4 Films Screening at The Inaugural Africa Rising International Film Festival And Everything You Need to Know About Them

The first Africa Rising International Film Festival will take place between the 26^th and the 29^th of November, as part of the Global Festival Week in South Africa. In honor of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu's centennial, the festival aims to challenge old norms, while embracing technology and increasing youthful audiences in Africa. The event will take place at Newtown Junction Mall and the Market Theatre & Market Theatre Square in Newtown, Joburg.

Below are four of the films that will screen during the event, accompanied by facts about each one of them.

Matwetwe

1. It was directed by the South African stand-up comedian, actor and director Kagiso Lediga.

2. It's set around the iconic township of Atteridgeville in Pretoria.

3. Matwete is produced by Lediga and International Black Coffee who is making his first transition into feature films.

4. The movie soundtrack features hip-hop superstar Cassper Nyovest.

5. It was shot by cinematographer Motheo Moeng.

Watch the trailer for Matwetwe below:

Matwetwe (Wizard) - Trailerwww.youtube.com

A Star Is Born

1. The film stars pop icon Lady Gaga and The Hangover film star Bradley Cooper.

2. Bradley Copper directed the movie, and it's his first ever movie as a director.

3. It was initially written for Beyoncé and Clint Eastwood.

4. The film first showed at the75th Venice International Film Festival.

5. Over $36 million was spent to make the film.

Watch the trailer for A Star Is Born below:

A STAR IS BORN - Official Trailer 1www.youtube.com

Being Mandela: Joko Ya Hao

1. Being Mandela: Joko Ya Hao stars South African soul and jazz musician Simphiwe Dana.

2. Simphiwe Dana's role was inspired by the late anti-apartheid struggle icon Winnie Madikizela Mandela.

3. The film was directed by prolific actress Mmabatho Montsho.

4. Joko Ya hao is a 30-minute long film.

Watch the trailer for Being Mandela: Joko Ya Hao here.

Monster

1. Monster was directed by pop star Rihanna's frequent music video collaborator, Anthony Mandler.

2. The film is based on Walter Dean Myers' novel Monster.

3. Jennifer Hudson stars in the movie as Mrs. Harmon.

4. The film is not yet released theatrically.

5. It will be screening for the first time in Africa at the ARIFF.

You can buy tickets to the Africa Rising International Film Festival here.

For more information on the ARIFF 2018, follow them on Twitter, Facebook and their official website.