To: The Staff, Board Members, Trustees, Advisors and Sponsors of the DC ‘International’ Film Festival
From: Sylvie Bello, Washington, DC
Re: Africa at the Washington, DC ‘International’ Film Festival
My name is Sylvie Bello. I am a Gold Member of the DC Film Society and at the request of the DC Film Society, I volunteered during the 2010 Washington DC ‘International’ Film Festival. I was very happy to make my small contribution in enriching our great city’s cultural life.
I’d like to say how much I enjoyed the films shown at this year’s Film Festival. However, I was
disappointed in the lack of variety of films representing the African Diaspora/Black experience.
To my count, I could only identify Six (6) of such films out of over 80 films screened in 2010. These include: ‘Soundtrack of the Revolution’ (USA), ‘Holding on to Jah’ (USA), ‘Moloch Tropical’ (Haiti), ‘Heliopolis’ (Egypt) ‘Scheherezade, Tell me a Story’ (Egypt) and ‘White Wedding’ (South Africa). Of these films ONLY ONE FILM: “White Wedding” (South Africa) was from the entire Sub-Saharan African region.
To put things in perspective, at the 2010 Festival, the entire African continent with over fifty (50) countries- had only three (3) films screened; the country of Finland had three (3) films screened, the country of Brazil had three (3) films screened. Then we have Germany with seven (7) films and France with (14) films! When we include films from the 2010 highlights Romania six (6) and Italy nine (9), we have a total of 39 film from Europe alone (as many as five other European countries represented at the 2010 Festival are not included in this 39 total). Implying that, while Africa had only 3 films, Europe was represented with over 50% of 80 plus films screened.
This gross disparity in the portrayal of African Diaspora films is magnified by the fact that in 2010, seventeen (17) African countries are celebrating fifty (50) years of independence from colonial powers. These nations include: Cameroon, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Madagascar, DR Congo, Somalia, Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria and Mauritania. As well as, for the first time ever, the Soccer World Cup will be taking place in Africa. Along South Africa as host, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and Cameroon have qualified.
So, I channeled my disappointment, by seeking to fill the cultural void, via organizing a Saturday, May 15th 2010 day trip to New York City, for the 17th edition of the New York City African Filmfest (http://cameroonamericancouncil1.eventbrite.com). I have enjoyed going to other festivals publicized through the DC Film Society mailing list such as the Arabian Sights Festival, Jewish Filmfest, Environmental Filmfest, several French film series, German filmfest etc. Consequently, I extended my New York City trip invitation to the Membership Coordinator (Michael) of the DC Film Society to share the trip with my fellow Film Society members.
To my surprise, Michael wrote back saying that he wouldn’t publish my event because the DC Film Society only ‘promotes events locally’. To which I responded on May 6th 2010, stating that the bus trip is organized by a DC film lover for DC residents to explore a segment of films not readily available in ourCity. It has been over a week now and I have not heard a word from Michael or the DC Film Society.
The DC Film Society is a major sponsor of and a division of the DC ‘International’ Film. Thus I am writing today because in the near future I will be organizing more events to New York: to the musical ‘Fela!’ by Bill T. Jones (eleven Tony nominations in 2010) and Twyla Tharp’s ‘Come Fly Away’ starring the Tony nominated Cameroonian Karine Plantadit. Do provide me with some clarification on: What the policy is for Film Society members seeking to promote cultural events to fellow members?
While I have this opportunity to address you, please know that I appreciate that for twenty-four years the Festival has been on a mission to serve as a “platform from which the world’s filmmakers can tell their stories with passion, humor and integrity” (per your 2010 catalog- http://www.filmfestdc.org/PDFs/catalog2010.pdf ). Yet upon researching the Festival catalogs (www.filmfestdc.org/pastFestivals.cfm) of the last decade, I was terribly shocked to discover that NOT ONE African country nor an African sub region has ever been highlighted. Granted, there have been two or three films from the entire African continent each year, but NEVER a national/regional focus on Africa. A few examples of the highlights include- 2010: Italy and Romania, 2009: Eastern Europe and Japan, 2008: Latin America, 2007: France, 2006: Brazil, 2005: India and China.
I know that the DC ‘International’ Film Festival provides “a rare opportunity to look inside another culture and see it from the perspective of those who live there, rather than through the media” (as per your 2009 catalog- www.filmfestdc.org/PDFs/catalog2009.pdf). As a result, my biggest dream/wish is that while you “scour the globe for the freshest and the best, the most provocative and the most creative films” (as per your 2003 catalog- www.filmfestdc.org/PDFs/catalog2003.pdf); kindly make the time to attend some of Africa’s many internationally recognized film festivals such as the FESPACO
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panafrican_Film_and_Television_Festival_of_Ouagadougou) held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso since 1969.
The official song of this year’s Soccer World Cup is, “Waka Waka: This Time for Africa”- sung by Shakira and the South African band Freshlyground (http://en.afrik.com/article17489.html). The chorus is borrowed (http://www.world2010cup.com/news/194/zangalewa-the-original-song-from-which-wakawaka-borrows-chorus.html) from a famous 1980s marching song by the Cameroonian band Zangalewa (previously known as Golden Sounds). ‘Waka Waka’ roughly translates into Cameroonian languages (Fang, Pidgin English) as “Do it, Do it” or “Walk, Walk”.
Hence I am pleading with the Washington, DC ‘International’ Film Festival that on your 25th anniversary in 2011, do make the Festival truly international, inclusive and representative of the diverse ethnic/international groups in our fine city by considering to:- Do it, Do it: Please Highlight Africa or better yet…
WAKA WAKA: Please Highlight Africa
I look forward to your response. I can be reached at cameroon.american.council@gmail.com
Kind regards,
Sylvie Bello
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Proud Cameroonian- Karine Plantadit
Karine Plantadit, Dancer
function getSharePasskey() { return 'ex=1424494800&en=2d06c6d7b6a2a8df&ei=5124';}
function getShareURL() {
return encodeURIComponent('http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/theater/21plantadit.html');
}
function getShareHeadline() {
return encodeURIComponent('Karine Plantadit, Dancer');
}
function getShareDescription() {
return encodeURIComponent('Karine Plantadit is performing in Twyla Tharp’s latest venture, “Come Fly Away.”');
}
function getShareKeywords() {
return encodeURIComponent('Theater,Karine Plantadit,Twyla Tharp,Come Fly Away (Play)');
}
function getShareSection() {
return encodeURIComponent('theater');
}
function getShareSectionDisplay() {
return encodeURIComponent('Theater');
}
function getShareSubSection() {
return encodeURIComponent('');
}
function getShareByline() {
return encodeURIComponent('By JULIE BLOOM');
}
function getSharePubdate() {
return encodeURIComponent('February 21, 2010');
}
By JULIE BLOOM
Published: February 17, 2010
In a cramped studio on West 42nd Street in Manhattan the dancer Karine Plantadit moves to the center as Sinatra’s record of “That’s Life” swells in the background. She breaks free from a male dancer’s embrace, her fists clenched, her arms flexed; all of the song’s force embodied in her movement. Wearing a skimpy brown blouse open down to there, she’s a bit reckless, a little wild and impossible not to watch.
Sara Krulwich/The New York Times
The critics agreed. Variety used the words “sizzling” and “stunning” to describe her performance in Twyla Tharp’s latest venture, which was called “Come Fly With Me” when it had its premiere in Atlanta last year and has been retitled “Come Fly Away” for Broadway, where it opens on March 25 at the Marquis Theater. In the show, set to Sinatra music and loosely about couples in and out of love, Ms. Plantadit (pronounced plahn-tah-DEE) plays Kate, but in her head the character goes by Lola J. L. Jackson — in tribute to Samuel L. Jackson — and she represents a woman who “has decided that she will have a ball no matter what.”
Ms. Plantadit, who is 40, and her co-star Rika Okamoto approached Ms. Tharp about creating new work two years ago, and what started out as semiprivate classes at Ms. Tharp’s home studio eventually became the basis of the show.
“It was so hard,” Ms. Plantadit said of those workshops. “And every time I would sweat, I thought to myself: ‘You’re like Muhammad Ali in the ring. You asked for it, so shut up.’ ”
It is something she has wanted ever since watching a bootlegged tape of “Fame” in her native Cameroon. When she was just 14, she moved to Cannes, France, to study dance and soon after saw the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform in Paris. She eventually came to New York to study with Ailey and went on to perform with the company for seven years before joining the cast of “The Lion King.”
But it wasn’t until she appeared in Ms. Tharp’s unusual “Movin’ Out” (2002) on Broadway, with its emphasis on telling a story completely through movement, that Ms. Plantadit felt she had finally found her match.
“My own hope is that I’m able to portray a character from Point A to Point Z with absolute continuity and absolute depth like a real actor will except that at times I will use my body,” she said.
With this show she hopes dancers in particular realize the importance of Ms. Tharp’s contribution. “This is a new genre,” she said, “and as dancers we need to evolve in a very serious way, and I love that.”
function getSharePasskey() { return 'ex=1424494800&en=2d06c6d7b6a2a8df&ei=5124';}
function getShareURL() {
return encodeURIComponent('http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/theater/21plantadit.html');
}
function getShareHeadline() {
return encodeURIComponent('Karine Plantadit, Dancer');
}
function getShareDescription() {
return encodeURIComponent('Karine Plantadit is performing in Twyla Tharp’s latest venture, “Come Fly Away.”');
}
function getShareKeywords() {
return encodeURIComponent('Theater,Karine Plantadit,Twyla Tharp,Come Fly Away (Play)');
}
function getShareSection() {
return encodeURIComponent('theater');
}
function getShareSectionDisplay() {
return encodeURIComponent('Theater');
}
function getShareSubSection() {
return encodeURIComponent('');
}
function getShareByline() {
return encodeURIComponent('By JULIE BLOOM');
}
function getSharePubdate() {
return encodeURIComponent('February 21, 2010');
}
By JULIE BLOOM
Published: February 17, 2010
In a cramped studio on West 42nd Street in Manhattan the dancer Karine Plantadit moves to the center as Sinatra’s record of “That’s Life” swells in the background. She breaks free from a male dancer’s embrace, her fists clenched, her arms flexed; all of the song’s force embodied in her movement. Wearing a skimpy brown blouse open down to there, she’s a bit reckless, a little wild and impossible not to watch.
Sara Krulwich/The New York Times
The critics agreed. Variety used the words “sizzling” and “stunning” to describe her performance in Twyla Tharp’s latest venture, which was called “Come Fly With Me” when it had its premiere in Atlanta last year and has been retitled “Come Fly Away” for Broadway, where it opens on March 25 at the Marquis Theater. In the show, set to Sinatra music and loosely about couples in and out of love, Ms. Plantadit (pronounced plahn-tah-DEE) plays Kate, but in her head the character goes by Lola J. L. Jackson — in tribute to Samuel L. Jackson — and she represents a woman who “has decided that she will have a ball no matter what.”
Ms. Plantadit, who is 40, and her co-star Rika Okamoto approached Ms. Tharp about creating new work two years ago, and what started out as semiprivate classes at Ms. Tharp’s home studio eventually became the basis of the show.
“It was so hard,” Ms. Plantadit said of those workshops. “And every time I would sweat, I thought to myself: ‘You’re like Muhammad Ali in the ring. You asked for it, so shut up.’ ”
It is something she has wanted ever since watching a bootlegged tape of “Fame” in her native Cameroon. When she was just 14, she moved to Cannes, France, to study dance and soon after saw the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform in Paris. She eventually came to New York to study with Ailey and went on to perform with the company for seven years before joining the cast of “The Lion King.”
But it wasn’t until she appeared in Ms. Tharp’s unusual “Movin’ Out” (2002) on Broadway, with its emphasis on telling a story completely through movement, that Ms. Plantadit felt she had finally found her match.
“My own hope is that I’m able to portray a character from Point A to Point Z with absolute continuity and absolute depth like a real actor will except that at times I will use my body,” she said.
With this show she hopes dancers in particular realize the importance of Ms. Tharp’s contribution. “This is a new genre,” she said, “and as dancers we need to evolve in a very serious way, and I love that.”
Letter from the NYC African Film Festival
Sylvie Bello
Cameroon American Council Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Ms. Bello,
On behalf of African Film Festival, Inc., I would like to welcome you and the members and guests of the Cameroon Professional Society and the Cameroon American Council for the Saturday, May 15th presentation of 17th Annual New York African Film Festival at New Museum. Presented under the banner theme, Independent Africa, this year's festival is co-presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and commenced at Walter Reade Theater April 7th -13th, 2010 which spotlight 17 African Nations, as they observe 50 years of independence from colonial rule. These nations include: Cameroon, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Madagascar, DR Congo, Somalia, Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria and Mauritania — with a nod to the upcoming World Cup in South Africa!
Since the Lincoln Center component of the festival in April, the festival screenings have also been held in collaboration with Columbia University for a one-day screening series and panel discussion and Creative Time for an evening film screening and discussion. The film presentation at the New Museum is the fourth in a series of partnered programs presented during this year’s festival and will celebrate the technical innovation that contribute to a new level of independence in African cinema. Each film in the series not only reveals the experimental and creative elements of contemporary African cinema, but also pays special attention to the distinct aesthetics of the African camera.
Given the theme this year's festival theme of Independent Africa and the focus on the World Cup, it seems fitting to not only welcome you, but also congratulate Cameroon on its 50th anniversary of Independence, as well as Cameroon’s soccer team's qualification for the World Cup. In light of these two significant events, it is very fitting and an honor to have members and guests of the Cameroon Professional Society and the Cameroon American Council in attendance at our program.
Contained in this document is the schedule for the Saturday, May 15th program, for your review. We hope you enjoy the selection and we look forward to meeting everyone after the screening.
Kind regards,
Toccarra Thomas
Program Coordinator
17TH ANNUAL NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL AT THE NEW MUSEUM:
DIGITALLY SPEAKING
Sun, May 15, 2:00 p.m.
New Museum Theater
Special Engagement
PROGRAM: DIGITALLY SPEAKING
You Chuse
Dir. Anita Khanna and Rehad Desai, South Africa, 2008, 50 min
You Chuse is a documentary on the role of new media democracy movements in Africa. Using innovative remixing and reworking of various media sources, the film looks at wide-ranging initiatives from the open-source software movement and the use of such technology in the fight against AIDS in Malawi, to organizations like the Creative Commons and the attempt to bring a nuanced argument to debates around piracy and intellectual property. The documentary is an exploration of the problems and solutions to the ever-broadening digital divide between rich and poor nations in the information age.
ANIMATED SHORTS
Bon Voyage Sim
Dir. Moustapha Alassane, Niger, 1966, 5 min
This 1966 animation presents a charming narrative of the politician frog Sim, president of the “Toad Republic” and the wonders of traveling to foreign countries during his presidential trip.
Adieu Sim
Dir. Moustapha Alassane, Niger, 2001, 5 min
Revisiting his film from the mid-1960s, Moustapha Alassane is able to employ a new cinematic technique and develop an alternate ending to what was censored during the colonial period.
The Toad Who Visits His In-Laws/Le Crapoud Chez Ses Beaux-Parents
Dir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1990, 8 min
Rooted in the oral tale recounted by the Tetela in Sankuru, Democratic Republic of Congo, this story explains how it came to be that the fox ate the chicken, the chicken ate the termite, the termite ate the stick, and the stick ate the toad.
Black September in Kinshasa/Kinshasa, Septembre Noir
Dir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1991, 7 min
An animated documentary about children’s drawings of the military pillaging that hit their community in September 1991, this short uses limited animated techniques interspersing the children’s drawings with drawings from Kibushi himself.
Prince Loseno/L’Heritier
Dir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2004, 30 min
Seeking to fulfill his role as leader, King Ngolo is troubled by the infertility of his three wives. This story follows his search for a solution to the problem.
The Colonial Friend/L’Ami Ya Bon
Dir. Rachid Bouchareb, Algeria/France, 2004, 9 min
In 1940, France went to war against Germany and announced not only the mobilization of its territory, but also of its colonies. Senegalese family man Aby enlists in the army, distinguishes himself in battle, and is captured. But when he returns to his country, the French army refuses to pay him for his services. This beautifully animated film records the 1944 incident in which Senegalese veterans were gunned down after demanding payment for their military service.
Cameroon American Council Thursday, May 13th, 2010
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Ms. Bello,
On behalf of African Film Festival, Inc., I would like to welcome you and the members and guests of the Cameroon Professional Society and the Cameroon American Council for the Saturday, May 15th presentation of 17th Annual New York African Film Festival at New Museum. Presented under the banner theme, Independent Africa, this year's festival is co-presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and commenced at Walter Reade Theater April 7th -13th, 2010 which spotlight 17 African Nations, as they observe 50 years of independence from colonial rule. These nations include: Cameroon, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Madagascar, DR Congo, Somalia, Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria and Mauritania — with a nod to the upcoming World Cup in South Africa!
Since the Lincoln Center component of the festival in April, the festival screenings have also been held in collaboration with Columbia University for a one-day screening series and panel discussion and Creative Time for an evening film screening and discussion. The film presentation at the New Museum is the fourth in a series of partnered programs presented during this year’s festival and will celebrate the technical innovation that contribute to a new level of independence in African cinema. Each film in the series not only reveals the experimental and creative elements of contemporary African cinema, but also pays special attention to the distinct aesthetics of the African camera.
Given the theme this year's festival theme of Independent Africa and the focus on the World Cup, it seems fitting to not only welcome you, but also congratulate Cameroon on its 50th anniversary of Independence, as well as Cameroon’s soccer team's qualification for the World Cup. In light of these two significant events, it is very fitting and an honor to have members and guests of the Cameroon Professional Society and the Cameroon American Council in attendance at our program.
Contained in this document is the schedule for the Saturday, May 15th program, for your review. We hope you enjoy the selection and we look forward to meeting everyone after the screening.
Kind regards,
Toccarra Thomas
Program Coordinator
17TH ANNUAL NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL AT THE NEW MUSEUM:
DIGITALLY SPEAKING
Sun, May 15, 2:00 p.m.
New Museum Theater
Special Engagement
PROGRAM: DIGITALLY SPEAKING
You Chuse
Dir. Anita Khanna and Rehad Desai, South Africa, 2008, 50 min
You Chuse is a documentary on the role of new media democracy movements in Africa. Using innovative remixing and reworking of various media sources, the film looks at wide-ranging initiatives from the open-source software movement and the use of such technology in the fight against AIDS in Malawi, to organizations like the Creative Commons and the attempt to bring a nuanced argument to debates around piracy and intellectual property. The documentary is an exploration of the problems and solutions to the ever-broadening digital divide between rich and poor nations in the information age.
ANIMATED SHORTS
Bon Voyage Sim
Dir. Moustapha Alassane, Niger, 1966, 5 min
This 1966 animation presents a charming narrative of the politician frog Sim, president of the “Toad Republic” and the wonders of traveling to foreign countries during his presidential trip.
Adieu Sim
Dir. Moustapha Alassane, Niger, 2001, 5 min
Revisiting his film from the mid-1960s, Moustapha Alassane is able to employ a new cinematic technique and develop an alternate ending to what was censored during the colonial period.
The Toad Who Visits His In-Laws/Le Crapoud Chez Ses Beaux-Parents
Dir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1990, 8 min
Rooted in the oral tale recounted by the Tetela in Sankuru, Democratic Republic of Congo, this story explains how it came to be that the fox ate the chicken, the chicken ate the termite, the termite ate the stick, and the stick ate the toad.
Black September in Kinshasa/Kinshasa, Septembre Noir
Dir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1991, 7 min
An animated documentary about children’s drawings of the military pillaging that hit their community in September 1991, this short uses limited animated techniques interspersing the children’s drawings with drawings from Kibushi himself.
Prince Loseno/L’Heritier
Dir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2004, 30 min
Seeking to fulfill his role as leader, King Ngolo is troubled by the infertility of his three wives. This story follows his search for a solution to the problem.
The Colonial Friend/L’Ami Ya Bon
Dir. Rachid Bouchareb, Algeria/France, 2004, 9 min
In 1940, France went to war against Germany and announced not only the mobilization of its territory, but also of its colonies. Senegalese family man Aby enlists in the army, distinguishes himself in battle, and is captured. But when he returns to his country, the French army refuses to pay him for his services. This beautifully animated film records the 1944 incident in which Senegalese veterans were gunned down after demanding payment for their military service.
Monday, May 10, 2010
May 15th- What about a Baltimore City pick up??
I have gotten questions about a Baltimore pick up/drop off..........
We are have a charter bus and all transportation to/fro DC and within NYC [from Harlem (Apollo) to the Bowery (The New Museum)] is included in the $100 fee.
Some folks from the Reginald F. Lewis Museum Maryland African American History & Culture have expressed interest. Please check out their current exhibition:
http://www.africanamericanculture.org/exhibit_special.html
The CPS & Cameroon American Council should do a bus tour to the Lewis Museum.... (Dr. Michelle Joan Wilkinson I'd love to work with you on this.)
So there is a possibility of a strong possibility Baltimore City pick up/dropout. Depending on how many Charm City residents sign up by Wednesday, I should be able to provide you a Baltimore pick up/drop off location
In the upcoming months, we are planning Broadway show trips-
'Fela!' (11 Tony award nominations) based on the life of the Nigerian music legend-Fela Kuti.
'Come Fly Away' by the famous choreographer Twyla Tharp...starring Tony nominated Cameroonian actress: Karine Plantadit http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/theater/21plantadit.html
As well a University of Virginia (UVA) visit to the 'Man Ray, African Art, Modernist Lens' curated by my friend Dr. Wendy Grossman of the University of Maryland, College. Wendy has accepted personally give us a talk and tour while in UVA!!!!
Other bus trip/day trip tour ideas are welcomed!
Together We Can.
We are have a charter bus and all transportation to/fro DC and within NYC [from Harlem (Apollo) to the Bowery (The New Museum)] is included in the $100 fee.
Some folks from the Reginald F. Lewis Museum Maryland African American History & Culture have expressed interest. Please check out their current exhibition:
http://www.africanamericanculture.org/exhibit_special.html
The CPS & Cameroon American Council should do a bus tour to the Lewis Museum.... (Dr. Michelle Joan Wilkinson I'd love to work with you on this.)
So there is a possibility of a strong possibility Baltimore City pick up/dropout. Depending on how many Charm City residents sign up by Wednesday, I should be able to provide you a Baltimore pick up/drop off location
In the upcoming months, we are planning Broadway show trips-
'Fela!' (11 Tony award nominations) based on the life of the Nigerian music legend-Fela Kuti.
'Come Fly Away' by the famous choreographer Twyla Tharp...starring Tony nominated Cameroonian actress: Karine Plantadit http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/theater/21plantadit.html
As well a University of Virginia (UVA) visit to the 'Man Ray, African Art, Modernist Lens' curated by my friend Dr. Wendy Grossman of the University of Maryland, College. Wendy has accepted personally give us a talk and tour while in UVA!!!!
Other bus trip/day trip tour ideas are welcomed!
Together We Can.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
NYC BUS TRIP- Inspired by the Smithsonian's Apollo Exhibit
WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 15th 2010--BUS DEPARTS/RETURNS
FROM CHINATOWN, Washington DC AT 5A.M. PROMPT
WHO: This is a joint programming sponsored by:
The Cameroon Professional Society (http://www.cps-usa.org/) &
The Cameroon American Council
cameroon.american.council@gmail.com
WHAT: DAY TRIP FROM WASHINGTON, DC TO NEW YORK CITY
- 10A.M. PRIVATE/GUIDED TOUR OF THE FAMOUS APOLLO
THEATER IN HARLEM, NYC (BRING YOUR CAMERAS).
- 12NOON LUNCH AT HARLEM, NYC RESTAURANT
- 2PM TOUR OF NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART,
NEW MUSEUM EXHIBIT: 'SKIN FRUIT' HIGHLIGHTS YOUNG
ARTISTS- KARA WALKER, CHRIS OFILI, MARK BRADFORD
- 3PM-6PM NYC AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL: SCREENING OF 5
FILMS, SPANNING 5 DECADES FROM 5 AFRICAN REGIONS.
- 6PM POST FILM RECEPTION WITH NYC AFRICAN FILM
FESTIVAL STAFF/AFRICAN FILM DIRECTORS & WRITERS
- 7PM LEAVE NYC, RETURN TO WASHINGTON DC BY 11PM
- REFRESHMENTS SERVED DURING TRIP.
FROM CHINATOWN, Washington DC AT 5A.M. PROMPT
WHO: This is a joint programming sponsored by:
The Cameroon Professional Society (http://www.cps-usa.org/) &
The Cameroon American Council
cameroon.american.council@gmail.com
WHAT: DAY TRIP FROM WASHINGTON, DC TO NEW YORK CITY
- 10A.M. PRIVATE/GUIDED TOUR OF THE FAMOUS APOLLO
THEATER IN HARLEM, NYC (BRING YOUR CAMERAS).
- 12NOON LUNCH AT HARLEM, NYC RESTAURANT
- 2PM TOUR OF NEW MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART,
NEW MUSEUM EXHIBIT: 'SKIN FRUIT' HIGHLIGHTS YOUNG
ARTISTS- KARA WALKER, CHRIS OFILI, MARK BRADFORD
- 3PM-6PM NYC AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL: SCREENING OF 5
FILMS, SPANNING 5 DECADES FROM 5 AFRICAN REGIONS.
- 6PM POST FILM RECEPTION WITH NYC AFRICAN FILM
FESTIVAL STAFF/AFRICAN FILM DIRECTORS & WRITERS
- 7PM LEAVE NYC, RETURN TO WASHINGTON DC BY 11PM
- REFRESHMENTS SERVED DURING TRIP.
NYC AFRICAN FILM LISTING FOR MAY 15TH TRIP
The film screenings will take place at The New Museum of Contemporary Arts!!!
http://www.africanfilmny.org/aff_fest.html
This presentation will celebrate the technical innovation that is contributing to a new level of independence in African cinema. Each film in the series not only reveals the experimental and creative elements of contemporary African cinema, but also pays special attention to the distinct aesthetics of the African camera.
PROGRAM: DIGITALLY SPEAKING
You Chuse Dir. Anita Khanna and Rehad Desai, South Africa, 2008, 50 min
You Chuse is a documentary on the role of new media democracy movements in Africa. Using innovative remixing and reworking of various media sources, the film looks at wide-ranging initiatives from the open-source software movement and the use of such technology in the fight against AIDS in Malawi, to organizations like the Creative Commons and the attempt to bring a nuanced argument to debates around piracy and intellectual property. The documentary is an exploration of the problems and solutions to the ever-broadening digital divide between rich and poor nations in the information age.
ANIMATED SHORTS
Bon Voyage SimDir. Moustapha Alassane, Niger, 1966, 5 min
This 1966 animation presents a charming narrative of politician frog Sim, president of “toad republic” and the wonders of traveling to countries during his presidential trip.
Adieu SimDir. Moustapha Alassane, Niger, 2001, 5 min
Revisiting his film from the mid-1960s, Moustapha Alassane is able to employ a new cinematic technique and develop an alternate ending to what was censored during the colonial period.
The Toad Who Visits His In-Laws/Le Crapoud Chez Ses Beaux-ParentsDir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1990, 8 min
Rooted in the oral tale recounted by the Tetela in Sankuru, Democratic Republic of Congo, this story explains how it came to be that the fox ate the chicken, the chicken ate the termite, the termite ate the stick, and the stick ate the toad.
Black September in Kinshasa/Kinshasa, Septembre NoirDir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1991, 7 min
An animated documentary about children’s drawings of the military pillaging that hit their community in September 1991, this short uses limited animated techniques interspersing the children’s drawings with drawings from Kibushi himself.
Prince Losena/L’HeritierDir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2004, 30 min
Seeking to fulfill his role as leader, King Ngolo is troubled by the infertility of his three wives. This story follows his search for a solution to the problem.
The Colonial Friend/L’Ami Ya BonAlgeria/France, 2004, 9 min
In 1940, France went to war against Germany and announced not only the mobilization of its territory, but also of its colonies. Senegalese family man Aby enlists in the army, distinguishes himself in battle, and is captured. But when he returns to his country, the French army refuses to pay him for his services. This beautifully animated film records the 1944 incident in which Senegalese veterans were gunned down after demanding payment for their military service.
http://www.africanfilmny.org/aff_fest.html
This presentation will celebrate the technical innovation that is contributing to a new level of independence in African cinema. Each film in the series not only reveals the experimental and creative elements of contemporary African cinema, but also pays special attention to the distinct aesthetics of the African camera.
PROGRAM: DIGITALLY SPEAKING
You Chuse Dir. Anita Khanna and Rehad Desai, South Africa, 2008, 50 min
You Chuse is a documentary on the role of new media democracy movements in Africa. Using innovative remixing and reworking of various media sources, the film looks at wide-ranging initiatives from the open-source software movement and the use of such technology in the fight against AIDS in Malawi, to organizations like the Creative Commons and the attempt to bring a nuanced argument to debates around piracy and intellectual property. The documentary is an exploration of the problems and solutions to the ever-broadening digital divide between rich and poor nations in the information age.
ANIMATED SHORTS
Bon Voyage SimDir. Moustapha Alassane, Niger, 1966, 5 min
This 1966 animation presents a charming narrative of politician frog Sim, president of “toad republic” and the wonders of traveling to countries during his presidential trip.
Adieu SimDir. Moustapha Alassane, Niger, 2001, 5 min
Revisiting his film from the mid-1960s, Moustapha Alassane is able to employ a new cinematic technique and develop an alternate ending to what was censored during the colonial period.
The Toad Who Visits His In-Laws/Le Crapoud Chez Ses Beaux-ParentsDir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1990, 8 min
Rooted in the oral tale recounted by the Tetela in Sankuru, Democratic Republic of Congo, this story explains how it came to be that the fox ate the chicken, the chicken ate the termite, the termite ate the stick, and the stick ate the toad.
Black September in Kinshasa/Kinshasa, Septembre NoirDir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1991, 7 min
An animated documentary about children’s drawings of the military pillaging that hit their community in September 1991, this short uses limited animated techniques interspersing the children’s drawings with drawings from Kibushi himself.
Prince Losena/L’HeritierDir. Jean-Michel Kibushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2004, 30 min
Seeking to fulfill his role as leader, King Ngolo is troubled by the infertility of his three wives. This story follows his search for a solution to the problem.
The Colonial Friend/L’Ami Ya BonAlgeria/France, 2004, 9 min
In 1940, France went to war against Germany and announced not only the mobilization of its territory, but also of its colonies. Senegalese family man Aby enlists in the army, distinguishes himself in battle, and is captured. But when he returns to his country, the French army refuses to pay him for his services. This beautifully animated film records the 1944 incident in which Senegalese veterans were gunned down after demanding payment for their military service.
Cameroon American Council- Who We Are
The Cameroon American Council is a newly created membership association which strives to build the capacity of the hundreds of Cameroonian community organizations based in the United States.
Cameroon American Council envisions an enriched world powered by global understanding, appreciation and collaboration.
The Cameroon American Council provides capacity building skills to organizations engaged in four core program areas:
-Arts+Culture
-Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH)
-Professional Development
-Women Empowerment
The Cameroon American Council seeks to build the capacity of the hundreds of Cameroonian community organizations based in the United States so as to intergrate and incorporate our member organizations as active partners and supporters of American nonprofit sector.
We will accomplish that loft goal by designing:
Training Courses/Tutorials on organizational development, fundraising, grantseeking, advocacy, coalition building.
Networking and Informational conferences/lectures/seminars/fairs
Special Events-bus trips/film screenings/concerts/festivals/lectures/museum tours.
All geared to foster understanding, appreciation and collaborations between Cameroonian and American organizations and communities.
We are a member-driven organization and welcome best practices from related sectors.
Cameroon American Council envisions an enriched world powered by global understanding, appreciation and collaboration.
The Cameroon American Council provides capacity building skills to organizations engaged in four core program areas:
-Arts+Culture
-Water, Sanitation & Health (WASH)
-Professional Development
-Women Empowerment
The Cameroon American Council seeks to build the capacity of the hundreds of Cameroonian community organizations based in the United States so as to intergrate and incorporate our member organizations as active partners and supporters of American nonprofit sector.
We will accomplish that loft goal by designing:
Training Courses/Tutorials on organizational development, fundraising, grantseeking, advocacy, coalition building.
Networking and Informational conferences/lectures/seminars/fairs
Special Events-bus trips/film screenings/concerts/festivals/lectures/museum tours.
All geared to foster understanding, appreciation and collaborations between Cameroonian and American organizations and communities.
We are a member-driven organization and welcome best practices from related sectors.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
