On May 16, 2024, the Africa Movie Day took place in the „Das Kino“ cinema, an event dedicated to the African Cinema. The primary aim was to paint a differentiated and multilayered picture of Africa. The image that most people in Austria have of the African Continent, as portrayed by the majority of the media, hardly corresponds with the reality and is mainly based on prejudice and devaluation, shaped by the colonial past and continuities. This is where the Africa Movie Days steps in, offering a counterpoint to abbreviated depictions of Africa and one-sided narratives.
The Film Selection
From a multitude of films that fit the concept, two films were chosen to highlight the diversity and complexity of the African continent. Emphasis was placed on selecting African Films that put African filmmakers and their perspectives on the continent in the spotlight.
“Bravo Burkina!”, the first film, tells the story of a young boy who grew up in a village in Burkina Faso. After a dispute with his father, he runs away, wades into a body of water, and emerges as an adult man from a fountain in a village in Italy. There he settles down, finds work and falls in love. However, memories of his childhood village haunt him, prompting him to search for a way back to reclaim what he once lost. This magical tale explores themes of love and migration, arrival and leaving, return and alienation. The film is marked by its vibrant and intentional use of beauty, which serves to challenge and reshape the viewer’s perception of African immigrants. Wale’s background as a fashion designer also played a significant role in the film through the characters attire, which was not only stylish but symbolic, representing a blend of traditional and contemporary African Culture.
Wale Oyejide’s feature Film debut “Bravo Burkina!” premiered at the sundance film festival 2023 and opened the Pan-African Film and Television Festival FESPACO 2023.
The second film, “All the colors of the world are between black and white” is a Nigerian romantic film written by Babatunde Apalowo that centers on two men, Bambino and Bawa, who got friendly with each other after they met at a photography competition in Lagos. Shortly after exploring the city, they developed feelings for each other, which they were uncomfortable to express due to societal norms about sexuality in Nigeria. Their evolving relationship addresses the realities of being queer in a society where homosexuality is criminalized.
Apalawo’s directional debut stands out for its delicate storytelling, vivid use of color, and compelling aesthetic. His Film has been well received, winning the Teddy Award at Berlinale 2023 and is praised by its beautiful cinematography and the nuanced performances of its cast.
Africa Movie day: captivating films, exchange and networking
At the beginning of the event, some guests arrived and were welcomed by the staff of the Afro-Asian Institute (co-organizer) and Afrika.info. There was a relaxed atmosphere and the first guests to arrive chatted and got their tickets while waiting for the first film to begin.
The event started with a short introduction and speeches from Elke Giacomozzi, the executive director of the Afro-Asian Institute, and Rosina Bawah from the Ghana Union Salzburg. They gave an overview of the purpose of the event and set the tone for the film screenings. Next, Sharon Lagat, from Kenya spoke about queerness in Africa, sharing the challenges and experiences faced by the LGBTQAI* Community. Her speech captivated the audience and provided a deep insight into an often-overlooked topic.
Following the screenings, participants met upstairs where the food and drinks were provided by Talk Together and EZA Fairer Handel. There was a selection of Finger food and snacks. This provided the guests with the opportunity for further conversation and networking.
The organization of the event was overall good. The introductions and speeches were informative and the breaks between the films were sufficient for some relaxation and reflection on the content. Africa Movie Day not only featured captivating films but also culinary offerings that added a delightful dimension to the event which allowed exchange and networking with other participants.
Overall, it was an enriching experience that provided both cultural and culinary insights into Africa, making it a memorable and impactful experience. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the film selection and the thoughtful organization of the event, which has deepened my appreciation for African cinema and its ability to convey powerful messages.
Organizers, Host and Supporters
The event was organized by the Afro-Asian Institute Salzburg in cooperation with Afrika.info and was hosted by Das Kino. The advisory board includes the Filmbeirat Afrika-Filmtage, FilmInitiativ Köln e.V., Afrikanische Filmtage MUC e.V. u.a. The buffet was made possible through generous support from SEI SO FREI; Referat Weltkirche, Talk Together, HOSI; Südwind Salzburg and EZA Fairer Handel.