The Cinémas d’Afrique festival shines the spotlight on the diversity and strength of African cinematography. More than 60 films are to be discovered from August 17 to 21 in Lausanne, as well as concerts and artistic performances.
This 16th edition brings together new films, award-winning works and new discoveries. These ‘strong and original’ creations come from the different regions and cultures of the continent as well as from the diasporas, explain the organizers.
‘Madame Brouette’ will be screened at the opening, in the presence of its director Moussa Sène Absa. The festival devotes a short retrospective – in four films – to this artist who touches everything, at the same time filmmaker, painter, actor, musician or even writer.
Her film, ‘Madame Brouette’, was awarded for its music at the Berlinale in 2003. Mati, a divorced woman, ensures her survival by pushing her wheelbarrow on the sidewalks of a market in Dakar. She falls in love with Naago, a corrupt policeman. One day, gunshots ring out and Naago collapses. Madame Brouette accuses herself of the murder.
Unpublished in Switzerland
Under the name Panorama, the festival presents a selection of recent feature films and short films, most of which have never been seen before in Switzerland. Several filmmakers will be present and will interact with the public. Lova Nantenaina (Madagascar) will present ‘Aza Kivy (Etoile du Matin)’ and Omar El Zohairy (Egypt) ‘Feathers (Feathers)’, for example.
Nigerian Ike Nnaebue, considered a rising star of African cinema, will show his latest documentary ‘No U-Turn’. For his film, which won a ‘special mention’ at the Berlinale, he followed the route of migrants through Africa.
Cinema of Benin
With Focus Benin, the festival highlights Beninese cinema, which is struggling to gain visibility beyond its borders. However, this country has a dynamic generation of filmmakers who offer short and powerful works, in fiction and documentary, underline the organizers.
On Saturday, a round table will bring together several directors around the theme ‘Create to resist – Resist to create’. What can cinema do against the evils that undermine the continent? What can he do against emigration, bad governance and corruption, they will ask.
Journey and creation
Filmmakers, actors and producers will talk about their journey and the creative process. Also on the program is a Ciné-Slam, with the slammer Doueslik, a Ciné-concert and DJ evenings.
After two years turned upside down by the pandemic and health measures, the event finally finds its complete formula, with its marquee, proposals for debates, as well as moments of exchange. Go to the Cinémathèque suisse, the Casino de Montbenon and the nearby Théâtre de verdure.
/ATS