A still from "Run," directed by Philippe Lacôte. Photo courtesy of Film Africa.
This Friday, Film Africa will launch its fifth edition of celebrating African cinema and filmmakers from across the continent and diaspora in London.
Ethiopia’s flourishing cinematic landscape, Lusophone Africa's 40 years of independence and industry icon Ousmane Sembèneare just a few of the themes and subjects highlighted in this year's program, which features over 60 film titles from 27 different countries. Attendees of the 10-day-long event can also expect director Q&As, talks and discussions, professional workshops, master classes, school screenings and family activities.
Established in 2011 by the Royal African Society, Film Africa aims to promote a better understanding of Africa through film by stimulating debate around contemporary socio-political issues.
"From African classics through bold and daring experimental narratives to socio-political commentaries on LGBTI rights, civil war and the human stories behind the migrant ‘crisis’ gripping the headlines, this year’s diverse programme will capture all tastes and moods," reads the Film Africa press release.
The festival will take place from October 30 to November 8 in ten venues across London, including the Hackney Picturehouse, Ritzy Brixton, BFI Southbank, ICA, Ciné Lumière, the British Library and the South London Gallery. To view the full Film Africa 2015 festival program and for more information, visit the Film Africa website.
Take a look at our Film Africa 2015 preview in photos below.
Tango Negro: The African Roots of Tango (Doc)
Director: Dom Pedro
Country: France
Year: 2013
To Catch A Dream
Director: Jim Chuchu
Country: Kenya
Year: 2014
Love the One You Love
Director: Jenna Cato Bass
Country: South Africa
Year: 2014
Beats of the Antonov (Doc)
Director: Hajooj Kuka
Country: Sudan/South Africa
Year: 2014
Lantanda (Doc)
Director: Gorka Gamarra
Country: Spain/Guinea-Bissau/Portugal
Year: 2014
Stories of Our Lives
Director: Jim Chuchu
Country: Kenya/South Africa
Year: 2014
Alma
Director: Christa Eka Assam
Country: Cameroon
Year: 2015
Between Rings: The Esther Phiri Story (Doc)
Director: Salla Sorri/Jessie Chisi
Country: Zambia/Finland
Year: 2014
Dark Days
Director: Kayambi Musafiri
Country: Rwanda
Year: 2015
They Will Have To Kill Us
Director: Johanna Schwartz
Country: UK
Year: 2015
All Is Well
Director: Pocas Pascoal
Country: Portugal/Angola
Year: 2011
Lamb
Director: Yared Zeleke
Country: Ethiopia/France/Germany/Norway
Year: 2015
Things of the Aimless Wanderer
Director: Kivu Ruhorahoza
Country: Rwanda/UK
Year: 2015
The Sea is Behind
Director: Hicham Lasri
Country: Morocco/France/UAE
Year: 2014
The Blue Elephant
Director: Marwan Hamed
Country: Egypt
Year: 2014
The Man from Oran (El Wahrani/L’Oranais)
Director: Lyès Salem
Country: France/Algeria
Year: 2014
Adama
Director: Simon Rouby
Country: France
Year: 2015
Eye of the Storm (L’oeil du Cyclone)
Director: Sékou Traoré
Country: Burkina Faso/France/Cameroon
Year: 2015
The Cursed Ones
Director: Nana Obiri Yeboah
Country: UK/Ghana
Year: 2014
Stranded in Canton
Director: Måns Månsson
Country: Denmark/Sweden
Year: 2014
Run
Director: Philippe Lacôte
Country: Ivory Coast
Year: 2014
Necktie Youth
Director: Sibs Shongwe-La Mer
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
Hope
Director: Boris Lojkine
Country: France
Year: 2014
Dazzling Mirage
Director: Tunde Kelani
Country: Nigeria
Year: 2015
Ayanda
Director: Sara Blecher
Country: South Africa
Year: 2015
All images courtesy of Film Africa.