Film

In an unsettling narrative that underscores the tragic intersection of life and art, the tragic story of Guudey Mohamed Geedi reverberates through the soul of Somali society. Guudey, a devoted family man with 11 children, was tragically shot dead shortly after the release of a powerful film that sought to illuminate the profound repercussions of clan violence. The film, titled Aano Qabiil, which translates to "Clan Vengeance," serves not merely as entertainment but as a poignant commentary on a culture steeped in the cycle…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a piece of exciting news has recently emerged. Somali-Canadian actress Sabrina Dhowre Elba, a name already illuminated by its silver-screen glow, steps into a new frontier. She's set to star in "Nuur," an eagerly anticipated feature film. Helming this cinematic voyage is Lula Ali Ismaïl, a brilliant director with roots as diverse as her narrative threads, merging Canadian and Djiboutian influences. Her oeuvre is punctuated by the groundbreaking film "Dhalinyaro," a tale that resonated…

In a world increasingly obsessed with instant gratification and flashy blockbusters, it’s refreshing to see a film that digs deeper, shedding light on issues that truly matter. Enter "The Last Ranger," a poignant South African film helmed by the talented Cindy Lee, which has garnered a prestigious nomination for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. This powerful 28-minute cinematic gem draws viewers into the heart-wrenching reality of rhino poaching—a topic that resonates painfully with current environmental…

When film director Mo Harawe mentioned his Somali roots, he observed certain stereotypes shaping people's views of the nation, a peculiar quirk he'd picked up on. Talking to Middle East Eye, his regular run-ins with these clichés fired up the inspiration for what would become a groundbreaking Somali film making waves at the Cannes Film Festival come May 2024. Harawe says, "Crafting the screenplay felt instinctual, mapping out diverse characters drawn from Somalia's everyday life." As Cannes stands pivotal in the cinematic…

Idris Elba has set his sights on a significant shift in his life over the next ten years — he wants to move to Africa. This isn’t just a personal endeavor; it’s a heartfelt commitment to bolster the continent's burgeoning film sector. With an eye toward progress, Elba envisions constructing film studios in two pivotal locations: Zanzibar in Tanzania and Accra in Ghana. He believes it’s high time for Africans to take charge of their own stories. “We need to reclaim our narratives,” he asserts, urging a break from the confines…

"Dahomey," a groundbreaking documentary crafted by Mati Diop, delves into the echoes of royal artifacts pilfered from West Africa by European colonial powers. These treasures have only recently made their way back to their homeland—modern-day Benin. In a candid conversation with RFI, Diop expressed her hope that the film will trigger deep introspection on pressing themes like displacement, exile, and the elusive notion of return—not only for objects taken but also for the people affected by these historical injustices. Of…

In Dakar, an official ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 29 to launch the next Fespaco, which will take place from October 16 to 23 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Senegal is the guest of honor at the 27th edition of the Pan-African Film and Television Festival. Originally scheduled for February, this major cultural event has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.…

The eighth edition of the Nollywood Week festival starts on Thursday 6 May and will take place completely online, a symbol of a cultural sector that is being undermined by the pandemic. The festival had to be canceled last year due to Covid-19. For this first virtual edition, four previews and about thirty films are shown, and many changes as well, a bit like Nigerian film that continues to adapt.…

The South African documentary The Knowledge of the Pieuvre received the Oscar for greatest documentary, on Sunday, April 25 in Los Angeles. It tells the story of a snorkel diver and an octopus in Cape City's False Bay. The assembly between man and octopus takes place in a kelp forest. These are massive algae that may attain 60 meters in top and are house to a wealthy ecosystem. With the knowledge of…

"I like the concept of 1 mobile - 1 minute - 1 movie." The first pan-African selection of Mobile Film Festival Africa invites us until March 17 to discover for free films from 51 young directors from 23 African countries driving to the Grand PrixAfrica, equipped with 10,000 euros. Interview with Rwandan director JoëlKarekezi, winner of the prestigious Gold Standard by Yennengaau Fespaco and member of the jury for Mobile Film…