
The Shortlisted films are:
A young Zulu girl with low self-esteem writes to Father Christmas asking for long, straight hair. Her dream is almost ruined by a cynical man who gives her a cruel dose of reality, but with the help of her grandmother, she eventually learns that being beautiful isn’t about what you look like but about being yourself. This poignant and beautifully made film is director Bheki Sibiya’s first fiction film, a filmmaking talent to watch.
To watch the trailer, click here.
This innovative experimental documentary is a lyrical portrait of hair salons in Kumasi, Ghana. The tangled legacy of European colonialism in Africa is evoked through images of women practising hair braiding on discarded white baby dolls from the West. The film unfolds through a series of vignettes, gradually uncovering the meaning behind the Akan term of endearment, me broni ba (“my white baby”).
For further information about the film, see here.
Various countries and years | 2h |
Various formats | Various languages with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Fiction, Doc and Experimental
Showing Wed 27th Oct at 5.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
A shortlist of eight films was compiled from all the entries, with a focus on films that are well made, stylistically innovative and original, with interesting and captivating subject matters and storylines.
The winner, who receives £500 in cash, is selected by our high-profile jury, chaired by the winner of last year’s short film competition, Paul Emmanuel (3SAI: A Rite of Passage). The winner will be announced directly after the screenings, with the audience also getting an opportunity to vote for their favourite, announced at the closing screening of the festival on 5 Nov.
Our thanks to The Africa Channel and African Movie Channel for sponsoring the prize for the short film competition.
The Shortlisted films are:
Father Christmas Doesn't Come Here
Bheki Sibiya | South Africa | 2009 | 14m | Short Fiction | Zulu with English subtitles
To watch the trailer, click here.
La Métaphore du Manioc (The Cassava Metaphor)
Lionel Meta | Cameroon/France | 2010 | 15m | Short Fiction | French with English subtitles
Dawn in Yaoundé. Coco, a twenty-something Cameroonian taxi driver picks up a melancholic but attractive young woman. On the way to the airport he tries to chat her up, but she seems absent, immersed in her own thoughts. This short film is humorous and sad in equal measure, poignantly interrogating the notion of home and belonging.
The Killing of the Imam
Khalid Shamis | South Africa | 2010 | 10m | Short Experimental Documentary
In 1969, Imam Abdullah Haron was incarcerated and killed in detention under the terrorism act of 1967 in Cape Town. His was one of the early deaths in detention under the brutal Apartheid regime. Mixing animation, documentary and archival footage, this story, told by the Imam’s grandson, is an important document of a little-known part of South African history.
No Absolution
Oluniyi Laguda | Nigeria | 2009 | 21m | Short Fiction | English and Nigerian Pidgin with English subtitles
Kole Giwa, a shy Nigerian student living in Los Angeles, is anxious about his fast-approaching birthday. He is certain there is a curse on his family that kills men on their 25th birthday, and in an attempt to escape the curse he boards up his apartment with himself inside. Told through a mixture of drama, comedy and fantasy, this entertaining film touches intelligently and humorously on the question of the place of traditional African beliefs in the modern world.
The Abyss Boys
Jan Hendrik Beetge | South Africa | 2009 | 26m | Short Fiction | Afrikaans with English subtitles
Set in the slums of a small fishing community on the Southern coast of South Africa, the drowning depths of illegal abalone poaching has become a dangerous life that Jimmy, a legendary ex-diver, wants to escape from. Hoping to save his rebellious young brother from this lifestyle too, Jimmy devises a plan to give him and his brother a new beginning. With intriguing characters and expansive coastal landscapes, the story draws to its tragic conclusion on a stormy winter’s day.
The Souls of Black Folks
Liban Jama | Somalia | 2010 | 4m | Short Experimental
Beyond the hoodies, baseball caps, violence and aggression, there is a lost youngster whose place in the world is somewhat opaque. This experimental short film examines identity and belonging from the point of view of the ethnic minority youth. Based on a W.E.B. Du Bois poem.
Me Broni Ba (My White Baby)
Akosua Adoma Owusu | Ghana | 2008 | 22m | Short Experimental Doc | Twi and English with English sub
For further information about the film, see here.
The Essence
Ebele Okoye | Nigeria | 2010 | 6m | Short Fiction Animation | No dialogue
An isolated community is plagued by famine and distress until the fabulous and mysterious bird-women arrive and save them! This is a magical, thought provoking animation that reflects on the need to respect Mother Nature.
Like this? Try Rooted, Freedom, Hexagram 27, City Breath, The Deliverance of Comfort, The Face She Wants - La Tête Qu’Elle Veut, Passion Gap ,
By Mama Keïta
Set in Senegal, The Absence tells the story of Adama who returns to Dakar after years of absence in which he established a highly successful career as an engineer in Europe. Adama is completely out of touch with his birthplace and struggles to reconnect with his grandmother and deaf-mute sister on his arrival. After a beautifully (if deceptively) slow and meditative opening, a radical change of pace occurs at the moment Adama recognises a prostitute on the street as his sister. Outraged with shame and anger, his first impulse is to punish and destroy her, but when a night of violence and mayhem ensues in which Adama attempts to save his sister, he is forced to face his own demons as well.
The Absence is an intimate and brutal thriller by Vietnamese/Guinean filmmaker Mama Keïta and deservedly won the award for best screenplay at the 2009 FESPACO film festival.
The screening of The Absence is kindly sponsored by the Society for Francophone Postcolonial Studies.
Senegal/France 2009 | 1h21m |
Digibeta | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Wed 27th Oct at 8.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
The Absence is an intimate and brutal thriller by Vietnamese/Guinean filmmaker Mama Keïta and deservedly won the award for best screenplay at the 2009 FESPACO film festival.
The screening of The Absence is kindly sponsored by the Society for Francophone Postcolonial Studies.
By Caroline Kamya
Today we are celebrating East Africa with two stunning new feature films from Uganda and Kenya. Historically one of the most underrepresented regions of African cinema, some of the most exciting new developments in African film are coming out of this region.
To set up our evening of East African films, audience members are invited to Edinburgh’s Fairtrade outlet, One World Shop (at St John’s Church, Princes St) for free Fairtrade Ugandan coffee and Kenyan tea with nibbles before the screenings. Come along from 4.30pm to 5.30pm to browse Edinburgh’s best selection of ethical African crafts, food and gifts.
iMANi provides a refreshing look at Uganda post Idi Amin and post LRA (Lords Resistance Army). In the course of just one day, we venture into the lives of three characters within the diverse landscape of contemporary Uganda. A young new talent, director Caroline Kamya gives us an intimate portrait of the lives of a child soldier, a maid and a hip-hop dancer living in contemporary Uganda.
iMANi is a visual feast of stunning worlds revealing the little known city of Kampala and the formerly war-torn region of Gulu. The blend of popular contemporary local language and hip-hop alongside traditional African beats carries the narratives. Skilfully woven together these form a tapestry of both rural and urban life in Uganda.
For further information about the film, see here.
Uganda 2010 | 1h22m |
HDCAM | Acholi, Luganda and English with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Thu 28th Oct at 6.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
To set up our evening of East African films, audience members are invited to Edinburgh’s Fairtrade outlet, One World Shop (at St John’s Church, Princes St) for free Fairtrade Ugandan coffee and Kenyan tea with nibbles before the screenings. Come along from 4.30pm to 5.30pm to browse Edinburgh’s best selection of ethical African crafts, food and gifts.
iMANi provides a refreshing look at Uganda post Idi Amin and post LRA (Lords Resistance Army). In the course of just one day, we venture into the lives of three characters within the diverse landscape of contemporary Uganda. A young new talent, director Caroline Kamya gives us an intimate portrait of the lives of a child soldier, a maid and a hip-hop dancer living in contemporary Uganda.
iMANi is a visual feast of stunning worlds revealing the little known city of Kampala and the formerly war-torn region of Gulu. The blend of popular contemporary local language and hip-hop alongside traditional African beats carries the narratives. Skilfully woven together these form a tapestry of both rural and urban life in Uganda.
For further information about the film, see here.
Like this? Try Beyond the Ocean - Après l’Océan, The Absence - L’Absence ,
By Nathan Collett
Togetherness Supreme is the story of Kamau, an artist, Otieno, a hustler and their shared love interest for Alice, a preacher’s daughter. All three live in Kibera, East Africa’s largest shantytown – home to over a million people in Nairobi, Kenya. The three protagonists are from different tribes but are searching for tribal unity in their own ways. The film follows these three characters in their quest for change in the community they live in, its fights, challenges and victories. As the Kenyan presidential elections threaten to tear Kibera apart by conflicting tribal loyalties, Kamau, Otieno and Alice fight for their own and each other’s identities.
The storyline of the film is entirely based on real events and the people of Kibera, especially the children, have been at the centre of the filmmaking process. During the shooting, participants as well as bystanders informally discussed how the violence affected them and how re-enacting it affects them. It is the filmmakers’ hope that Togetherness Supreme will enable people to reflect on what happened, help bring healing and prevent further tribalist violence.
The screening of Togetherness Supreme is kindly sponsored by Global Concerns Trust , and will be preceded by an event in which Global Concerns Trust will introduce the story of a young boy from Kibera. Mkono came home one afternoon to find his family had disappeared and was forced to fend for himself from the age of five. He founded the Humble Generation project and now works tirelessly with children who are living on the street. Through film excerpts featuring Mkono, live traditional East African music and a live physical storytelling performance by Kenyan storyteller Mara Menzies, his story will be brought to life.
The screening will be followed by a live African music performance in the Filmhouse café bar: ‘Music for the Soul’ from Senegal with Sylvain Ayité and D.J. Jaffar, also from Senegal.
For further information about the film, see here.
Kenya 2010 | 1h34m |
HDCam | Swahili, English and Sheng (Swahili slang) with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Thu 28th Oct at 8.15 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
The storyline of the film is entirely based on real events and the people of Kibera, especially the children, have been at the centre of the filmmaking process. During the shooting, participants as well as bystanders informally discussed how the violence affected them and how re-enacting it affects them. It is the filmmakers’ hope that Togetherness Supreme will enable people to reflect on what happened, help bring healing and prevent further tribalist violence.
The screening of Togetherness Supreme is kindly sponsored by Global Concerns Trust , and will be preceded by an event in which Global Concerns Trust will introduce the story of a young boy from Kibera. Mkono came home one afternoon to find his family had disappeared and was forced to fend for himself from the age of five. He founded the Humble Generation project and now works tirelessly with children who are living on the street. Through film excerpts featuring Mkono, live traditional East African music and a live physical storytelling performance by Kenyan storyteller Mara Menzies, his story will be brought to life.
The screening will be followed by a live African music performance in the Filmhouse café bar: ‘Music for the Soul’ from Senegal with Sylvain Ayité and D.J. Jaffar, also from Senegal.
For further information about the film, see here.
Like this? Try The Fake Prophet, Congo in Four Acts ,
By George Amponsah
As part of the main theme of the festival, today is focused on films celebrating the beauty and fashion of Africa. From expensive outfits to the inner beauty of lonely women, hair issues and feminine adornments, these films explore how outward creativity with the body and one’s environment reflects on the innermost thoughts of individuals and groups.
The Importance of Being Elegant is the story of one of the most unusual clubs in the world: La Sape. Its members, the Sapeurs, come from the Democratic Republic of Congo and have elevated fashion to the status of a religion. Despite extreme economic hardships the Sapeurs will only settle for ultra-expensive labels such as Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Issey Miyake and Burberry. How do they afford these luxury items? The film gently unravels the secrets of the flamboyant cult. Set to the soundtrack of Congo's extraordinary music, the film follows the Sapeurs’ spiritual leader, Papa Wemba, the world-famous musician known as “The King of La Sape”. The story opens with Wemba's release on bail in July 2003 from French prison after being charged with smuggling illegal immigrants into Europe for profit. Threatened with legal fees and an upcoming trial, he records a new album and prepares for an extravagant comeback concert in Paris.
The Importance of Being Elegant took two years to complete and received widespread critical acclaim. It was shortlisted for 2005’s Grierson Award and won Best Documentary at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
For further information on Amponsah’s work, see: http://www.georgeamponsah.com/.
For further information about this film, see here.
Ghana 2004 | 1h09m |
Digibeta | English and French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Fri 29th Oct at 3.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
The Importance of Being Elegant is the story of one of the most unusual clubs in the world: La Sape. Its members, the Sapeurs, come from the Democratic Republic of Congo and have elevated fashion to the status of a religion. Despite extreme economic hardships the Sapeurs will only settle for ultra-expensive labels such as Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Issey Miyake and Burberry. How do they afford these luxury items? The film gently unravels the secrets of the flamboyant cult. Set to the soundtrack of Congo's extraordinary music, the film follows the Sapeurs’ spiritual leader, Papa Wemba, the world-famous musician known as “The King of La Sape”. The story opens with Wemba's release on bail in July 2003 from French prison after being charged with smuggling illegal immigrants into Europe for profit. Threatened with legal fees and an upcoming trial, he records a new album and prepares for an extravagant comeback concert in Paris.
The Importance of Being Elegant took two years to complete and received widespread critical acclaim. It was shortlisted for 2005’s Grierson Award and won Best Documentary at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
For further information on Amponsah’s work, see: http://www.georgeamponsah.com/.
For further information about this film, see here.
Like this? Try Lagos Hot ,
By Katy Lena Ndiaye
We continue our day focusing on African fashion, beauty and design with this revealing, visually stunning documentary. Waiting for Men explores the tradition of female wall painting in the village of Oualata, a Mauritanian town on the edge of the Sahara. While speaking about and demonstrating their beautiful decorative art, the women also talk about their views on marriage, motherhood, sexuality and desire, in a society where many of the menfolk are absent due to labour migration. In a culture dominated by patriarchy, religion and tradition, the women express themselves freely, resulting in an intimate portrait of the women’s lives in which it becomes clear that they do much more than merely waiting for their men.
Mauritania 2007 | 56m |
Beta SP | Arabic with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
By Kapwani Kiwanga
This BAFTA nominated documentary is the directorial debut by Edinburgh-trained director Kapwani Kiwanga, who is currently pursuing a successful filmmaking career in France. Rooted is an intimate look at the Afro hair salon in Scotland. Ghanaian-born Anna Taylor's Ebony and Ivory boasts the prestige of being Edinburgh's first Afro hair salon. Anna’s warm nature transforms the salon into an informal social club – a place where friendships are forged and respite is found.
UK 2004 | 24m |
Beta SP | English |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Like this? Try AiM Short Film Competition,
By Nouri Bouzid
Tunisia 1997 | 1h45m |
Digibeta | Arabic with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Three modern North African women on the brink of self-awareness discover the power of friendship. Amina, caught in an unhappy marriage and Aida, recently divorced and openly dating men (to the shock of her disapproving family and neighbours), begin to question their lives and relationships when they meet Fatiha, an Algerian refugee. On the threshold of a new life in Europe, Fatiha serves as the impetus for Amina and Aida to question their own fate. Nouri Bouzid's Bent Familia is a moving story of unique friendships between three educated women who, anxious to live in a modern world, are trapped by the limitations of their society.
Famous Tunisian director Nouri Bouzid wrote and directed this French-Tunisian drama. With such films as his acclaimed Man of Ashes and Golden Horseshoes he established himself early on as an a-typical Tunisian filmmaker, tackling taboos such as homosexuality and inter-religious tolerance. His most recent film, Making Of, which screened at AiM08, is a provocative deliberation on terrorism.
Famous Tunisian director Nouri Bouzid wrote and directed this French-Tunisian drama. With such films as his acclaimed Man of Ashes and Golden Horseshoes he established himself early on as an a-typical Tunisian filmmaker, tackling taboos such as homosexuality and inter-religious tolerance. His most recent film, Making Of, which screened at AiM08, is a provocative deliberation on terrorism.
By Leyla Bouzid
This delightful short documentary by Nouri Bouzid’s daughter deals with a young female student coming to terms with her own face. Asking questions such as ‘what is a woman supposed to look like’ and ‘who decides on what is feminine’, she asks fellow students, friends and family members ‘what is a woman?’ As a child she played a part in Bent Familia, and returns to this film, as it is her father’s exploration on different types of women in contemporary Tunisia. It is a clever, intriguing and highly personal film that discovers ideas of beauty and femininity.
Tunisia 2010 | 25m |
Digibeta | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Like this? Try Waiting for Men - En attendant les hommes, AiM Short Film Competition,
By Various directors
This event is Free for children attending the animation workshop in the afternoon, enquire at Filmhouse box office.
Today is dedicated to our young audiences, with the day starting with screenings of a range of African films for and by children, followed by a storytelling event and an animation workshop in the afternoon, where children will create their own short animation film! Our children’s day is generously sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation
Children’s programmes, longer animated films for cinema screenings and films made by children themselves are growing in number and popularity. AiM wants to offer Scottish children the opportunity to see on the big screen what African children watch at home. We will take you on a journey of colour and invention as well as show you some films made by children, showing that it is possible for kids to make wonderful films!
We will screen an action packed film made by young children in Accra, Ghana. The film was written, directed, produced, filmed and acted by the children of a school called Street Academy aged between 7 and 15 years, initiated by Akosia. Akosia is an organisation that creates and organises cultural projects for underprivileged children and in Accra they took 40 children who attend Street Academy on a creative filmmaking journey.
We will screen a number of animations, including one in which the figures are vegetables and fruit! Two shorts made by Eritrean immigrants in the UK explain to children how strange it is to live far away from home. A Tunisian film touchingly portrays a boy who is learning to live without his beautiful mother, and a range of animations by Alfred Muchilwa (who will assist children in making their own animation film in the afternoon) will bring colour and music to the morning
AiM has linked up with Lola Kenya Screen in Nairobi for some of the films in the programme. Lola Kenya Screen is an annual international audiovisual media festival, production workshop and market for children and youth in eastern Africa. It is their goal to encourage children from around the world to express themselves in film and other media, to learn new skills and have fun while doing this. We are pleased to screen a few children’s films chosen for us by the director of Lola Kenya Screen as they also celebrated their fifth anniversary this year.
For further information about Fish out of Water & Zebra (part of Children's Films), see here.
For further information about Africa Animated (part of Children's Films), see here.
Various countries and years | 1h30m |
Various formats | Various languages |
Rating U |
Short Fiction and Animation
Showing Sat 30th Oct at 10.30 am
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Today is dedicated to our young audiences, with the day starting with screenings of a range of African films for and by children, followed by a storytelling event and an animation workshop in the afternoon, where children will create their own short animation film! Our children’s day is generously sponsored by the Commonwealth Foundation
Children’s programmes, longer animated films for cinema screenings and films made by children themselves are growing in number and popularity. AiM wants to offer Scottish children the opportunity to see on the big screen what African children watch at home. We will take you on a journey of colour and invention as well as show you some films made by children, showing that it is possible for kids to make wonderful films!
We will screen an action packed film made by young children in Accra, Ghana. The film was written, directed, produced, filmed and acted by the children of a school called Street Academy aged between 7 and 15 years, initiated by Akosia. Akosia is an organisation that creates and organises cultural projects for underprivileged children and in Accra they took 40 children who attend Street Academy on a creative filmmaking journey.
We will screen a number of animations, including one in which the figures are vegetables and fruit! Two shorts made by Eritrean immigrants in the UK explain to children how strange it is to live far away from home. A Tunisian film touchingly portrays a boy who is learning to live without his beautiful mother, and a range of animations by Alfred Muchilwa (who will assist children in making their own animation film in the afternoon) will bring colour and music to the morning
AiM has linked up with Lola Kenya Screen in Nairobi for some of the films in the programme. Lola Kenya Screen is an annual international audiovisual media festival, production workshop and market for children and youth in eastern Africa. It is their goal to encourage children from around the world to express themselves in film and other media, to learn new skills and have fun while doing this. We are pleased to screen a few children’s films chosen for us by the director of Lola Kenya Screen as they also celebrated their fifth anniversary this year.
For further information about Fish out of Water & Zebra (part of Children's Films), see here.
For further information about Africa Animated (part of Children's Films), see here.
Like this? Try Joseph’s Road, Togetherness Supreme ,
By Joshua Asen
This spirited documentary follows an ambitious hip-hop collective as they organise and pull off, with resounding success, a touring festival showcasing Morocco's top hip-hop talent. Against the backdrop of medinas, minarets, generational clashes and haram subject matter, music is made here that embraces heritage and tradition while also being socially relevant and daringly politicised.
From thriving underground roots to sell-out festivals, I Love Hip Hop in Morocco deals frankly with threats to freedom of expression and the age old dilemma of youth trying to find a way of rebelling and conforming at the same time. With moments of comedy and introspection plus some technical hiccups along the way, this documentary is a triumphant paean to the power of creativity and the youthful energy and ambition of a gifted generation of musicians fighting to win a platform for their work.
For further information about the film, see here.
USA/Morocco 2007 | 1h20m |
Digibeta | English and Arabic with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Sat 30th Oct at 3.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
From thriving underground roots to sell-out festivals, I Love Hip Hop in Morocco deals frankly with threats to freedom of expression and the age old dilemma of youth trying to find a way of rebelling and conforming at the same time. With moments of comedy and introspection plus some technical hiccups along the way, this documentary is a triumphant paean to the power of creativity and the youthful energy and ambition of a gifted generation of musicians fighting to win a platform for their work.
For further information about the film, see here.
By Dieudo Hamadi, Divita Wa Lusala, Patrick Ken Kalala, Kiripi Katembo Siku
The Democratic Republic of Congo occupies a huge space, not only geographically, but psychologically in Africa. It is a country synonymous with the darkest corners of the darkest part of the Dark Continent. Through four changes of name since its inception as Congo Free State in 1884, its history has rarely, if ever, not been brutal.
In Western consciousness it is a country, seductive in its mystery, which has fuelled the imagination. It is a country full of jungles, wild animals and savage tribes giving rise to such comic or romantic depictions in film as Jungle Jim and Congo Bill, or even Carry on up the Congo, and more famously The Nun's Story and The African Queen. Livingstone and Stanley evoke tales of intrepid exploration. The ravages of King Leopold II of Belgium and the mad excesses of its own dictator, Mobuto Sese Seko make it the archetypal African country.
In the eastern part of the country especially, nature offers up its riches in abundance. It is elemental, almost primeval, with the beautiful Lake Kivu under which are bubbling beds of methane, lush vegetation growing from the rich, volcanic soil, with Mount Nyiragongo near Goma throwing out red hot lava every day. Its natural wealth has long been the cause of death and destruction. Mostly, it is a country that will always be known as the 'Heart of Darkness'. With such a tumultuous history, there seems to be very little to celebrate.
Our evening dedicated to the DRC, one of the countries commemorating 50 years of independence this year, will show the reality of life in this country stripped of myth and mystery.
In Congo in Four Acts, four young Congolese directors react to these projections by offering an insider’s view. Their cameras delve into different microcosms. The first film begins with the absurd everyday life of a run-down maternity ward. Many mothers cannot leave the hospital after giving birth because they cannot pay the bill and have to negotiate some sort of collateral with the long-suffering manager. The second film is a hard-hitting tour through the imploding infrastructure of the capital city Kinshasa. The third film focuses on rape as a weapon of war through the arrest of a group of youths who attack a woman returning from the shops. The fourth film focuses on Kipushi, one of thousands of mining towns keeping the elite of the DRC in extreme wealth, but for those who live in the shadow of its toxic fallout, it is a very difficult life.
Trained on the ground, the directors of these four short documentaries aim to rectify stereotypical images of the DRC. They examine the democratic state of the Congo: four filmmakers making their own personal film about their beloved country. Most films that have been made in the DRC are produced and directed by foreigners who parachute in for short periods of time and take a snapshot of society, mainly looking at the horrors of war and deprivation. Frustrated with this image of their country, they set out to make films that are about ordinary people and their struggle for existence and survival. These films celebrate the resilience of human beings and their dignity in the face of the toughest surroundings and the most unfortunate of circumstances. It is ultimately an uplifting experience.
The screenings will be followed by discussion.
Democratic Republic Congo 2010 | 1h12m |
Digibeta | Langala and French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Showing Sat 30th Oct at 5.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
In Western consciousness it is a country, seductive in its mystery, which has fuelled the imagination. It is a country full of jungles, wild animals and savage tribes giving rise to such comic or romantic depictions in film as Jungle Jim and Congo Bill, or even Carry on up the Congo, and more famously The Nun's Story and The African Queen. Livingstone and Stanley evoke tales of intrepid exploration. The ravages of King Leopold II of Belgium and the mad excesses of its own dictator, Mobuto Sese Seko make it the archetypal African country.
In the eastern part of the country especially, nature offers up its riches in abundance. It is elemental, almost primeval, with the beautiful Lake Kivu under which are bubbling beds of methane, lush vegetation growing from the rich, volcanic soil, with Mount Nyiragongo near Goma throwing out red hot lava every day. Its natural wealth has long been the cause of death and destruction. Mostly, it is a country that will always be known as the 'Heart of Darkness'. With such a tumultuous history, there seems to be very little to celebrate.
Our evening dedicated to the DRC, one of the countries commemorating 50 years of independence this year, will show the reality of life in this country stripped of myth and mystery.
In Congo in Four Acts, four young Congolese directors react to these projections by offering an insider’s view. Their cameras delve into different microcosms. The first film begins with the absurd everyday life of a run-down maternity ward. Many mothers cannot leave the hospital after giving birth because they cannot pay the bill and have to negotiate some sort of collateral with the long-suffering manager. The second film is a hard-hitting tour through the imploding infrastructure of the capital city Kinshasa. The third film focuses on rape as a weapon of war through the arrest of a group of youths who attack a woman returning from the shops. The fourth film focuses on Kipushi, one of thousands of mining towns keeping the elite of the DRC in extreme wealth, but for those who live in the shadow of its toxic fallout, it is a very difficult life.
Trained on the ground, the directors of these four short documentaries aim to rectify stereotypical images of the DRC. They examine the democratic state of the Congo: four filmmakers making their own personal film about their beloved country. Most films that have been made in the DRC are produced and directed by foreigners who parachute in for short periods of time and take a snapshot of society, mainly looking at the horrors of war and deprivation. Frustrated with this image of their country, they set out to make films that are about ordinary people and their struggle for existence and survival. These films celebrate the resilience of human beings and their dignity in the face of the toughest surroundings and the most unfortunate of circumstances. It is ultimately an uplifting experience.
The screenings will be followed by discussion.
Like this? Try AiM Short Film Competition, Togetherness Supreme ,
By Fiona Lloyd-Davies
This documentary tells the story of a young Congolese woman, Judith Wanga, sent by her parents as a small child to live in London. Judith's journey takes her back to her homeland to be re-united with her parents. She then bravely journeys to the very heart of darkness in the east of the country to tell the story of the rape of women. It is nature – human nature - stripped bare. The attack is on the very life givers, the future of the country.
It is a deeply disturbing, enraging, distressing journey where Judith is faced with the harrowing stories of the women and the perpetrators. It shows that this is a problem that is both complex beyond our imaginings and yet as fundamental as can be - how ordinary people can be driven by a few to do unspeakable things to others just to survive another day.
Yet just when it seems that the deepest abyss of depravity has been reached, Judith finds a place where the extraordinary power of life and possibility, of hope and courage, of vitality and beauty – the cornerstones of Africa – is being created. Amidst the unimaginable statistics of rape, the undeniable resilience of woman and of the human spirit can truly be celebrated.
This documentary also celebrates the power of storytelling and by telling the stories, how change can be brought to bear. The telling of her own story allows Judith to tell the story of each woman she meets, who are the faces and voices of thousands of other stories. We can see and hear the real story of the country at the heart of the African continent. And every one of us can tell the stories. Storytelling can help the broken heart of Africa begin to heal. That is the African way.
The screening will also include readings, music and a slide-show of photographs from the DRC. We are delighted to have Judith Wanga in attendance, who will tell the audience more about her extraordinary journey in a discussion after the screening. Judith is a journalist, writer and campaigner for Human Rights focusing on the rights of women. After her experiences of travelling back to the DRC, Judith now campaigns to highlight the plight of women in the DRC. She currently lives in North London.
Our thanks to Moragh Reid for organising the DRC evening.
For further information about the film, see here.
UK/Democratic Republic of the Congo 2010 | 1h |
Digibeta | English |
Rating 18 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Sat 30th Oct at 8.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
It is a deeply disturbing, enraging, distressing journey where Judith is faced with the harrowing stories of the women and the perpetrators. It shows that this is a problem that is both complex beyond our imaginings and yet as fundamental as can be - how ordinary people can be driven by a few to do unspeakable things to others just to survive another day.
Yet just when it seems that the deepest abyss of depravity has been reached, Judith finds a place where the extraordinary power of life and possibility, of hope and courage, of vitality and beauty – the cornerstones of Africa – is being created. Amidst the unimaginable statistics of rape, the undeniable resilience of woman and of the human spirit can truly be celebrated.
This documentary also celebrates the power of storytelling and by telling the stories, how change can be brought to bear. The telling of her own story allows Judith to tell the story of each woman she meets, who are the faces and voices of thousands of other stories. We can see and hear the real story of the country at the heart of the African continent. And every one of us can tell the stories. Storytelling can help the broken heart of Africa begin to heal. That is the African way.
The screening will also include readings, music and a slide-show of photographs from the DRC. We are delighted to have Judith Wanga in attendance, who will tell the audience more about her extraordinary journey in a discussion after the screening. Judith is a journalist, writer and campaigner for Human Rights focusing on the rights of women. After her experiences of travelling back to the DRC, Judith now campaigns to highlight the plight of women in the DRC. She currently lives in North London.
Our thanks to Moragh Reid for organising the DRC evening.
For further information about the film, see here.
By Jorge António
Kuduro is a social and cultural portrait of a new generation that wishes to become the voice of a renewed Angola. The musical movement of Kuduro was born in Angola in the 1980s and exported to Portugal in the 1990s. It is characterised as up-tempo, energetic and extremely danceable. Ever since its independence, Angola has never lived through such a cultural, dynamic and polemic movement as the Kuduro. None of the other musical generations managed to push the boundaries and become an international phenomenon. Kuduro, made with a collection of quirky and funny participants, is a social and cultural portrait of a new generation who yearns to be the voice of a new Angola.
Angola 2008 | 52m |
Digibeta | Portuguese with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Like this? Try Kaay Fi, Tune the Drum - Mwamba Ngoma,
By Jeannette Ginslov
Individualisation is a condition of freedom – “the condition of seeing the world as it really is”, Ivor Chipkin (2007). Freedom , half documentary half dance video, explores five female South Africans dancers grappling with the notions of freedom, authenticity and democracy.
South Africa 2008 | 14m |
Digibeta | English |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Showing Sun 31st Oct at 3.30 pm with Kuduro, Fire in the Museke - Kuduro, Fogo no Museke and Nora
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Like this? Try Dance Got Me, Kuduro, Fire in the Museke - Kuduro, Fogo no Museke, Kontinuasom, Nora,
By Alla Kovgan and David Hinton
Nora is based on true stories of the dancer Nora Chipaumire, who was born in Zimbabwe in 1965. In the film, Nora returns to the landscape of her childhood and takes a journey through some vivid memories of her youth. Using performance and dance, she brings her history to life in a swiftly-moving lyrical film of sound and image. Shot entirely on location in Southern Africa, Nora includes a multitude of local performers and dancers of all ages, from young schoolchildren to ancient grandmothers, and much of the music is specially composed by legendary Zimbabwean musician Thomas Mapfumo.
The screenings of the three dance films will be followed by a discussion with African dance experts.
For further information about the film, see here.
USA/UK/Mozambique 2008 | 35m |
Digibeta | English |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Showing Sun 31st Oct at 3.30 pm with Kuduro, Fire in the Museke - Kuduro, Fogo no Museke and Freedom
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
The screenings of the three dance films will be followed by a discussion with African dance experts.
For further information about the film, see here.
Like this? Try Dance Got Me, Kuduro, Fire in the Museke - Kuduro, Fogo no Museke, Kontinuasom, Freedom,
By Ingrid Sinclair
Several years ago Bawren Tavaziva was an unemployed teenager dancing on the streets of Zimbabwe's townships to earn enough money to eat. Today, his UK-based contemporary dance company, Tavaziva Dance, performs at London's premier dance venues.
His bold, energetic and highly emotional work is inspired by both life and identity, including the heart-wrenching death of a beloved sister from AIDS. Backed by his own music, fusing African, raga and hip-hop, this deeply touching documentary covers Bawren's roller-coaster transition from one culture to another and his embrace of both. The film looks at the riches that Bawren's street culture has brought to contemporary dance and probes not only what it means to be African, but also what it is that Westerners find in Tavaziva's work that they may have lost.
We are delighted to have Bawren Tavaziva present at the festival to host a discussion with the audience after the screening. Bawren is also presenting a masterclass at Dance Base on Sunday morning, 31 Oct. Attending the masterclass earns you entry to the film screening at concession price, please enquire at Filmhouse box office.
Zimbabwe/UK 2006 | 52m |
Beta SP | English |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Sun 31st Oct at 6.30 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
His bold, energetic and highly emotional work is inspired by both life and identity, including the heart-wrenching death of a beloved sister from AIDS. Backed by his own music, fusing African, raga and hip-hop, this deeply touching documentary covers Bawren's roller-coaster transition from one culture to another and his embrace of both. The film looks at the riches that Bawren's street culture has brought to contemporary dance and probes not only what it means to be African, but also what it is that Westerners find in Tavaziva's work that they may have lost.
We are delighted to have Bawren Tavaziva present at the festival to host a discussion with the audience after the screening. Bawren is also presenting a masterclass at Dance Base on Sunday morning, 31 Oct. Attending the masterclass earns you entry to the film screening at concession price, please enquire at Filmhouse box office.
Like this? Try Kontinuasom, Kuduro, Fire in the Museke - Kuduro, Fogo no Museke, Nora, The Silver Fez ,
By Moussa Sene Absa
Proud, independent and divorced, Mati survives by pushing her cart through the pathways of a Senegalese shantytown. She dreams of opening a small restaurant and earning a living with dignity. Despite encouraging many other women to stand up to their domineering husbands, Mati falls for Naago, a charming, smooth talking local policeman. Partly told through a Greek chorus in song, this feminist melodrama explores inequality in male/female relationships and how women within a violent relationship can ultimately be driven to violence themselves.
Senegalese artist, director, musician and writer Moussa Sene Absa has received many accolades for his work. Featuring music by famous West African musicians including Majoly, Serge Fiori and Mamadou Diabate, Madame Brouette features an extraordinary soundtrack and deservedly won a Best Film Music Award in Berlin.
Senegal/Canada/France 2002 | 1h44m |
Beta SP | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Sun 31st Oct at 8.30 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Senegalese artist, director, musician and writer Moussa Sene Absa has received many accolades for his work. Featuring music by famous West African musicians including Majoly, Serge Fiori and Mamadou Diabate, Madame Brouette features an extraordinary soundtrack and deservedly won a Best Film Music Award in Berlin.
By Dani Kouyaté
Burkina Faso 2004 | 1h26m |
Digibeta | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Mon 1st Nov at 6.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
This day devoted to francophone films from Africa commemorates 50 years of independence of most of the West African countries colonised by France. While 50 years of independence and decolonisation are the perfect occasion for celebrations, the consequences of colonisation, imperialism and extortion are still felt to this day, with France continuing to have a strong influence over its ex-colonies. Through our evening screenings of two award-winning francophone films, we invite audiences to reflect on what independence means for francophone West Africa.
Director Dani Kouyaté is the son of famous Burkinabe actor Sotigui Kouyaté, who passed away in April this year and whose legacy AiM is celebrating through two films (London River and Genesis). The Kouyatés have served as griots (West African praise singers) for the Keita clan since the 13th century, and Dani is continuing this storytelling legacy through his filmmaking.
Ouaga Saga is a fast-paced comedy set in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The story revolves around a group of unemployed boys making do as best they can. Though wracked by poverty, they continue to dream, each harbouring an unlikely ambition and always willing to take every opportunity that presents itself. When they manage to make some quick cash, the money brings complications and the one constant in the boys' lives - their loyalty to each other – begins to buckle under the burden of this newfound wealth. A freak piece of luck, however, could solve all their problems and save their now fragile friendship and maybe, just maybe allow them to finally realise their ambitions.
The screening of Ouaga Saga is kindly sponsored by School of Languages, Cultures and Religions at the University of Stirling.
Director Dani Kouyaté is the son of famous Burkinabe actor Sotigui Kouyaté, who passed away in April this year and whose legacy AiM is celebrating through two films (London River and Genesis). The Kouyatés have served as griots (West African praise singers) for the Keita clan since the 13th century, and Dani is continuing this storytelling legacy through his filmmaking.
Ouaga Saga is a fast-paced comedy set in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The story revolves around a group of unemployed boys making do as best they can. Though wracked by poverty, they continue to dream, each harbouring an unlikely ambition and always willing to take every opportunity that presents itself. When they manage to make some quick cash, the money brings complications and the one constant in the boys' lives - their loyalty to each other – begins to buckle under the burden of this newfound wealth. A freak piece of luck, however, could solve all their problems and save their now fragile friendship and maybe, just maybe allow them to finally realise their ambitions.
The screening of Ouaga Saga is kindly sponsored by School of Languages, Cultures and Religions at the University of Stirling.
Like this? Try Madame Brouette , Sacred Places - Lieux Saints ,
By Cheick Oumar Sissoko
Genesis is a stunning depiction of the Biblical story of the house of Abraham, told from an African perspective. The film portrays the bitter rivalry between the brothers Jacob and Esau, which threatens to engulf both clans in a never-ending cycle of violence.
Unlike Hollywood's sanitised versions of the Bible, Genesis shows men driven as much by greed and anger as by devotion to God. Using the striking African landscape, acclaimed Malian director Cheick Oumar Sissoko creates a powerful story of hatred and revenge that resonates universally. The film stars famous Malian afro-pop musician Salif Keita, as well as the award-winning Burkinabe actor Sotigui Kouyaté (also in London River), who passed away in April this year and whose legacy AiM is honouring in this year's festival.
The screening of Genesis is kindly sponsored by School of Languages, Cultures and Religions at the University of Stirling.
France/Mali 1999 | 1h42m |
35mm | Bambara with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Mon 1st Nov at 8.15 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Unlike Hollywood's sanitised versions of the Bible, Genesis shows men driven as much by greed and anger as by devotion to God. Using the striking African landscape, acclaimed Malian director Cheick Oumar Sissoko creates a powerful story of hatred and revenge that resonates universally. The film stars famous Malian afro-pop musician Salif Keita, as well as the award-winning Burkinabe actor Sotigui Kouyaté (also in London River), who passed away in April this year and whose legacy AiM is honouring in this year's festival.
The screening of Genesis is kindly sponsored by School of Languages, Cultures and Religions at the University of Stirling.
Like this? Try Ramata, Sex, Okra and Salted Butter - Sexe, gombo et beurre salé,
By Heather Blumenthal
FREE
Amagagu: Dreaming the New explores the lives, works and aspirations of two very different South African artists, one a young visual “spontaneous” artist Nico Phooka, and the other, a mature playwright and dramatist Fatima Dike. We follow them through their artistic collaboration and observe how two very different art forms melt together and fuse to create new forms of expression, whether through poetry, drama, music or painting. Through the two fascinating protagonists the film explores their backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems and how they see themselves and their work in the greater society, while providing an insight and profound vision for the future of South Africa.
South Africa 2008 | 48m |
DVD | English |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Tue 2nd Nov at 2.00 pm as part of AiM's African Documentaries on Music and Art.
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
Amagagu: Dreaming the New explores the lives, works and aspirations of two very different South African artists, one a young visual “spontaneous” artist Nico Phooka, and the other, a mature playwright and dramatist Fatima Dike. We follow them through their artistic collaboration and observe how two very different art forms melt together and fuse to create new forms of expression, whether through poetry, drama, music or painting. Through the two fascinating protagonists the film explores their backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems and how they see themselves and their work in the greater society, while providing an insight and profound vision for the future of South Africa.
Like this? Try Fezeka’s Voice, The Silver Fez ,
By Zapo Babilée
FREE
This vibrant documentary focuses on the Senegalese sabar, a traditional drum played with one hand and one stick, originally used to communicate to other villages. The film centres on a famous family of griots (West African praise singers), the Fayes. In Kaay Fi, which literally means “come here”, the viewer is invited into the world of the sabar and the Faye family, with the film set mainly in Street 23, the home of this remarkable intergenerational family. The family's life revolves around the sabar: they must constantly maintain and tune it, invent new bakk (musical phrases) and dance steps, and of course, dance and play it at every possible opportunity.
France/Senegal 2009 | 52m |
DVD | Wolof and French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Tue 2nd Nov at 2.00 pm as part of AiM's African Documentaries on Music and Art.
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
This vibrant documentary focuses on the Senegalese sabar, a traditional drum played with one hand and one stick, originally used to communicate to other villages. The film centres on a famous family of griots (West African praise singers), the Fayes. In Kaay Fi, which literally means “come here”, the viewer is invited into the world of the sabar and the Faye family, with the film set mainly in Street 23, the home of this remarkable intergenerational family. The family's life revolves around the sabar: they must constantly maintain and tune it, invent new bakk (musical phrases) and dance steps, and of course, dance and play it at every possible opportunity.
Mwamba Ngoma
(Tune the Drum)
Tanzania 2009 | 1h11m |
DVD | Swahili with English Subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Tue 2nd Nov at 2.00 pm as part of AiM's African Documentaries on Music and Art.
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Room O17
There was no music in pre-colonial Tanzania: there was Ngoma (drums). No matter the ceremony, whatever the cause, Ngoma set the beat. To this day, Ngoma is all about involvement, about joining rather than watching. Spectator and performer become one, and the drum beats on. Musiki was born of cultural exchanges with the outside world. Musiki brought a new musical dimension to Tanzania – music solely for entertainment, music that people came to hear. From there it grew into a thriving industry in a cosmopolitan nation. The filmmaker asks: where did these two concepts meet in Tanzania? The film is a panorama of Tanzanian music history and industry.
By Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud
‘Allah never sent a messenger that did not have a beautiful voice’ says the Koran. The original title of this film, Wajd, denotes a lucky find, and this film was just that for Africa in Motion: it is a film full of exaltation, passion and celebrations of the Sufi spirituality. Being the musical expression of Islam, Sufi mysticism is known for its grace and mystery. The director traces the origins and influences of the differences between Sufis from different parts of the Muslim world, all the while receptive for the significance of their immense but humble inheritance.
Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud is a Tunisian documentary maker famous for his storytelling approach of moderation and tolerance. He knows how to express his attachment to the virtues of ethnic pluralism and cultural diversity. This film is a triumph as it promotes humility, tolerance and beauty – the Sufi cornerstones.
Tunisia 2001 | 1h30m |
Beta SP | Arabic with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Tue 2nd Nov at 6.10 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Mahmoud Ben Mahmoud is a Tunisian documentary maker famous for his storytelling approach of moderation and tolerance. He knows how to express his attachment to the virtues of ethnic pluralism and cultural diversity. This film is a triumph as it promotes humility, tolerance and beauty – the Sufi cornerstones.
By Lloyd Ross
The Silver Fez is the story of an extraordinary musical subculture in Cape Town. The Malay musicians in this spirited feature are best friends as well as archrivals, and through intrigue, heartbreak and scandal, they eventually find their way to harmony, both musical and emotional. Boeta Kaatji and Boeta Waani were blood brothers until the richest man in the game bought Waani's loyalty. After that, it was not about the music anymore, even though the battle would be done through song.
The prize is the Silver Fez, Holy Grail of Cape Town’s Islamic subculture. The campaign involves a cast of thousands and a staggering array of skills, the most sacred of which is the playing of ancient music that arrived in the Cape on slave ships. Tracing the roots of the music as well as the future of the bands playing it, this film offers a privileged insight into Cape Town’s Malay subculture.
South Africa 2009 | 1h27m |
HDCam | Afrikaans and English with English subtitles |
Rating 12 |
Feature Documentary
The prize is the Silver Fez, Holy Grail of Cape Town’s Islamic subculture. The campaign involves a cast of thousands and a staggering array of skills, the most sacred of which is the playing of ancient music that arrived in the Cape on slave ships. Tracing the roots of the music as well as the future of the bands playing it, this film offers a privileged insight into Cape Town’s Malay subculture.
By Reabetswe Moeti
This is a jeu d'esprit of a short documentary that makes an interesting sociological and dental point. Made up of sound bites from every walk of life in the city, Passion Gap is a lively, zany and sometimes racy exploration of a unique rite of passage among Cape Town's youth who are not shy in smiling for the camera. We hope to welcome the filmmaker to the festival to host a discussion with the audience after the screening.
Our day of wonderful music documentaries from all over the continent will conclude with a live African music performance in the Filmhouse café bar: Baobab Gateway, ‘Strings that Sing’, plus D.J. Gaoussou from Mali.
South Africa 2009 | 16m |
MiniDV | English and Afrikaans with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
Our day of wonderful music documentaries from all over the continent will conclude with a live African music performance in the Filmhouse café bar: Baobab Gateway, ‘Strings that Sing’, plus D.J. Gaoussou from Mali.
Like this? Try AiM Short Film Competition,
By George Amponsah
It is not easy to leave Bukom. A poor village in Ghana, its main industry is fishing, with a paltry annual salary of $300. So its young people are fighting their way out – literally. Thanks to tenacious coaches who turn rough street fighters into money-churning professional boxers, the village has produced several world champions, including the legendary Azumah ‘Zoom Zoom’ Nelson, and is now looking for its next superstar of the ring. 22-year-old George Ashie is excited to box overseas for the first time, but has girlfriend troubles back home. Known as the first lady of boxing, Yarkor Annan is using the memory of her cheating ex-boyfriend to fuel her fire, but is struggling to win her first big fight. Having already achieved international success, Joshua Clotty is campaigning for the world welterweight title, with the help of ‘connected’ manager Vinnie Scolpino.
This is a spirited look at Ghana through the eyes of those fighting for their dreams.
For further information on Amponsah’s work, see: http://www.georgeamponsah.com/.
For further information about the film, see here.
Ghana 2007 | 1h20m |
Digibeta | Ga with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
This is a spirited look at Ghana through the eyes of those fighting for their dreams.
For further information on Amponsah’s work, see: http://www.georgeamponsah.com/.
For further information about the film, see here.
Like this? Try The Golden Ball - Le Ballon d'Or, Togetherness Supreme ,
By Graham Shillington
Unfinished Business is a dynamic and quirky short documentary with a madcap premise. It follows the vertigo-inducing exploits of solo climber Jeremy Samson and his pipe dream to put a pinnacle atop Table Mountain so he can take his sport to the limit and beyond. A refreshingly funny and intelligent look at the thrill seeking sports culture in Cape Town.
For further information about the film, see here.
To watch the Making Of, click here.
South Africa 2009 | 23m |
Mini DV | English |
Rating 15 |
Short Documentary
For further information about the film, see here.
To watch the Making Of, click here.
Like this? Try AiM Short Film Competition, The Golden Ball - Le Ballon d'Or,
By Cheik Doukouré
This year South African staged the first even World Cup in Africa, a massively successful and celebratory event. Although the African teams did not progress as far into the competition as many hoped, the joyful spirit of African solidarity (and the sound of vuvuzelas!) echoed affirmatively throughout the continent. Football, and sport in general, remains very important in African cultures and often offers a way out of poverty, and today’s screenings are dedicated to different sports in different parts of the continent.
To conclude our day focused on sport in Africa, we bring you this wonderful tale of football, childhood, dreams and hope.
When our charming young protagonist, Bandian, realises that he would need to work 750 days to pay for a proper leather football, the doctor in charge of the humanitarian hospital of the area brings him back a football from one of her European trips. Obsessed with the fame of the Golden Ball football trophy, the children of the village decide to paint the football with gold paint.
This rags-to-riches tale depicts what must have been the youth of many a football legend who enchant the pitches of Europe every weekend and have their salaries and love lives scrutinised in the tabloids. The Golden Ball gives us hints as to where these football stars come from and shows the incredible obstacles the heroes of the beautiful game had to overcome to make it big.
All the sport films screened in the festival are kindly sponsored by Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh.
Guinea/France 1994 | 1h30m |
35mm | Malinke and French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Wed 3rd Nov at 8.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
To conclude our day focused on sport in Africa, we bring you this wonderful tale of football, childhood, dreams and hope.
When our charming young protagonist, Bandian, realises that he would need to work 750 days to pay for a proper leather football, the doctor in charge of the humanitarian hospital of the area brings him back a football from one of her European trips. Obsessed with the fame of the Golden Ball football trophy, the children of the village decide to paint the football with gold paint.
This rags-to-riches tale depicts what must have been the youth of many a football legend who enchant the pitches of Europe every weekend and have their salaries and love lives scrutinised in the tabloids. The Golden Ball gives us hints as to where these football stars come from and shows the incredible obstacles the heroes of the beautiful game had to overcome to make it big.
All the sport films screened in the festival are kindly sponsored by Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh.
Like this? Try The Fighting Spirit , Togetherness Supreme ,
By Michal Goldman
She had the musicality of Ella Fitzgerald, the public presence of Eleanor Roosevelt and the audience of Elvis Presley. Her name was Umm Kulthum and she became a powerful symbol, first of the aspirations of her country, Egypt, and then of the entire Arab world.
Narrated by famous Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt is the first documentary to bring Umm Kulthum to an international audience. The film puts her life in the context of the epic story of 20th century Egypt as it shook off colonialism and confronted modernity. The camera explores her astonishing connection with her audience, taking us into her village in the Nile Delta and into the cafes, markets and streets of Cairo where she lived and worked. From the Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz to a 12-year old girl in an outdoor restaurant, people speak about the role Umm Kulthum’s music has played in their lives and sing their favourite songs for the camera.
Marilyn Booth, Professor in Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Edinburgh, worked on this documentary as a translator and will be present at the screening to speak of her experiences and to share her insider’s knowledge on Umm Kulthum.
Egypt 1996 | 1h07m |
Beta SP | Arabic with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Thu 4th Nov at 6.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Narrated by famous Egyptian actor Omar Sharif, Umm Kulthum: A Voice Like Egypt is the first documentary to bring Umm Kulthum to an international audience. The film puts her life in the context of the epic story of 20th century Egypt as it shook off colonialism and confronted modernity. The camera explores her astonishing connection with her audience, taking us into her village in the Nile Delta and into the cafes, markets and streets of Cairo where she lived and worked. From the Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz to a 12-year old girl in an outdoor restaurant, people speak about the role Umm Kulthum’s music has played in their lives and sing their favourite songs for the camera.
Marilyn Booth, Professor in Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Edinburgh, worked on this documentary as a translator and will be present at the screening to speak of her experiences and to share her insider’s knowledge on Umm Kulthum.
Like this? Try 1001 Voices - Les Mille et Une Voix ,
By Óscar Martínez
Beti lives in her homeland - Cape Verde - where she is a dancer in the company Raiz di Polon. When she is offered the chance to join a Cape Verdean music show in Lisbon and launch a new career for herself in Portugal, it sets off a deep and essentially Cape Verdean conflict inside – the identity constructed over the centuries by the diaspora of her people. All of this is expressed through music, the hallmark of the Cape Verdean people.
This colourful documentary will get everyone’s feet tapping, and is brimming with the vibrancy and rhythms of the wonderful music of Cape Verde.
For further information about the film, see here.
Spain/Cape Verde 2009 | 1h20m |
Digibeta | Cape Verdean Creole with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Documentary
Showing Thu 4th Nov at 8.30 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
This colourful documentary will get everyone’s feet tapping, and is brimming with the vibrancy and rhythms of the wonderful music of Cape Verde.
For further information about the film, see here.
By Minky Schlesinger
The year is 1993, democracy is at hand, and South Africa’s townships are burning. Gugu, a sixteen-year-old from a Zulu family falls in love with Andile, an eighteen year-old Xhosa youth. Their love is frowned upon by both communities. Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Gugu and Andile is a film about love, death and reconciliation.
Winner of numerous awards at film festivals all over the world, talented South African director Minky Schlesinger's film has a superb script, which expertly draws out the timeless appeal of Shakespeare’s work. With editing that captures the breathless pace of the narrative, the result is a film that will speak to young and old.
South Africa 2009 | 1h36m |
BetaSP | Zulu and Xhosa with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Fri 5th Nov at 3.45 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Winner of numerous awards at film festivals all over the world, talented South African director Minky Schlesinger's film has a superb script, which expertly draws out the timeless appeal of Shakespeare’s work. With editing that captures the breathless pace of the narrative, the result is a film that will speak to young and old.
Like this? Try Ramata, Sex, Okra and Salted Butter - Sexe, gombo et beurre salé,
By Éliane de Latour
In a Spanish port, Shad sells crack cocaine and Otho gets by driving a cab without a licence. They both dream of one day returning to their Ivory Coast homeland as triumphant benefactors and heroes. But a police raid separates their fates. Otho, deported, returns empty handed. Shad is on the run from the authorities. In England, he comes across Tango, a “white little sister”, with whom he pursues his conquest of Europe. After wonders and misadventures, he returns to Abidjan apparently successful. But on the day of the big wedding, a duel with Otho breaks out, threatening to destroy their friendship and camaraderie forever.
Touching upon important themes of independence, the relationship between Europe and its ex-colonies, displacement and belonging, and the search for an African identity, this beautiful and thought provoking film is a fitting conclusion to 16 days of celebrating African cultures and histories and interrogating what 50 years of independence means for Africa.
The film will be preceded by screenings of the winner of the short film competition and the audience choice award. After the screening we invite everyone to the Africa in Motion Closing Gala.
For further information about the film, see here.
Ivory Coast/France/UK 2009 | 1h46m |
35mm | French with English subtitles |
Rating 15 |
Feature Fiction
Showing Fri 5th Nov at 6.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse
Venue: Filmhouse
Touching upon important themes of independence, the relationship between Europe and its ex-colonies, displacement and belonging, and the search for an African identity, this beautiful and thought provoking film is a fitting conclusion to 16 days of celebrating African cultures and histories and interrogating what 50 years of independence means for Africa.
The film will be preceded by screenings of the winner of the short film competition and the audience choice award. After the screening we invite everyone to the Africa in Motion Closing Gala.
For further information about the film, see here.
Fiona Macalister and Moragh Reid
This year we are particularly excited to host two photographic exhibitions featuring the personal photographs of two long-time supporters and collaborators of the festival, Fiona Macalister and Moragh Reid, taken during their vast travels in Africa and all related to the theme of celebrations. In addition, don’t miss our collage of photos and mementos from the first five years of AiM on one of the walls in the corridor.
ELATIM OO IMURAN – A MAASAI WEDDING CELEBRATION
A selection of stunning photographs by Fiona Macalister, taken at a Maasai wedding in the foothills of Mount Meru in Northern Tanzania.
Young Maasai women, bedecked in traditional, elaborate bead-work necklaces, decorative kangas and shúkà cloths, participate in rhythmic throat singing, accompanied by hypnotic, ululating neck movements. Wild circles of jumping Imuran, the proud young warriors, surround them, while the Mzes, their elders, officiate and look on with a critical eye.
Like a gathering of the clans, summoned by the greater kudu horn, this age-old celebration continued throughout the day, as groups competed for superiority in their daring antics, jumping and shrieking, their heels never touching the ground.
Originally from Kintyre, Fiona set up Heart Beat, promoting world music throughout Scotland, after attending a friend’s wedding in Bolivia. She was the Press & Publicity Officer for the Zanzibar International Film Festival, also known as The Festival of the Dhow Countries, where she worked with young Maasai filmmaker, Furaha Levilal. She returned for his wedding in December 2006, to participate in the spectacular two-day celebration, at Langijave, near Arusha and Furaha brought his documentary Mwalimu: the Legacy of Julius Nyerere to last year’s Africa in Motion Festival.
All proceeds from this exhibition will go towards buying a cow for Furaha’s family, all of whose cattle have perished during recent severe droughts.
FACES of AFRICA
All Moragh Reid's photographs capture the faces of the men, women and children - and even some animals – Moragh has encountered during her work and travels in Africa. They portray simple and spontaneous moments of everyday life – in ritual, in celebration, in joy, in sadness, but mostly just going about the ordinary business of their day.
All proceeds of this exhibition will be donated to the Genocide Memorial Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.
Venue: Filmhouse
ELATIM OO IMURAN – A MAASAI WEDDING CELEBRATION
A selection of stunning photographs by Fiona Macalister, taken at a Maasai wedding in the foothills of Mount Meru in Northern Tanzania.
Young Maasai women, bedecked in traditional, elaborate bead-work necklaces, decorative kangas and shúkà cloths, participate in rhythmic throat singing, accompanied by hypnotic, ululating neck movements. Wild circles of jumping Imuran, the proud young warriors, surround them, while the Mzes, their elders, officiate and look on with a critical eye.
Like a gathering of the clans, summoned by the greater kudu horn, this age-old celebration continued throughout the day, as groups competed for superiority in their daring antics, jumping and shrieking, their heels never touching the ground.
Originally from Kintyre, Fiona set up Heart Beat, promoting world music throughout Scotland, after attending a friend’s wedding in Bolivia. She was the Press & Publicity Officer for the Zanzibar International Film Festival, also known as The Festival of the Dhow Countries, where she worked with young Maasai filmmaker, Furaha Levilal. She returned for his wedding in December 2006, to participate in the spectacular two-day celebration, at Langijave, near Arusha and Furaha brought his documentary Mwalimu: the Legacy of Julius Nyerere to last year’s Africa in Motion Festival.
All proceeds from this exhibition will go towards buying a cow for Furaha’s family, all of whose cattle have perished during recent severe droughts.
FACES of AFRICA
All Moragh Reid's photographs capture the faces of the men, women and children - and even some animals – Moragh has encountered during her work and travels in Africa. They portray simple and spontaneous moments of everyday life – in ritual, in celebration, in joy, in sadness, but mostly just going about the ordinary business of their day.
All proceeds of this exhibition will be donated to the Genocide Memorial Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.
Fri 22nd Oct at 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Main Lecture Theatre
Venue: Edinburgh College of Art, Lauriston Place, Main Lecture Theatre
We are delighted to welcome Jean-Marie Teno as our guest of honour at this year's festival. Teno will lead a masterclass at the Edinburgh College of Art on Fri, 22 Oct and will also introduce two of his documentaries to audiences, screened on Fri 22 Oct and Sat 23 Oct.
Born in Famleng, Cameroon, and with qualifications in communication, audio-visual techniques and media studies, Jean-Marie Teno has emerged as one of Africa's pre-eminent and most talented documentary filmmakers. Teno has been producing and directing films on the colonial and post-colonial history of Africa for over 20 years. In line with the celebrations of 50 years of independence of several African countries this year, AiM is focusing on some of Teno’s films that do exactly that: celebrate and interrogate the histories and vast riches of African countries and their independence and resilience in the face of horrific aspects of colonisation and post-colonialism.
Teno's films have been honoured at festivals worldwide, including Berlin, Toronto, San Francisco and London. He has been a guest of the Flaherty Seminar, an artist in residence at the Pacific Film Archive of the University of California, Berkeley, and has lectured at numerous universities.
Teno is best known for his film Afrique, je te plumerai (Africa, I will fleece you, 1992), screened on Fri 22 Oct. His latest films include: Lieux saints (Sacred Places, 2009), screened on Sat 23 Oct, Le Malentendu colonial (The Colonial Misunderstanding, 2004), Le Mariage d'Alex (Alex’s Wedding, 2002), and Vacances au pays (Trip to the Country, 2000). To learn more about Teno's work, visit www.jmteno.us.
Sat 23rd Oct at 11.00 am -
Venue: Filmhouse Cinema
Venue: Filmhouse Cinema
Africa in Motion & the Edinburgh Movie Production Society (EMPS) bring you the Edinburgh 24-hour film festival, where teams will write, film and edit together a 5-10 minute short film inspired by the phrase "Africa in Motion". The competition will be held from 11am on Sat 23 Oct to 11am on Sun 24 Oct and will include a packet that will be picked up at 11am at Filmhouse Cinema. Inside the packet will be two African-themed genres to choose from and a list of 15 objects or places (e.g. drum, Coca Cola bottle, St. Giles Cathedral) of which the teams must incorporate three into their film. Teams will disperse into the city of Edinburgh and will gain hands-on experience of the filmmaking process. No previous filmmaking experience is necessary, and camera equipment will be available. Mentors will be available to show you show to write your story, use a camera, and edit your films.
The following Wednesday, 27 Oct, EMPS will be hosting the screenings of all films and the films will also be available to view on the Africa in Motion online TV channel.
It will be a fast-paced, action-packed, thrilling 24-hours! Space is limited so RSVP today!
Email: [email protected] for further info and to register for the event.
Sat 23rd Oct at 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Venue: Scottish Poetry Library, Crichton Close, just off the Royal Mile
Venue: Scottish Poetry Library, Crichton Close, just off the Royal Mile
FREE
To mark the auspicious occasion of Africa in Motion's fifth anniversary, we have organised an afternoon of poetry readings at the Scottish Poetry Library to showcase local aspiring poetic voices with links to Africa. Seven young African poets from around Scotland will offer poems written either by themselves or by their idols, dealing with the universal theme of HOME.
The poetry afternoon will be held on the bright mezzanine level of the Scottish Poetry Library. Entry is free, and there will be an opportunity to speak to the poets afterwards. AiM storyteller Mara Menzies will MC the event. If you are an aspiring poet yourself, bring your own work for a chance to read as well.
Later at Filmhouse we will screen African Poetry Films to mark this special poetry day.
To download the Poetry in Motion programme, click here.
To mark the auspicious occasion of Africa in Motion's fifth anniversary, we have organised an afternoon of poetry readings at the Scottish Poetry Library to showcase local aspiring poetic voices with links to Africa. Seven young African poets from around Scotland will offer poems written either by themselves or by their idols, dealing with the universal theme of HOME.
The poetry afternoon will be held on the bright mezzanine level of the Scottish Poetry Library. Entry is free, and there will be an opportunity to speak to the poets afterwards. AiM storyteller Mara Menzies will MC the event. If you are an aspiring poet yourself, bring your own work for a chance to read as well.
Later at Filmhouse we will screen African Poetry Films to mark this special poetry day.
To download the Poetry in Motion programme, click here.
Sat 30th Oct at 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse Guild Room
Venue: Filmhouse Guild Room
Brand new stories share a space with old favourites from across Africa. Mara the storyteller is back with fantastic tales and incredible characters in an interactive and engaging storytelling session. Join in and let your imaginations run wild!
Sat 30th Oct at 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse Guild Room
Venue: Filmhouse Guild Room
Red Kite Animation team up with animator Alfred Muchilwa from Kenya to give you the chance to create and film your own African inspired animation. Make a crazy hybrid beast from the African Tinga Tinga artwork and meet the great giant Jitu! Friend of foe, that’s up to you to decide.
Alfred Muchilwa is a Kenyan animator and comic book creator who began his animation career creating two films for the Africa Animated! series of workshops facilitated by UNESCO. His comics have been published in anthologies such as East Africa’s renowned literary journal Kwani?. His main focus has been on creating content with a strong African flavour that is accessible to a global audience, an endeavour that led him to his current designation as lead animator for Tiger Aspect’s Tinga Tinga Tales; East Africa’s first full animation production currently airing on CBeebies.
Jim Stirk is Red Kite’s workshop co-ordinator. He is an experienced workshop leader who believes children do better animation than big people.
This three-hour workshop costs £15 per child and is suitable for children between 9 and 12 years old. Places are limited, please book early! Children will be able to view their film afterwards on the Africa in Motion online TV channel.
For further information about Tinga Tinga Tales, see here.
Sun 31st Oct at 11.00 am - 1.00 pm
Venue: Dance Base, Grassmarket
Venue: Dance Base, Grassmarket
Our day dedicated to African dance kicks of with an energetic dance masterclass in collaboration with Dance Base , Scotland’s National Centre for Dance.
Tavaziva Dance invites you to be inspired, get creative and experience a new way of dancing. Catering for a wide range of abilities, this masterclass with Zimbabwean-born Bawren Tavaziva, founder and artistic director of Tavaziva Dance, will get the blood pumping, whilst challenging the body and mind to learn rhythmical patterns and imaginative dance moves. The class will consist of Bawren’s unique fusion of contemporary and traditional African techniques.
A documentary on Bawren entitled Dance Got Me will be screened at Filmhouse Cinema on Sunday evening 31 Oct. Attending the Masterclass earns you entry to the film screening at concession price – please enquire at Filmhouse box office
Mon 1st Nov at 10.00 am - 5.00 pm
Venue: Filmhouse Guild Room
Venue: Filmhouse Guild Room
Africa in Motion is delighted to collaborate with Unravel, formed by recent graduates from the Royal College of Art in London and funded by the Deutsche Bank Award for Art 2010. Unravel is a collective of five artists who work primarily as film- and video-makers and deal with film in its material form. Their aim is to create a hand-painted film that will correlate in length with the 874 miles between Land’s End and John O'Groats, at a ratio of one frame of 16mm film for every one meter of the distance.
Through a touring workshop collaborating with more than 20 film festivals and institutions this Autumn, an epic 16 hour long film will be amassed, linking and being created by local communities throughout Britain. The project aims to turn the viewer into the maker of the work in a literally “hands-on” way.
The Unravel workshop at Africa in Motion is taking place in the Filmhouse Guild Room throughout the day. You can drop in anytime you wish and stay as long as your schedule allows. Participants will sit around a large table that will have clear 16mm celluloid taped all the way around it. Materials such as pens and paints will be provided for participants to use directly onto the film, some of which will be of surrounding towns and cities. The day will culminate in a screening of the final results where participants can take pride in viewing what they have had a hand in making.
The workshop is entirely free of charge and will be a fun, entertaining, informative and inspiring introduction to material forms of filmmaking that is accessible and open to all ages and abilities.
To watch an example of the Unravel film project, see: http://vimeo.com/12666743.
Fri 5th Nov at 9.00 pm - 3.00 am
Venue: The Bongo Club, 37 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8BA
Venue: The Bongo Club, 37 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8BA
Tickets £8 (£6 conc.) includes entry to after party (also at The Bongo Club), available on the door or in advance through Filmhouse box office, in person, on the phone or online.
Noir! and AiM are proud to present AFRICA/CELEBRATIONS, a dramatic fashion performance presenting Africa’s vibrant, cutting edge chic. Centred on a dynamic fashion show featuring designs by one of Africa’s leading fashion designers, Nkwo Onwuka, the night will present a cross section of fashion, film and music representing the beating heart of a continent undergoing a Renaissance.
Also expect exciting new fashion pieces exhibited on the night created by students at the ECA in response to the theme AFRICA/CELEBRATIONS.
After Party support from the award winning Trouble DJs (hosts of the capital's Radio 1 award-nominated Trouble club night) and new sparring partner Wolfjazz (Stepback, Trade Union, We Are Electric), bringing a mix of afrobeats , global sounds, dayglo hip hop, beats & bass, dubstep, uk funky, tropical, 2 step, dancehall, and electro.
Tanzanian singer Mim Suleiman will also be present to perform tracks from her debut album.
NKWO is an award-winning Nigerian fashion designer whose work has been presented at some of the world’s largest fashion weeks, including NY Fashion Week. She has already developed a cult following in the fashion, music and film industry with supporters such as Shingai Shoniwa, the lead singer from the indie rock band the Noisettes.
Noir! has a large following in Scotland, having staged vibrant parties and events in Edinburgh and Glasgow over the past year. Celebrating the most exciting established and emerging creative talent in Scotland and beyond, Noir! has rapidly gained a reputation for putting on one of the best nights around.
"Noir! is the new black" - Peter Ross, Scotland on Sunday.
www.noiredinburgh.blogspot.com
