This free event, organized in collaboration with Solidaridad Internacional and other entities, aims to broaden perspectives and challenge stereotypes about contemporary African cinema and its diasporas. The showcase features 11 films, 8 discussions with 10 invited speakers, 3 training activities, live theater and music, and the participation of over 20 organizations.
The opening ceremony will be on November 7 at 4:45 PM at the MACA in Alicante, with the screening of Sembène! and the presence of its co-director, Senegalese academic Samba Gadjigo, a leading international authority on the work of Ousmane Sembène, considered the father of African cinema. The day will conclude with a performance by Congolese musician Doudou Nganga.
The film program is divided into two sections: 'África Per Sé' and 'Diáspora Viva', featuring films linked to international festivals such as Venice, Cannes, and Berlinale. The discussions will include Rita Bosaho, Medhin Tewolde, Rusly Cachina Esapa, Indira Pinto, and Lis Gaibar.
At the UMH, activities will take place on November 10 and 12 at the Cinematheque in the La Valona building on the Elche campus. On November 10 at 5:00 PM, Samba Gadjigo will lead the seminar 'From Black Girl to Netflix: The Changing Face of African Cinema', followed by the screening of Father`s Day and a discussion with Lis Gaibar García. On November 12 at 7:00 PM, the film Nome will be screened with a subsequent discussion with Indira Pinto Montei.
The showcase is organized by Solidaridad Internacional País Valenciano, as part of the project 'Global Origins: Transformative Education from Sub-Saharan Africa', funded by the Generalitat Valenciana. Executive production and programming are managed by Tren al Sur – Asociación Cultural, with funding from the Culture Department of the Alicante City Council and support from the UMH and the University of Alicante.
