Film Africa 2017 2 days to Go! Focus on Female Voices
Screenings are selling out fast – book now before it’s too late!
Film Africa 2017 will showcase 38 films from 21 countries, including 19 premieres. This year’s festival gives a particular focus to women’s stories,testament to the growing presence of the female voice in African cinema. Our screening of Winnie, Pascale Lamche’s seminal documentary which explores why history habitually silences strong female leaders, is now sold out. Read on to find out what’s still available.
I STILL HIDE TO SMOKE
Rich Mix
Sat 28 Oct, 8.30pmIn the heart of the hammam, women come to cleanse themselves of the physical and mental traumas suffered at the hands of the patriarchal, fundamentalist society in which they live. This daring debut is an incredibly important, contemporary indictment of the woman’s role in Algeria. We are delighted to have director Rayhanawith us for a post-screening Q&A.BOOK NOW
FÉLICITÉ Rich Mix
Sat 28 Oct, 6.30pm Alain Gomis‘ Berlinale Grand Jury Prize-winner tells the story of a gifted Kinshasa singer who falls on hard times. When her son suffers a sudden accident, Félicité must use her guile and determination as she embarks on a breathless tour through the Congolese capital to raise the money for an urgent operation. Stunningly shot, this is set to become a classic.BOOK NOW
CLOSING GALA: FOREIGN BODY Ciné Lumière Sun 5 Oct, 6.30pmDescribed by The Hollywood Reporter as a movie that “passes the Bechdel test with flying colors”, Raja Amari’s striking fourth feature receives its London premiere at the Film Africa 2017 Closing Gala. Following Samia, a young migrant who flees her radical Islamist brother and heads for European shores, Foreign Body is sensual, timely portrait of the lesser explored female migrant experience.BOOK NOW
A DAY FOR WOMEN
Rich Mix
Mon 30 Oct, 8.30pmWhen a local swimming pool announces that Sunday is a day for women, it’s the talk of the neighbourhood. But bringing together a diverse group of women proves to be an unexpected equaliser, and the men can’t help but be curious. Kamla Abu Zekry’s film is a colourful and heartfelt reflection on community, co-existence and freedom in Egyptian society. BOOK NOW
BORDERS
Rich Mix
Fri 3 Nov, 6.30pm
Bus breakdowns, traffic jams, highway robbers, fights between passengers, and corrupt and violent border customs officers – the paths of four very different women converge in this free spirited road movie across western Africa. Apolilne Traoré’s film is a wry look at a growing regional problem, where lack of integration is thwarting policies on the free circulation of people and goods.BOOK NOW
Fatma 75 South London Gallery
Sat 4 Nov, 7pmFatma 75 is a pioneering film: it is the first non-fiction work by a woman from Tunisia, a feminist essay-film, and the first in a series of powerful films about strong female figures in the country. Now, in collaboration with Quinta Gammarth in Tunis, this remarkable documentary has been restored and subtitled. Don’t miss this rare gem. Part of the UK-wide season,Africa’s Lost Classics. BOOK NOW
