Highlighting African Cinema Across Borders: BFI Focuses on Pan-African Filmwork
In a bid to empower the recognition of Pan-African cinema, a season of over 30 films will be screened in London this summer. Titled "Tigritudes: A Pan-African Film Cycle," the event presents a selection of feature-length and short films that showcase the range, ingenuity, and vibrancy of Africa's moving image culture.
Curated by Dyana Gaye and Valérie Osouf, this anthology of Pan-African cinema spans 42 countries and includes works from acclaimed directors such as Julie Dash, Med Hondo, and Souleymane Cissé, among others. The season will take place at BFI Southbank throughout June and July, with additional screenings at the Tate Modern and The Garden Cinema.
These films, many of which are lesser-known, have been carefully chosen to represent a diverse array of narratives, exploring cultural, social, and political issues from various African perspectives. Notable titles include the scathing political satire Rhodesia Countdown, the groundbreaking One Way or Another, directed by the first Afro-Cuban woman filmmaker, Sarah Gómez, and many more compelling and thought-provoking works.
To complement the film screenings, "Tigritudes" will feature introductions, Q&As, and discussions with experts in Pan-African cinema, including the season programmers themselves, Dyana Gaye and Valérie Osouf, along with Tony Warner of BFI African Odysseys and Black History Walks, and Keith Shiri of Film Africa.
With its roots traced back to France, this landmark event promises to showcase the richness and complexity of African experiences through film, fostering understanding and appreciation of these unique narratives on a global scale.
Screenings will commence at BFI Southbank from 1 June through 31 July. Selected films will also be screened at Tate Modern on 5 and 7 June and at The Garden Cinema on 8, 17, and 25 June. For more information and tickets, visit the BFI official website at www.bfi.org.uk/whatson.
- The cultural richness and complexity of Africa is set to be showcased through various aspects of lifestyle, as "Tigritudes: A Pan-African Film Cycle" will also include exhibits on fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and home-and-garden.
- As relationships and connections are the heart of African culture, the event will feature discussions with experts in Pan-African cinema, such as Dyana Gaye, Valérie Osouf, Tony Warner, and Keith Shiri.
- In addition to the cinematic offerings, "Tigritudes" will offer a deeper understanding of African life, including perspectives on social, political, and cultural issues in the various countries represented, which makes it an excellent opportunity for those interested in engaging with pets and their roles in African society.
- With the season's focus on travel throughout the diaspora, car enthusiasts can look forward to seeing culturally significant cars featured in the screenings or discussions.
- To further immerse oneself in African culture, shopping opportunities will be provided during the event, offering unique works that showcase the diversity and vibrancy of African art, crafts, and textiles.
