In Swahili with English subtitles Maisha Maene, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2022, 14 minutes
An ‘afronaut’ emerges from the wreckage of a spaceship in the volcanic crater of Mount Nyiragongo. Descending into the city below, encountering the people of Goma, he begins to understand what he must do.
Aspen Shortfest, Best Drama-Special Recognition, 2023
Omen
In French with English subtitles Baloji, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2023, 91 minutes
After spending years in Belgium, Koffi, a young Congolese man, returns to his birthplace of Kinshasha to confront his family and homeland culture. Using magical realism to paint a portrait of “undesirables” and “sorcerers,” the film delves into the intricacies of identity, culture, and belief systems through a deeply rich and visually captivating lens.
Un Certain Regard – New Voice Prize, Cannes Film Festival 2023
Saturday, March 23 | 7PM
Father’s Day
In Zulu and English with English subtitles Tumelo Luekna, South Africa, 2023, 26 minutes
Alakhle, a 12-year old boy, is selected to give a speech for a Father’s Day school event. He decides to go against his mother’s wishes and sets out to find the father he’s never met, which opens a can of worms.
Best Short Film, Chicago International Children’s Festival, 2023
Banel et Adama
In Fulani and French with English subtitles Ramata-Toulaye Sy, Senegal, 2019, 87 minutes
Banel and Adama are fiercely in love. Longing for a home of their own, they have decided that they will live apart from their families and that Adama will not accept his blood duty as future cheif. When Adama informs the village council of his intention, the whole community is disrupted. Banel and Adama will learn that where they live, there is no room for passion, let alone chaos.
Bright Horizons Award, Melbourne International Film Festival, 2023
Sunday, March 24 | 7PM
On The Surface
Fan Sissoko, Iceland/Mali, 2021, 4 minutes
A young Black woman goes swimming in the Iceland Sea and meditates on raising a child in a country where she remains a foreigner. As she enters the icy waters, she relives periods of her traumatic pregnancy and postnatal depression before her swimming becomes more fluid. Surrounded by nature where she faces her fears, she can now embark on a process of healing her wounds.
This film is made possible by Quartiers Lointains, Season 7.
Special Mention of the Jury, Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, 2021
Grace
In French with English subtitles Johanna Maabi, France/Senegal/Congo, 2022, 14 minutes
Grace, 8, hates her neighborhood, she hates cheerleading, and today, she decided to join her father in space.
Dent Pour Dent
In French and Wolof with English subtitles Ottis Ba Mamadou, Senegal, 2022, 84 minutes
Idrissa, civil servant, lives in the suburbs of Dakar, Senegal. Due to IMF budgetary restriction measures, he loses his job. When his wages dry up, he is forced to live at the expense of his wife. He strives to regain his manly pride.
