CinémaTuesdays

World Nomads: African Cinema

May 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2008

This series is, at root, about the art and sensibility of storytelling and about the talent and mind that creates the story. No one in the lineage of African Cinema could better tell the story of a people within a space—the life of the country, the encroaching metropolis—than Ousmane Sembène. In conjunction with World Nomads, this film series captures some of his vision and influence through rare screenings of six Yennenga prize films. Concluding with an evening of cinema, spoken word, and music; FIAF and African Film Festival, Inc. create an anthem to African Cinema and a salute to Sembène.

Presented as part of the World Nomads series.

Buud Yam

Tuesday, May 6 at 12:30 & 7pm*

Gaston J-M Kaboré, 1997. Color. 99 min.
With Serge Yanogo, Amssatou Maïga, Séverine Oueddouda, Boureima Ouedraogo
In Mooré (and other African languages) with English subtitles

Wend Kundi was found in a bush as a small child and adopted by a loving family, but within the larger village community, he is still treated as an outsider. His tranquil family life is interrupted when his sister falls gravely ill. Setting off in search of a healer, he embarks on a rite of passage, delivering him to his destiny.

*The 7pm screening will be introduced by Mahen Bonetti, Executive Director of African Film Festival, Inc.

More Info    |    Tell a Friend  

Sarraounia

Tuesday, May 6 at 4 & 9pm

Med Hondo, 1986. Color. 120 min.
With Aï Keïta, Jean-Roger Milo
In French with English subtitles

Based on historical accounts of Queen Sarraounia, who lead the Azans into battle against the French colonialists, Med Hondo’s sweeping epic is not only an engrossing tale of a remarkable woman’s bravery, but also a captivating study of revolution against enslavement. Sarraounia’s character is richly drawn, replete with angst and romantic considerations, bringing this often obscured brilliant strategist and forceful leader to light.

More Info    |    Tell a Friend  

Muna Moto

Tuesday, May 13 at 12:30 & 7pm*

Jean-Pierre Dikongue-Pipa, 1974. B&W. 89 min.
With David Endene, Arlette Din Bell
In French with English subtitles

Ngando and Ndomé share a young and perfect love, yet tradition demands a dowry for Ndomé’s hand that Ngando cannot afford. Forced to ask for assistance, Ngando soon finds himself at the mercy of his uncle’s lust and greed. One of the first features to come out of Cameroon, Muna Moto remains a landmark film of that country’s cinema.

*The 7pm screening will be introduced by director Mamadou Niang

More Info    |    Tell a Friend  

Ali Zaoua

Tuesday, May 13 at 4 & 9pm

Nabil Ayouch, 2000. Color. 90 min.
With Abdelhak Zhayra, Amal Ayouch, Mounïm Kbab, Mustapha Hansali, Hicham Moussoune
In Arabic with English subtitles

A vivid, unforgettable account of four young boys living in the streets of Casablanca who struggle to remain happy, unified, and largely unafraid. Amongst them, Ali is the dreamer who tells them of the oceans and the mermaids. But looming tension between the boys and local gangs consumes them, crippling their fantasies and forcing them to grow up all too quickly.

More Info    |    Tell a Friend  

Baara

Tuesday, May 20 at 12:30 & 7pm*

Souleymane Cissé, 1978. Color. 93 min.
With Ismaïla Sarr, Baba Niaré
In Bambara with English subtitles

The first feature ever produced in Mali, Baara recounts the story of a young engineer who is promoted as head of a factory. He succeeds in improving the factory, but his desire to involve and empower other workers provokes the anger of the owner, who orders the manager’s execution. Though set in a country rarely seen on film, Baara resonates with universality.

*7pm screening to be introduced by director/producer Mamadou Niang

More Info    |    Tell a Friend  

Drum

Tuesday, May 20 at 4 & 9pm

Zola Maseko, 2004. Color. 104 min.
With Taye Diggs, Moshidi Motshegwa, Gabriel Mann, Jason Flemyng
In English, Afrikaans & German

Drum depicts Sophiatown in the 1950s, a vibrant place full of music, love, and laughter; and the breeding ground for resistance. The film captures a period when a generation of courageous South African writers, critics, and musicians emerged, intermingling with Shebeen queens, and tsotsis (young gangsters). Taye Diggs anchors a commanding ensemble with his portrayal of legendary journalist Henry Nxumalo.

More Info    |    Tell a Friend  

Homage to Ousmane Sembène

Tuesday, May 27 at 7pm

Presented in conjuction with World Nomads series.

Includes:
- Short film on Sembène by Mamadou Niang
- Introduction by Mamadou Diouf
- Readings by Fadhima Niang in English from Sembène’s books
- Film Borom Sarret with a live, original score performed by DJ Spooky

More Info    |    Tell a Friend  

In French with English subtitles unless otherwise noted

Florence Gould Hall
55 East 59th Street

Ticket Price
FIAF Members Free** ($2 advance tickets)
Non-Members $10
Students w/ ID $7
**Free tickets are distributed on the day of the event.
Present your membership card at the box office and pick up your ticket.

Buy Tickets
Ticketmaster.com
Call 212 307 4100

Fax Order Form (pdf)

Visit Box Office

Special Offer
Present your CinémaTuesdays ticket and receive a 15% discount on your bill at Bistro 60 (37 E 60 St). Valid only on date printed on ticket.

Co-presented by FIAF with African Film Festival, Inc.

CinémaTuesdays is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency. Special thanks to the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. American Airlines is the official airline of FIAF. CinémaTuesdays is sponsored by the generous support of Lillet.

Images © Nabil Ayouch