Highlights Winneba Screening

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The staff and students of the University of Education Winneba (UEW) turned out for hosting the screening of DELA: The Making of El Anatsui on August 1, 2025.

UEW was a teacher's training institute, where Prof. El Anatsui first taught and practiced from 1969 to 1975, before leaving for Nigeria. Winneba was where he honed his craft to become the globally acclaimed Master Sculptor.

Special thanks to Ms. Selasi Sosu and the HOD Dr. Cyril Kpodo for their exceptional input.

elanatsuifilm.com

@elanatsuifilm

Homage to Prof El Anatsui & Anyako

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Highlights: DELA Premieres at KNUST, Kumasi

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BY Africa-Related, Ghana
Photos: blaxTARLINES /KNUST Museum

DELA: The Making of El Anatsui , premiered in The Great Hall at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on August 4, 2025. The celebrated Emeritus Prof. El Anatsui, took center stage in the award-winning biographical documentary, as well as in person. He walked the same stage at the prestigious Great Hall, where, as a young undergraduate in 1968, he collected his degree in Fine and Applied Arts.

Staff and students turned up in mass to pay homage to the old student, who went on to become a globally renowned sculptor. The event highlights include a music performance by Buju Baja, an exhibition of artworks in the film, showing drawings, illustrations and paintings by Bright Ackwerh, Uchenna Ohagwu, Yifat Bezalel and Ghariokwu Lemi.

In her opening remarks, the film’s director, Oyiza Adaba thanked the organizers and urged viewers to take note of the many lessons from Prof. Anatsui’s life and legacy. On his part, the Artist acknowledged KNUST for its solid foundation in shaping his entire being. He spoke fondly of his days at the University and the profound impact on trajectory of his career, while also charging students to chart their paths with courage and authenticity.

The screening event is part of the on-going DELA Campus Tour, and was hosted by the Department of Painting and Sculpture/KNUST Museum/blaxTARLINES.

Senior members of the Faculty in attendance include Dean School of Arts and Built Environment Prof. Karî’kachä Seid’ou, Edwin K. Bodjawah Head, Department of Painting and Sculpture, George Buma Ampratwum and Kwaku Boafo Kissiedu (Castro). Also present were Kwasi Ohene-Ayeh (Painting), Dr. Mrs. Dorothy Amenuke, (Sculpture), Mr. E. Eyram Donkor (Sculpture), Prof. Ebenezer Kofi Howard (Vice Dean-Faculty of Art), Dr Kofi Adjei (Ceramics), Prof. Samuel Nortey (Ceramics) and Rev. Martin Owusu Adi-Dako ( Communication Design).

Follow the film: @elanatsuifilm.

EL Anatsui’s SPEAKS at DELA KNUST PREMIERE

“As a teacher, I’ve taught for many years, 5 years in Winneba and 47 years in Nigeria and I’ve learned from my students... The journey in art is so interesting. Art teaches us so many things in unique ways.”

— El Anatsui

EXHIBITION: Artworks In The Film

DELA: Artworks in the Film by Africa-Related

Photo Gallery

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Calling On Future Farmers!

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FAQ - Climate Smart Tomato Farming – Blended Training

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Certified short courses for farm managers, agricultural students, field supervisors, extension agents and field staff looking to gain industry needed skills and competencies.

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T.A.L Board Visits Tom Adaba Legacy Center, Okene

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By Glory Ize Isaiah
OKENE, KOGI STATE

Group Photo of Tom Adaba Legacy Team and Ita’i Weavers during the site visit on July 25, 2025. (Photo by DrQuest/Africa-Related)

Project/Facility Name: Tom Adaba Legacy Center, Okene, Home of Itai’ Our Cloth 
Date of Visit: Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: T.A.L Center G.R.A Okene, Kogi State

Board Members of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation conducted a site visit to Okene, Kogi State. The purpose of the visit was to carry out an inspection and engagement tour of the Tom Adaba Legacy Center, evaluate the operations of Itai’ Our Cloth, interact with the weavers and apprentices, identify challenges and opportunities for scale, and strengthen stakeholder relations with the Tom Adaba Legacy board, including its Executive director and accompanying executives.

Attendees

• Mrs. Oyiza Adaba-Okereke - Board President/ED Tom Adaba Legacy and CEO - Itai Our Cloth

• Mr. Maurice Okereke - Tom Adaba Legacy (Community Initiatives) /Founder, Words By MOE

• Mrs. Rosemary Onubaiye - Country Director Ita’i Our Cloth

• Members of the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation

• Weavers’ Coordinators

• Community Weavers & Apprentices

• Media Personnels

• And other Staff

Visit Narrative & Key Highlights

The official site visitation commenced at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 25, 2025. The Board President and Executive Director of Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation arrived in the company of her husband and board members. The atmosphere at the facility was electrifying as the women weavers, visibly overjoyed, welcomed the team with songs and dances in their local dialect, a heartfelt expression of gratitude and excitement.

The Executive Director responded warmly, asking after each woman's welfare and inquiring about their families. Led by the Country Director and the Weavers’ Coordinators, the women took the E.D and her team on a guided tour of the center, showing the facility and ongoing work.

The weavers, excited by the presence of the leadership team, quickly resumed their craft while the Executive Director observed them at work. Demonstrating deep interest and solidarity, she sat beside them, learned the basics of weaving, and participated in the process, showing humility and respect for their skill.

Mrs. Adaba-Okereke later engaged in deep, sincere conversations with the young apprentices who are currently undergoing training in weaving. They expressed how learning this trade has shifted their perspectives on life, offering them not just a skill, but a path toward independence and self-determination. However, they also raised concerns: the tradition of weaving is slowly fading, with fewer young people interested in carrying it on. They voiced hope that more efforts would be made to preserve and promote the craft, particularly among youth.

In response to questions about their future aspirations, several young women expressed their desire to pursue higher education and use weaving as a means to support themselves and their families financially while in school.

A particularly emotional moment came during a conversation with an older woman who demonstrated the rare and laborious art of spinning cotton into yarn by hand, a nearly extinct skill in today’s world. The woman explained the intricate process and how the younger generation often lacks interest in learning it. Acknowledging this, the Executive Director stressed the need for machinery to support scaling operations, noting that such investment could provide technical jobs, increase production, and bring long-term sustainability. She emphasized that cotton processed locally, such as from the Tom Adaba Legacy Foundation Farms in Gwagwalada and Osara, can contribute significantly to national and continental development.

Mrs Oyiza Adaba-Okereke maintained that the Center remains committed to training more youths, particularly young girls, equipping them with both cultural knowledge and economic empowerment through weaving.

She was visibly moved by the work being done and expressed deep admiration for the weavers’ dedication. She commended the women for leveraging their skills, even in the absence of formal education, to support their families, educate their children, and preserve a vital part of the Ebira cultural identity.

The visit culminated in a display of beautifully woven cloths, showcasing the weavers’ incredible craftsmanship. The team was deeply impressed by the quality and intricacy of the works presented.

Finally, an open forum was held, giving the women a platform to share their struggles, celebrate their wins, and brainstorm collaboratively on how to take the organisation’s vision to the next level, strategies for market value, and how to make sure that in telling our unique African story, the culture is not lost in sharing.

Vision for Global Scale & Market Impact

The ED made it clear: This is not just about the cloth. This is about telling a generational story, celebrating the resilience and brilliance of Ebira women, and positioning their work on the global cultural and commercial map.

She emphasized that the goal is to scale the Itai Cloth brand globally, not just for decorative or tourist appeal, but as a luxury heritage product that commands attention, respect, and value in international markets. These woven pieces are wearable history, textile testimonies, and economic vehicles. She spoke about attracting new markets, partnering with international brands and diaspora communities, and using the craft as a tool to reclaim and project indigenous identity with pride.

“We are not just weaving. We are building a cultural economy. We want the world to wear our story. We want our women’s legacy to be seen on runways, in boardrooms, and on global stages. This culture has been ours for decades. It’s time the world saw it, valued it, and paid for it.”

— Oyiza Adaba-Okereke (TAL Board President)

This vision goes beyond production. It encompasses:

1. Exporting products under a globally recognized Ita’i Our Cloth label

2. Building brand collaborations that center African textile heritage

3. Creating digital storytelling platforms for each weaver's narrative

4. Generating revenue that flows directly into the hands of the creators

Facility Condition & Need for Support

The current facility structure is makeshift and temporary, lacking the solid infrastructure needed for a center of this scale and vision. Despite this, the women have continued to produce excellent work, an inspiring testament to their commitment and resilience.

However, the need for a permanent, well-equipped weaving hub was evident throughout the visit.

Support and partnerships are urgently needed, to provide machinery for cotton processing and weaving, improve infrastructure, fund training programs, enhance market access, and scale production sustainably. Strategic collaborations with private sector partners, government agencies, cultural institutions, and global allies will be critical in turning this bold vision into a living, thriving reality.

Key Observations

1. The weaving center is a powerful model for economic and cultural empowerment.

2. There’s an urgent need to introduce technology to certain aspects of cloth production (especially yarn spinning) to meet growing demand and ensure sustainability.

3. A gap remains in attracting young people into the weaving trade, this presents a risk to cultural continuity.

4. The community has strong emotional and cultural ties to the craft, and preserving it will require intentional efforts across education, policy, and entrepreneurship.

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS : DRQuest/Africa-Related

T.A.L Board Head Oyiza Adaba-Okereke with Mrs. Rosemary Onubaiye Country Director for Ita'i Our Cloth/T.A.L.

T.A.L Board Head Oyiza Adaba-Okereke with T.A.L Trainees

Carrying 'The Future' - T.A.L Board Head Oyiza Adaba-Okereke.

W Great Welcome for the T.A.L Board at the weaving center in Okene, Kogi State.

Inspecting the Conditions - T.A.L Board Head Oyiza Adaba-Okereke and Staff.

Set For Production. Bales of cotton from the T.A.L Farms in Osaka an Gwagwalada.

Photographer/Videographer, DrQuest with T.A.L Board Head Oyiza Adaba-Okereke.

T.A.L Team Maurice Okereke (Words By MOE) with T.A.L Board Head Oyiza Adaba-Okereke.

6th Chinua Achebe International Conference and Exhibition!

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Welcome to the 6th Chinua Achebe International Conference and Exhibition!

As Director of the Institute of African Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, I am delighted to welcome scholars, artists, students, and guests from around the world to our newly upgraded home—a space now brimming with art, ideas, and the enduring legacy of Chinua Achebe.

This year’s theme, Africa’s Democratisation Journey: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives, comes at a time when Africa’s democratic experiment faces profound challenges. Together, through conversations and a vibrant art exhibition, we honour Achebe’s legacy of critical thought and creative resistance.

Join us at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, 23rd July 2024.

Venue: Seminar Room 1, Institute of African Studies [New site, off UBA Gate on Greenhouse Road], University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Google Meet joining info: meet.google.com/nfn-viyg-nyh

Join by phone (US) ‪+1 210-951-8557‬‬ PIN: ‪874 061 744‬#‬‬‬‬

Time: 10:00 am WAT

Keynote speakers: Rufai Oseni [ Arise TV, Lagos, Nigeria; Title: "African Democratic Journey: Pitfalls and Possibilities"] & Professor Ifeanyi C. Ezeonu [ Department of Sociology, Brock University, Canada; Title: "The Nigerian Economic Cul de Sac: Critical Reflections on Liberal Democracy and Its Challenges for the Next Generation"]

Special thanks to our Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, for his unwavering support; my co-convener, Prof. Raphael Njoku [Department of History, Idaho State University, Pocatello, USA.]; the Local Organising Committee led by Prof. Chima Korieh; our dedicated volunteers; and the staff and students of the Institute who made this vision a reality.

Please join us. Let’s make this gathering a spark for new ideas and a beacon of hope for Africa’s democratic future.

Professor Ozioma Onuzulike

Director, IAS-UNN

IG: @ozioma.onuzulike

#AchebeConference2025 #UNN #InstituteOfAfricanStudies #AfricaDemocracy #ChinuaAchebe #Nsukka

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DRONE SECURITY TRAINING HELD IN IHIMA, KOGI STATE

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By Glory Ize Isaiah & Rosemary O. Onubaiye
Photos by Africa-Related

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (in black) facilitated a high-impact training on Drone Security, that was organized by Meterverse Technologies Ltd and sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Organized by Meterverse Technologies Ltd.

Sponsored by Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB)

Facilitated by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Venue: Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Residence.  Ihima, Kogi State, Nigeria

Introduction

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Ihima town played host to a high-impact training on Drone Security, an emerging field that combines innovation with national development. The event was organized by Meterverse Technologies Ltd and sponsored by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). It was notably facilitated and attracted to the region by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent advocate for innovation-driven development in Kogi Central.

The training marked a significant step in building local capacity around the strategic application of drone technology in security operations, a theme that resonates with Nigeria’s growing commitment to indigenous tech solutions for surveillance, safety, and national infrastructure protection.

Opening and Accreditation

The event began with arrivals at 8:00 a.m., and accreditation commenced by 8:30 a.m., continuing until 10:00 a.m. when the formal proceedings officially began. The warm and anticipatory atmosphere set the tone for an impactful and educative session.

The official opening of the training was done by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of adopting cutting-edge security technology in safeguarding communities and critical infrastructure. Her address emphasized the potential for local talent to be harnessed in this area, especially among the youth of Kogi Central and surrounding regions.

Though representatives of Meterverse Technologies and NCDMB were present, they took a more reserved role, with minimal public speeches. The spotlight remained on the participants and the training process itself, underscoring a people-first approach to knowledge transfer.

Training Highlights

Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of drone technology, types of drones used in security operations, relevant regulations, and hands-on demonstrations. Topics covered included:

• Introduction to Drone Types and Security Applications

• Airspace Rules and Ethical Use of Drones

• Real-time Demonstrations on Drone Control and Flight

• The Role of Drones in Critical Infrastructure Surveillance

• Career Opportunities in the Drone Security Sector

The session blended theoretical instruction with live practical demonstrations, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of drone operations, especially in the Nigerian context.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s initiative successfully trained and empowered 250 constituents with digital and technical skills across the following disciplines:

• Drone Security and Environmental Sustainability/Remediation Initiatives – 80 beneficiaries

• Advanced Welding and Fabrication Techniques – 50 beneficiaries

• Renewable Energy Installation – 50 beneficiaries

• Data Analytics and Digital Transformation – 70 beneficiaries

A key highlight was the distribution of 80 DJI Neo drones to individuals and departments from 10 tertiary institutions, including the University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University, Federal Polytechnic Idah, and others.

Attendance and Representation

Africa-Related’s Representation and Contribution

Africa-Related, a media content and strategy production house, was present through its Country Director, Mrs. Rosemary Onubaiye, and representative Ms Glory Ize Isaiah. Africa-Related’s presence was centered on observation, documentation, and potential partnership development in future media-technology initiatives.

With bases in Abuja, Nigeria and New York City, USA, Africa-Related is known for crafting compelling African narratives across multiple platforms - including film, television, radio, publishing, and photography. The organization’s mission to amplify African perspectives through narrative-shaping content aligns deeply with initiatives such as this.

Africa-Related’s attendance demonstrates its broader commitment to community empowerment, youth engagement, and digital inclusion - particularly in exploring how drone technology can be utilized for media production, cultural preservation, and security awareness campaigns in rural and semi-urban communities.

Strategic Relevance to Africa-Related’s Mission

This training initiative aligns with Africa-Related’s core objectives in several critical ways:

1. Narrative & Content Innovation - The use of drones opens up expansive possibilities in visual storytelling and documentary filmmaking, especially in remote or difficult-to-access areas.

2. Youth-Focused Empowerment - The skills taught provide fertile ground for future training partnerships, fellowships, and mentoring programs that Africa-Related could support or amplify.

3. Tech-Creative Integration - Drone operations intersect with Africa-Related’s interest in merging technology and creativity, from environmental/agreicultural documentation to cultural archiving.

4. Community-Driven Media Campaigns - There’s strong potential to use drone-enabled content to produce campaigns around peace, infrastructure, culture, and environmental responsibility.

Recommendations & Next Steps

To extend the value of this engagement, the following are proposed:

1. Post-Training Debrief: Host an internal knowledge session to evaluate training insights and consider ways to incorporate drone visuals in future productions.

2. Pilot Projects: Design a community storytelling project using drones to capture environmental shifts, cultural landmarks, or human-interest stories.

3. Youth Media Bootcamps: Launch short training intensives focused on using drones for creative storytelling and advocacy.

4. Stakeholder Partnerships: Engage Meterverse Technologies and NCDMB for future collaborations in creative tech empowerment programs.

Conclusion

The Drone Security Training in Okene stands as a powerful example of how public-private collaboration can be used to equip Nigerian youth with relevant, forward-facing skills. With growing concerns about security and surveillance, the role of drone technology will only become more vital in the years to come.

The efforts of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Meterverse Technologies Ltd, and NCDMB in bringing this initiative to life are commendable. It is expected that this training will be a catalyst for more technologically driven capacity-building efforts across Kogi State and beyond.

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Oyiza Adaba Inducted into the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN)

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Africa-Related Lagos, Nigeria

Oyiza Adaba (Director: The Making of El Anatsui), Inducted into the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN) on July 17, 2025.

New DGN inductee, Oyiza Adaba on the red carpet

PHOTOS By Africa-Related

Oyiza Adaba Bags 2025 'Bronx Recognizes Its Own' (BRIO) Award

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Africa-Related, New York

Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) selected 42 recipients for the 2025 Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) Award.

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For over 35 years, BCA’s BRIO Award has recognized artists from a wide range of creative disciplines who demonstrate proficiency, knowledge, and intense practice in their chosen art form.

A celebration ceremony of all BRIO winners' outstanding achievements was held on Thursday, June 12th the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, to honor the 42 recipients of the award this year. Each awardee also received a sum of $5000 to support their work. 

Among the awardees is Oyiza Adaba, an award-winning Nigerian producer and journalist and Bronx resident, whose 30-year career has been focused on bridging the media gap with deeply impacting news and television and film productions. Her feature documentary "DELA: The Making of El Anatsui" (2023) is highly praised globally for bringing African art and culture to international audiences.

Oyiza Adaba is recognized for her role in documentary filmmaking and dedication to the borough’s creative history.

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NEW EXHIBITION ALERT

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Plastic waste. Radical art. African futures.

#EchoesOfTheLandfill

📍 Museum of Science & Tech, Accra

🗓 June 5 – July 5, 2025

🎟 Free Entry

🛞 5 artists. 1 million tons of plastic. 0 excuses.

🔥 Obed Addo

🔥 Beatrice “Bee” Arthur

🔥 Essilfie Banton

🔥 Andrea Ghia

🔥 Salim

💬 “This isn’t an art show — it’s a plastic protest.”

— Curator, Bee Arthur

🌍 World Environment Day launch

♻️ Ghana’s 2% recycling rate exposed

✊ Grassroots resistance celebrated

📸 Share your plastic shame stories:

#EchoesOfTheLandfill

Supported by

@CreativeArtsAgencyGH | @MSTAccra | @ArtfullyYoursBeeArthur

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A Group Exhibition of Art and Poetry on Wate

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Now Live! The Mmiri bụ Ndụ (Water is Life) Exhibition Documentary 🌍💧

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IAS-UNN announces that the official documentary of the Mmiri bụ Ndụ art and poetry exhibition is now available. The exhibition, curated by the Institute of African Studies at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in collaboration with Our Water and Health Network Africa, formed part of the 4th International Conference on Water in Africa. Through powerful visual art and poetry, Mmiri Bu Ndu examines the presence, absence, social history, and state of water in Africa and in African life.

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DELA Screening At UNN: More Photos

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Photos by IAS-UNN: DELA SCREENING & UNN CAMPUS

More images of the DELA Campus Tour at the esteemed University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). The screening and exhibition event was hosted by the Institute of African Studies (IAS) in their modern new venue, which was packed with an enthusiastic audience.

Special Guest: The paramount traditional ruler H.R.H Igwe George ASADU, The Okpe Udo of Ihe Nsukka, who in 2015 conferred the title "Ikedire of Nsukka" (“power which is effective”) on Prof. EI Anatsui.

DELA: The Making of El Anatsui is a biographical documentary about one of the world's greatest sculptors. The Campus Tour aims to bring art and film students closer to the film's subject. It has so far, screened at Pan-Atlantic University Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). In Ghana, the tour will continue at the artist’s five alma mater institutions.

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DELA Campus Tour: University Of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

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oyiza adaba
maurice E. Okereke

The DELA Campus Tour officially premiered at the esteemed University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). The screening and exhibition event was hosted by the Institute of African Studies (IAS) in their modern new venue, which was packed with an enthusiastic audience eager to engage with the content, highlighting both interest and meaningful impact.

Main Gate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka reading the institution’s motto “To Restore The Dignity Of Man”. Photo: Africa-Related.

To kick off the screening on April 29, 2025, Prof. Chijioke Onuora, a professor of drawing and sculpture in the Fine and Industrial Arts Department conducted an enlightening tour of the captivating photo exhibition that beautifully encapsulates the rich history and vibrant culture of the University of Nigeria.

The ground floor of the Institute of African Studies serves as a walk-in gallery of various artworks by both current and past students and teachers. Our guide was Prof. Chijoke Onuora, a former student of El Anatsui, and also the son of Mr. Joshua Chukwuemeka Onuorah, a pioneer student of Physical Health Education and the UNN unofficial photographer in the 60s and 70s. He showed us beautiful photos taken in the very early days of the university's existence, capturing various occasions such as the first graduation ceremony, and first set of female graduates etc. 

Shortly afterwards, the screening began, the atmosphere was quite pleasant. A lot of students streamed in, as the special guest the paramount traditional ruler H.R.H Igwe George ASADU, The Okpe Udo of Ihe Nsukka occupied the front row seat. He, in 2015, conferred the title "Ikedire of Nsukka" (power which is effective) on Prof. EI Anatsui.

Also seated in the packed room were Prof. Krydz Ikwuemesi, Prof. Chidi Ugwu, Assoc. Prof. Greg Mbajiorgu and Assoc. Prof. Vincent Okpara H.O.D, Department of Fine and Industrial Arts. The audience was very receptive and attentive during the viewing, one could tell on account of their humorous and enthused responses. The event concluded with a short Q and A which yielded a few comments with much praise and plenty of thanks to the production team. The organizers were quite gracious, extremely polite and very courteous. 

This happened to be the very first event since the inauguration of the new building of the Institute of African Studies, situated close to the UBA gate on campus. It also happened to be the first screening I am attending in person in Nigeria. DELA’s journey to Nsukka was extra special as it was a homecoming of sorts, not just for the film, but also for my ever-supportive husband Maurice Okereke (Words By MOE), a 1995 UNN alumnus, who worked on the film as an assistant music director - contributing original music scores from his poetic pieces, to the film’s soundtrack.

Oyiza Adaba with Nsukka DoP Michael ‘Lenix’ Onah, who filmed some of the Nsukka shots.

DELA: Soundtrack Poster with featured artists.

Other contributing artists include UNN Graduate, the late Bright Andrew Igho a.k.a B-Elect, a musician/author who contributed his track 'WAT THE OLD MAN SAID (B.I.B.L.E.)' to the film. Uchenna Ohagwu (Minista Busta), an IMT Enugu graduate is the visual/graphic artist/musician who designed the DELA icon head logo that depicts El Anatsui’s young and older face. Amarachi Attamah, a griot/chant performer composed a beautiful chant piece entitled 'EGARA EL', used in the opening sequence. Lemi Ghariokwu is the graphic artist who designed several of Fela Kuti's album covers and also designed the DELA 'walking man' logo. Two indigenous musicians DJ Robintonzz added the track 'AFRICA' Ft. New Prince, while Lake Spy composed the film's end credit track 'ASIGI II' in honour of El Anatsui.

The Institute of African Studies, UNN

Ozioma Onuzulike’s piece ‘Seed Yams of Our Land’ series drape the front entrance Institute of African Studies (IAS), University of Nigeria Nsukka. Photo: Africa-Related

New Address: Front entrance Institute of African Studies (IAS), University of Nigeria, Nsukka UNN..

Nsukka town is about eighty kilometers north of Enugu in South Eastern Nigeria, where the University campus sits on 871 hectares of hilly savannah with lush vegetation. The Institute of African Studies was established in 1963, initially as the Hansberry College of African Studies. It was named after Professor William Leo Hansberry, an eminent Afro-American Historian and Africanist, who served as its Director, and taught two African presidents - Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria and Ghana’s Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. 

According to A.E. Afigbo, the idea for a graduate Institute of African Studies in the University of Nigeria was channeled towards research and was designed as a rallying point for “all men of colour who can trace their descent to the African continent no matter in what part of the world they now find their habitation”. The institute’s current Director Prof. Ozioma Onuzulike has ably stepped into the big shoes left by past directors, such as Prof. Edward Wilmot Blyden III, Prof. Donatus I. Nwoga, Prof. Uche Okeke, Prof. Chike Aniakor and many others that followed.

El Anatusi’s sculptures on UNN campus

Prof. El Anatsui was a resident of Nsukka for forty-four years (1975-2020), and retired from teaching sculpture at the Department of Fine and Applied Arts in 2012. Two free-standing sculptures made of concrete with terrazzo finish titled For the Upliftment of Man (1983) and Ambivalent Hold (1983) were selected by the University, and can be found on the grounds of the Physical Sciences building. They were jointly sculpted by members of an art collective called SKEP.

Photos: DELA SCREENING & UNN CAMPUS

DELA: The Making of El Anatsui is a biographical documentary about one of the world's greatest sculptors. The Campus Tour aims to bring art and film students closer to the film's subject. It has so far, screened at Pan-Atlantic University Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). In Ghana, the tour will continue at the artist’s five alma mater institutions.

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32nd New York African Film Festival Launches in May

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER AND AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE THE COMPLETE LINEUP FOR
THE 32ND NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, MAY 7–13

Opening Night selection is the New York premiere of

Afolabi Olalekan’s feature debut, Freedom Way

Inheritance, Mweze, Black Tea, Freedom Way, and Everybody Loves Touda

New York, NY (April 9, 2025) — Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) will partner to present the 32nd edition of the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF). NYAFF features more than 30 contemporary and classic films from Africa and its diaspora screening at FLC May 7 through May 13, with 100 films in total as the festival continues at other esteemed New York City cultural venues throughout the month of May, with many filmmakers in attendance for post-screening Q&As. Since its inception in 1993, the festival has been at the forefront of showcasing African and diaspora filmmakers’ unique storytelling through the moving image.

This year’s theme, “Fluid Horizons: A Shifting Lens on a Hopeful World,” honors the resilience of African youth and the forebearers who paved the way for them. As cinema was an integral part of the African continent’s struggle for independence and the triumph of its liberation, this edition of the festival celebrates the African youth who have turned to their cameras to document their experiences and the influence of those who came before them. With a multitude of genres ranging from comedies to experimental films, the 32nd New York African Film Festival offers a multidimensional take on African culture, history, and cinema.

“In a world of uncertainty, the 32nd New York African Film Festival presents a vision of the future through the eyes of Africa’s youth—bold, determined, and endlessly creative. As the youngest and fastest-growing continent, Africa is brimming with stories that demand to be told, not just as reflections of today’s challenges but as blueprints for a future shaped by resilience and possibility,” said Mahen Bonetti, NYAFF founder and AFF executive director. “This year’s festival is a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, provoke, and remind us that hope is always in motion.”

The Opening Night selection is the New York premiere of Afolabi Olalekan’s feature debut, Freedom Way, a powerful tale of the limitless drive of Nigerian youth, which follows the lives of nine individuals set on a collision course in a fast-paced, electric thriller shot on location in Lagos. The Centerpiece film is Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine’s Memories of Love Returned, an intimate, nuanced documentary about the transformative power of photography, executive produced by Steven Soderbergh and named best documentary at the Africa International Film Festival. Closing Night will feature the shorts program “In the Arms of the Mother,” which spotlights films by or about African women from all walks of life, including the world premiere of Kounkou Hoveyda’s We Will Be Who We Are; the North American premieres of Dika Ofoma’s God’s Wife and Anil Padia and Michael Mwangi Maina’s Temple Road; the U.S. premiere of Zoé Cauwet’s Le Grand Calao; the New York premiere of Mariame N’diaye’s Sira; and Kagure N. Kabue’s Iron Fist.

This year’s NYAFF will also spotlight the Democratic Republic of the Congo through the works of veteran and emerging Congolese filmmakers such as Mwezé Ngangura, Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, Nelson Makengo, David-Pierre Fila, Sammy Baloji, and Xavier Mwamba. Their films include the U.S. premiere of Baloji’s The Tree of Authenticity, a gripping documentary recounting the ecological destruction that began at the time of colonization through the voices of two emblematic scientists.

The festival will also host the North American premiere of Furu by Fatou Cissé, the daughter of legendary filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, which explores the impact of forced marriage on young women in Mali. Two additional features making their U.S. debuts include Awam Amkpa’s The Man Died, based on the harrowing prison memoir by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka; and Ndar, Saga Waalo, Ousmane William Mbaye’s powerful documentary about Saint-Louis, Senegal, the port of colonial penetration into West Africa.

Special programs include a free panel presented by AFF and OkayAfrica on May 10 entitled “From Then to Now: Celebrating 15 Years of African Cinema,” featuring a discussion with four acclaimed filmmakers from this year’s festival and offering a rare opportunity to reflect on the creative shifts and enduring themes shaping African cinema today. Two free art exhibits running May 8–13 in the Amphitheater at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center include “Congo RE-Vue: A Fresh Perspective by Emerging Congolese Talent,” a dynamic digital photo exhibition dedicated to highlighting the vibrant talent of the next generation of Congolese artists; and Bereket Adamu’s “All Night We Waited for Morning, All Morning We Waited for Night,” a welded steel light sculpture and animated video that reflects on African resistance, migration, and global interconnectedness.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, April 10, at 2pm ET, with an early access period for FLC Members starting Thursday, April 10, at noon. Ticket prices are $17 for the general public; $14 for students, seniors, and persons with disabilities; and $12 for FLC Members. See more and save with a 3+ Film Package ($15 for general public; $12 for students, seniors (62+), and persons with disabilities; and $10 for FLC Members), the $99 All-Access Pass, or the $79 Student All-Access Pass. Contact info@africanfilmny.org for information about attending the Opening Night Party.

The festival continues at Maysles Documentary Center in Harlem from April 15 to 18 and at Brooklyn Academy of Music under the name FilmAfrica from May 23 to May 29 during DanceAfrica, and culminates with an outdoor screening at St. Nicholas Park on May 31.

The programs of AFF are made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts,  Bradley Family Foundation, Color Congress, NYC & Company, The New York Community Trust, French Cultural Services, Manhattan Portage, Organization de la Francophonie, Essentia Water, Ministre du Tourisme République démocratique du Congo, ZOPMEDIA, South African Consulate General, National Film and Video Foundation, and Motion Picture Enterprises.

FILMS & DESCRIPTIONS
The Opening Night premiere of Freedom Way on May 7 will take place at

the Walter Reade Theater (165 W. 65th Street).

All other films will screen at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center (144 W. 65th Street).

Opening Night

Freedom Way

Afolabi Olalekan, 2024, Nigeria, 83m

New York Premiere

Faced with unfavorable laws and incessant police harassment, three young co-founders struggle to keep their start-up alive. A motorcyclist faces dark times with his family after losing his livelihood. A doctor struggles with his conscience on the job while battling outdated government policies. A police pair find themselves on different sides of the law with a difficult choice to make. The lives of nine individuals are set on a collision course in Afolabi Olalekan’s feature debut, a fast-paced, electric thriller shot on location in Lagos.

Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30pm – Q&A with Afolabi Olalekan

Thursday, May 8 at 4:00pm

Centerpiece

Memories of Love Returned

Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, 2024, Uganda/U.S., 76m

Luganda and English with English subtitles

New York Premiere

On April 24, 2002, filmmaker Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine’s car broke down in the small town of Mbirizi, Uganda. While waiting for it to be repaired he stumbled upon a small photo studio and met photographer Kibaate Aloysius Ssalongo, whose work spanned from the late 1950s to his death in 2006. This chance encounter turned into a 22-year journey documenting and exploring Kibaate’s life and photography and the profound impact it had on Ntare’s life and the lives of the entire community he documented. Executive produced by Steven Soderbergh, this intimate, nuanced documentary about the transformative power of photography was named best documentary at the Africa International Film Festival and won the Audience Award at the Pan African Film Festival. 

Saturday, May 10 at 6:30pm – Q&A with Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine

Closing Night

Shorts Program 4: In the Arms of the Mother

110m

This program of short films by and/or about African women includes Mariame N’diaye’s Sira, Anil Padia and Michael Mwangi Maina’s Temple Road, Dika Ofoma’s God’s Wife, Kagure N. Kabue’s Iron Fist, Zoé Cauwet’s Le Grand Calao, and Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda’s We Will Be Who We Are.

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:30pm

Sira

Mariame N’diaye, 2023, France, 24m

Soninké and French with English subtitles

New York Premiere

To stay with her daughter and her husband, a young Malian woman living in France in the 1980s has to abide by one condition.

Temple Road

Anil Padia, Michael Mwangi Maina, 2024, France/Kenya, 13m

Swahili with English subtitles

North American Premiere

Inspired by childhood experiences of women-only ceremonies and family Polaroids from the 1950s to the 1970s, Temple Road recreates the spiritual and ritualistic preparation of a woman. Weaving a dreamlike narrative, it blends rituals from Kenyan Indian heritage with diverse Kenyan cultures, reflected in a multicultural cast and interwoven ceremonies. Emphasizing the reverence women deserve as the pillars of society, the film is both a tribute to the past and a call to recognize women as bearers of culture, tradition, and life amidst rising violence against women in Kenya.

God’s Wife

Dika Ofoma, 2024, Nigeria, 15m

Igbo with English subtitles

North American Premiere

A young widow is propositioned by her late husband’s brother. When she refuses his advances, he threatens to have her ousted from her husband’s home, and she has to reconcile her personal convictions and Catholic beliefs with her in-laws’ demands.

Iron Fist

Kagure N. Kabue, 2024, Kenya, 15m

Swahili with English subtitles

In Nairobi’s bustling streets, hardworking mother Wangari, haunted by trauma, discovers empowerment in a local boxing gym. Her unexpected journey sparks a transformative rebirth, fostering resilience and a thriving spirit amid life’s fiercest battles.

Le Grand Calao

Zoé Cauwet, 2024, France/Burkina Faso, 27m

Mooré and French with English subtitles

U.S. Premiere

It’s a hot day, as it often is in Ouagadougou. It’s also a very special day for a group of women taking a long-awaited getaway, a moment of discovery, and a break from the hustle and bustle of the world and their lives. A few tourists are there too, a wealthy family from Burkina Faso is lounging around, and a few soldiers are watching over the place. It’s a small world that moves slowly around the Grand Calao’s swimming pool. Until sunset, the women spend a moment out of time, talking about their lives and their problems, while exploring the new sensation of their bodies in the calm blue water.

We Will Be Who We Are

Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda, 2024, Sierra Leone, 16m

World Premiere

In Sierra Leone, best friends Aya and Boi decide to marry each other in an attempt to escape society’s pressures to conform.

Black Tea

Abderrahmane Sissako, 2024, Mauritania/Luxembourg/Taiwan/Côte d'Ivoire, 111m

New York Premiere

Mandarin, French, English, and Portuguese with English subtitles

After saying no on her wedding day, Aya leaves the Ivory Coast for a new life in the buzzing “Chocolate City” of Guangzhou, China. In this district where the African diaspora meets Chinese culture, she gets hired in a tea boutique owned by Cai, a Chinese man. In the secrecy of the back shop, Cai decides to initiate Aya to the tea ceremony. Through the teaching of this ancient art, their relationship slowly turns into tender love. But for their burgeoning passion to lead to mutual trust, they must let go of their burdens and face their past.

Thursday, May 8 at 6:30pm – Q&A with Abderrahmane Sissako and producer Kessen Tall

Tuesday, May 13 at 3:15pm

Everybody Loves Touda

Nabil Ayouch, 2024, Morocco/France/Belgium/Denmark/Netherlands, 101m

Arabic with English subtitles

New York Premiere

Irrepressible Touda dreams of only one thing—being a Sheikha, a respected traditional Moroccan performer. Empowered by the songs of resistance and emancipation of the fierce female poets who came before her, she takes the stage every evening in provincial bars. Tired of performing under the lustful gaze of men, Touda sets her sights on leaving her small village for the bright lights of Casablanca, where she hopes to be recognized as a true artist—and secure a better future for her and her son. The latest from award-winning director Nabil Ayouch (Casablanca Beats, Horses of God) premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and was Morocco’s submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Monday, May 12 at 8:30pm

The Fisherman

Zoey Martinson, 2024, Ghana, 105m

New York Premiere

Atta Oko has spent his life as a proud traditional fisherman in rural Ghana. When he is suddenly forced into retirement his life takes a whimsical turn as he is partnered with a modern, bougie talking fish. As fishy chaos ensues, Atta and his three quirky “associates” navigate the vibrant streets of Accra, chasing their shared dream of owning a fishing boat. Filled with laughter, magic, and the rich culture of Ghana, The Fisherman is a heartwarming tale of family, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a true fisherman.

Sunday, May 11 at 1:00pm – Q&A with Zoey Martinson

Furu

Fatou Cissé, 2024, Mali, 67m

Bambara with English subtitles

North American Premiere

This powerful social drama from director Fatou Cissé, daughter of legendary Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé, explores the impact of forced marriage on young women in Mali. The film follows Tou, who is pressured to marry an older man after becoming pregnant, and Ami, who resists village pressure to wed in favor of her independence. Through these parallel stories, Furu examines the complex and often painful choices young women face when their futures are shaped by tradition rather than personal agency. The film confronts the enduring practice of forced marriage and its psychological consequences, offering a poignant and urgent reflection on gender, autonomy, and resistance within a patriarchal society. Preceded by a clip from Cissé’s 2022 documentary A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Father, an intimate portrayal of the life and career of Souleymane Cissé.

Friday, May 9 at 6:00pm – Q&A with Fatou Cissé

Identity Pieces / Pièces d’identités

Mwezé Ngangura, 1998, Democratic Republic of the Congo/Belgium, 97m

Lingala, Kingwana, Kikongo, Tshiluba, French, English, and Dutch with English subtitles

In Mwezé Ngangura’s modern comic fairy tale, Mani Kongo, King of the Bakongo, embarks on a trip to Belgium to find his beloved daughter, Mwana, whom he has lost touch with. Dignified and outfitted in full regalia, the African king walks into a society that neither respects his title nor values his humanity. On arriving in Belgium, he has to cope with the very best and the very worst of the Black diaspora, as well as with prejudices rampant in European society, and finds good friends amongst the poor, lower-class whites—showing that nothing is ever black or white.

Saturday, May 10 at 3:45pm

Juju Factory

Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, 2006, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 97m

French with English subtitles

Kongo lives in the Matonge district of Brussels, where he is writing a book. His editor wants a kind of traveler’s book spiced with ethnic ingredients. However, Kongo is inspired by his vision of complex and tormented souls that he meets at all proverbial and literal crossings. His story, and Juju Factory’s narrative, follow invisible trajectories intertwined with Congolese history and Belgium’s ghosts.

Sunday, May 11 at 8:45pm – Q&A with Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda

The Man Died

Awam Amkpa, 2024, Nigeria, 105m

U.S. Premiere

Based on the harrowing prison memoir by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, The Man Died is a powerful tale of resistance, courage, and the unyielding human spirit. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s civil war, the film chronicles Soyinka’s imprisonment without trial by a brutal military regime determined to silence his voice. Through solitary confinement, torture, and deprivation, Soyinka’s resolve to fight against tyranny and injustice only grows stronger. Interwoven with flashbacks to his earlier life as a writer and activist, the film reveals the profound inner strength and unbreakable spirit that drive Soyinka’s resistance. As he documents his experiences on scraps of paper smuggled out of his cell, his writings become a beacon of hope and a call to action for others living under oppression. The Man Died is not just a personal story but a universal testament to the enduring power of truth and the necessity of standing up against tyranny. It is a poignant reminder that in the face of oppression, silence is not an option, and the human spirit can never truly be extinguished.

Tuesday, May 13 at 6:00pm – Q&A with Awam Amkpa

Mweze

David-Pierre Fila, 2020, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 80m

French and Lingala with English subtitles

David-Pierre Fila’s documentary on Mwezé Ngangura—the visionary Congolese director of Kin Kiesse; Life Is Beautiful; Changa Changa; The King, the Cow and the Banana Tree; Pieces d’identités; and The Governor’s New Clothes—unfolds as a meditation on history, politics, cinema, image, and time. Shot in Kinshasa, Ouagadougou, and Brussels, it is not a biography but an introspective exploration of Mwezé’s life today in Belgium, where he has settled with his family. What emerges is a self-portrait conceived by Mwezé himself, a collage of images layered with sound impressions. From the very first frames, the film presents itself with an understated elegance and subtle charms, its subject less concerned with intellectual discourse and more with stirring the heart.

Saturday, May 10 at 1:30pm

Ndar, Saga Waalo

Ousmane William Mbaye, 2024, Senegal, 91m

French and Wolof with English subtitles

U.S. Premiere

Ndar, the original name of Saint-Louis, an island at the mouth of the Senegal River in the former Waalo kingdom, was the port of colonial penetration into West Africa four centuries ago. An economic, cultural, and political crossroads, it served as a laboratory for the “civilizing mission.” Commerce, town planning, education, and mixed heritage were the instruments for French colonists to assimilate populations, establish themselves in the country, and exploit the wealth. While some cannot deny history and have kept their Saint-Louisian way of living intact, others want to put an end to the colonial heritage. For many young people today, it is time to think about history differently. Yet everyone has managed to preserve their keen sense of living well together.

Sunday, May 11 at 6:30pm – Q&A with Ousmane William Mbaye and producer Laurence Attali

Rising Up at Night / Tongo Saa

Nelson Makengo, 2024, Democratic Republic of the Congo/Belgium/Germany/Burkina Faso/Qatar, 96m

Lingala with English subtitles

As the Congo constructs Africa’s largest power station, Kinshasa and its inhabitants are trapped in literal darkness, waiting and struggling to get access to electric light while also dealing with extensive flooding and preparing to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. Nelson Makengo’s first feature documentary, which premiered at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival Panorama, is a vivid portrait of Kinshasa’s residents—their hopes, disappointments, religious faith, and resilience. Makengo’s subtle, fragmented storytelling captures a population reinventing itself while immersed in the beauty of Kinshasa’s nights.

Preceded by

Profiling

Zaza Mon Amour, 2025, France, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 15m

French with English subtitles

World Premiere

In Marseille, a city of rich cultural diversity that still carries the deep scars of segregation, three childhood friends reunite after years apart, but what begins as a joyful gathering takes a tragic turn due to racial profiling. 

Friday, May 9 at 8:30pm

The Tree of Authenticity / L’Arbre de l’Authenticité

Sammy Baloji, 2025, Belgium/Democratic Republic of the Congo, 89m

French and Dutch with English subtitles

U.S. Premiere

Nestled in Africa’s largest rainforest lies one of the many gravesites of the West’s efforts to control nations and nature—one of the world’s largest tropical agricultural research centers. Located on the banks of the Congo River, the Yangambi INERA Research Station was a booming scientific center in its heyday, but today, it is an amalgam of jungle and ruin. Sammy Baloji’s gripping documentary The Tree of Authenticity recounts the stigma of ecological destruction that began at the time of colonization through the voices of two emblematic scientists who worked at Yangambi between 1910 and 1950, Paul Panda Farnana and Abiron Beirnaert. Their stories embody the legacies of colonial modernity and trace the origins of today’s environmental injustice.

Preceded by

The Planet of Water

Leonardo Gámez Gil, 2024, Mexico, 3m

Spanish with English subtitles

New York Premiere

In the near future, humanity—obsessed with saving water while destroying its own planet—faces a devastating environmental crisis. Humans begin to explore space in search of water, and in their absence, the Earth regenerates itself.

La Serpiente de Shelmeca

Laura Bermúdez, 2023, Honduras, 3m

Miskitu and Spanish with English subtitles

New York Premiere

The second most important rainforest in the Americas hides an archaeological secret of an ancient indigenous population, known today as Ciudad Blanca. Wildres Wood, the first biologist from the Miskitu ethnic group, embarks on a journey to the heart of the jungle to protect Honduras’ most important treasure for the world.

Monday, May 12 at 6:00pm

 New York African Film Festival Shorts Programs

 Shorts Program 1: Notions of Home

102m

This program of diaspora short films from around the globe includes Ahmed Samir’s Grandma, Hans Augustave’s Nwa (Black), Adesola Thomas’s Sister Salad Days, Devin Powell’s Where Are You From?, Shawn Antoine II’s Green Bay, Rhys Aaron Lewis’s Run Like We, and Francis Y. Brown’s Blinded by the Lights.

Thursday, May 8 at 9:15pm – Q&A with Shawn Antoine II, Hans Augustave, Daty Kaba, and Ahmed Samir

Friday, May 9 at 3:00pm

Grandma

Ahmed Samir, 2024, Egypt, 23m

Arabic with English subtitles

North American Premiere

While living in isolation, Mona and her young son await the birth of a new baby while still carrying the weight of the grandma’s recent death. When her son begins listening to her pregnant belly, convinced his grandmother’s spirit exists inside and wants to return, Mona is unsettled by his quiet certainty. As she struggles to comfort him, she confronts her own fears of failing as a mother, of being unable to fill the absence left behind, and of opening herself to the unknown. With each passing moment, the fragile balance between grief and hope threatens to collapse, forcing her to face the life growing inside her and the love she’s afraid she can’t give.

Nwa (Black)

Hans Augustave, 2024, U.S., 20m

English, French, and Haitian with English subtitles

Nwa is a candid, emotional coming-of-age film about Frantz, a first-generation Haitian-American boy, torn by the decision to get the haircut he knows his strict immigrant father would approve of, or a trendy cut connecting him to the Black American culture he’s been warned by his father not to embrace.

Sister Salad Days

Adesola Thomas, 2024, U.S., 18m

When an asexual double dutcher’s religious father forces her to get married, she enlists her friends and fiancé to stop the wedding and free her older sister whose soul is trapped on their father’s land.

Where Are You From?

Devin Powell, 2025, U.S., 13m

World Premiere

While Sherif, a 14-year-old Senegalese adolescent student in the U.S., watches international cinema, George, his 11-year-old American host, disrupts his bouts of escapism. Both characters have an issue: Sherif misses home and George has nothing to do. They solve this problem by watching movies together, but George can’t keep quiet.

Green Bay

Shawn Antoine II, U.S., 2024, 2m

World Premiere

On a green-skied shore, a woman’s dance becomes a sacred ritual that summons an extraterrestrial being.

Run Like We

Rhys Aaron Lewis, 2024, U.K., 13m

New York Premiere

It’s the 2012 London Olympics and the whole world is going crazy for the fastest man on the planet: Usain Bolt. Everyone apart from Alvin, an awkward 14-year-old who hates sports and constantly disappoints his Jamaican father, Lester, an ex-athlete who can’t understand why his son is “so soft.” So when Alvin is unexpectedly nominated to represent his class in the upcoming school sports day, it could be his last chance to make his dad proud and prove that he can be just like Bolt.

Blinded by the Lights

Francis Y. Brown, 2025, Ghana, 13m

World Premiere

A powerful and visually striking allegory, Blinded by the Lights explores the insatiable greed of the African leader and the devastating cost of betrayal. Set against the backdrop of a nation trapped in the cycle of neocolonialism, the film unpacks the illusions of power, the corruption that festers behind closed doors, and the silent suffering of a people forgotten by those meant to lead them. With bold symbolism and a haunting narrative, Blinded by the Lights is a chilling reflection on leadership, legacy, and the price of selling one’s soul for power.

 Shorts Program 2: Mzansi Moments

101m

This collection of short films from South Africa includes Ntokozo Mlaba’s The Passage, Michelle Name and Onke Meje’s Intsikelelo Yamanzi, Nduduzo Shandu’s Gogo, Phumi Morare’s Why the Cattle Wait, Hachimiya Ahamada’s Zanatany, When Soulless Shrouds Whisper, Kgomotso Sekhu’s Shap Shap, and Zoe Ramushu’s Damsel, Not in Distress.

Saturday, May 10 at 8:45pm

The Passage

Ntokozo Mlaba, 2024, South Africa, 12m

Southern Sotho and Zulu with English subtitles

North American Premiere

When Mrembula learns that Dakalo has opened a case of rape against him, he blackmails Bafana, his best friend and Dakalo’s boyfriend, into fabricating a story. Bafana tries to resist but realizes that with his hopes of making it out of the hood, it would be better to go with Mrembula’s story than to end up living his days in a jail cell. Mrembula thus sits Bafana down as they recreate the recollections of the events that unfolded on that fateful night in

the passage.

Intsikelelo Yamanzi

Michelle Name, Onke Meje, 2024, South Africa, 8m

English and Xhosa with English subtitles

North American Premiere

When Cape Town encounters an extreme stretch without water, things get desperate. Perhaps it’s a little boy who returns us to our humanity.

Gogo

Nduduzo Shandu, 2024, South Africa, 13m

Zulu with English subtitles

Introduced to storytelling at a young age from her own grandmother, Nduduzo Shandu crafted a story of a lifetime bond between a grandmother and her grandson.

Why the Cattle Wait

Phumi Morare, 2024, South Africa, 20m

Xhosa with English subtitles

New York Premiere

A folklore love story about a Nguni goddess who must find and convince her former mortal lover to return to the eternal world with her, before she destroys the earth.

Zanatany, When Soulless Shrouds Whisper

Hachimiya Ahamada, 2024, Belgium/Madagascar, 27m

Malagasy with English subtitles

New York Premiere

Majunga, Madagascar, December 1976. A wind of revolt sweeps through the city. Ali, a second-in-command in a bookbinding workshop, is raising his two daughters alone. One morning, before going to work, he witnesses what seems to be a simple neighborhood quarrel….

Shap Shap

Kgomotso Sekhu, 2024, South Africa, 10m

English and Tswana with English subtitles

U.S. Premiere

After surviving multiple attempts on his life in a dangerous village, 13-year-old Mmusi sets out to find his father in the township but is taken in by a strict Jehovah’s Witness. Homeless and judged by society, he struggles to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. On his journey to reunite with his mother in Johannesburg, Mmusi faces discrimination but discovers hope and strength through unexpected friendships. Just as his life begins to improve, he receives a scholarship to go to the United States, but without a fixed address, his future remains uncertain.

Damsel, Not in Distress

Zoe Ramushu, 2025, South Africa, 11m

Aluta​​ infiltrates a crew of party girls who are hustling Johannesburg’s rich and powerful using charm and deception, but what the crew doesn’t know is Aluta is on a secret mission to find her missing sister. But when a job goes wrong, she’s betrayed and needs to stay one step ahead, or she’ll be the next target.

Shorts Program 3: Centennial Legacies

119m

Marking a century of history, culture, and resistance, this short film program honoring the visionaries and movements that shaped the past and continue to inspire the future includes Lou de Lemos’s The Legend of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, Paulin Soumanou Vieyra’s It Was Four Years Ago, Paulin Soumanou Vieyra’s Ousmane Sembène: The Making of Ceddo, Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda’s The Draughtsmen Clash, and Lebert Bethune’s Malcolm X: Struggle for Freedom.

Sunday, May 11 at 3:30pm – Q&A with Leburt Bethune, Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, and cultural historian Danielle Brito

Monday, May 12 at 3:00pm

The Legend of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg

Lou de Lemos, Puerto Rico/U.S., 1986, 25m

Spanish with English subtitles

This biography tells the story of Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, a Puerto Rican of African descent who dedicated his life to studying African history and collecting Black-related materials from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa. His collection forms the core of the collection found today at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a research center of the New York Public Library.

It Was Four Years Ago / C’était Il y a Quatre Ans

Paulin Soumanou Vieyra, 1954, France, Senegal, 9m

French with English subtitles

An African student at his desk hears a song from his homeland on the radio. He feels transported back several years to the time when he was preparing to leave for France. He sketches a few dance steps. Meanwhile, his French girlfriend arrives to continue his classical music education. Listening to the first classical record, his mind wanders back to Africa.

Ousmane Sembène: The Making of Ceddo / L’envers du Décor

Paulin Soumanou Vieyra, Senegal, 1981, 25m

Wolof and French with English subtitles

Paulin Soumanou Vieyra captures Ousmane Sembène, one of the greatest African filmmakers, during the filming of Ceddo. The Making of Ceddo was completed after four years of production, while Ceddo itself was censored by the Senegalese authorities under the Senghor regime until 1983.

The Draughtsmen Clash / Le Damier

Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda, 1996, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 40m

French with English subtitles        

The Draughtsmen Clash tells the story of the president of a fictitious African nation who spends a sleepless night playing checkers with a pot-smoking vagabond who claims to be the all-round champion. However, the rules of the game entail the opponents howling vulgar and foul obscenities at one another. The champion proceeds to insult, and trounce, the president. His reward, and his fate, will not surprise anyone.

Malcolm X: Struggle for Freedom

Lebert Bethune, France, 1964, 20m

Bethune’s film portrays Malcolm X at a time when his views were evolving to include what was going on in the world at large. It features interviews filmed during Malcolm X’s trip to Europe and

Africa shortly before his assassination in the United States, interspersed with scenes of African rebellion.

Special Programs

 Art Exhibition: “All Night We Waited for Morning, All Morning We Waited for Night” by Bereket Adamu

“All Night We Waited for Morning, All Morning We Waited for Night” is a welded steel light sculpture and animated video that reflects on African resistance, migration, and global interconnectedness. Constructed from steel, cotton, hide skin glue, ink, paint, and a lightbulb, the piece combines material and conceptual tension, with light and movement obscuring as much as they reveal. Depicting winged African figures, it explores themes of environmental disruption, self-agency, and intergenerational relationships that transcend borders. The work’s shifting figures and forms resist fixed meaning, creating a narrative suspended between presence and absence, illuminated and obscured.

The accompanying animation extends this instability, allowing figures to dissolve and reform as the object is made and un- made, while the illuminated steel structure flickers between clarity and obscurity, revealing only partial truths. Through its dynamic interplay of sculpture and animation, the piece moves beyond monumentality, capturing a fluidity of political, environmental, and personal change in an ongoing, layered rhythm that defies stand still interpretation.
Thursday, May 8 – Tuesday, May 13 – FREE
Amphitheater at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center

Congo RE-Vue: A Fresh Perspective by Emerging Congolese Talent

Congo RE-Vue is a dynamic digital photo exhibition dedicated to highlighting the vibrant talent of the next generation of Congolese artists. This project focuses on young Congolese photographers who, with fresh eyes and a forward-thinking approach, are redefining how their country is viewed both within its borders and beyond. Their vision is one of progress, creativity, and optimism. At the heart of Congo RE-Vue is a dedication to contemporary Congolese culture, seen through the lens of photographers (with future editions to include filmmakers) who are reshaping the narrative of their country.

Curated by Cecilia Zoppelletto and produced by ZOPMEDIA in collaboration with ZEKE and Preston Witman Productions, Congo RE-Vue is an exploration of the artistic innovation coming out of Congo today, crafted with care and pride. This is more than just a photo exhibition—it is a movement, a statement, and an invitation to experience Congo through the eyes of its next generation.

The works featured in Congo RE-Vue are a testament to the immense talent of Congo’s young photography generation. From intimate portraits to bold social commentary, each artist brings their own unique perspective, offering a fresh lens through which to see the beauty, challenges, and triumphs of Congo. This first edition includes the works of Christelle Emulu, Arsène Mpiana, Hardy Bope, Henock Diba, Luther Lupeta, Antalya Mbafumoya, and Fortune Lula.

Thursday, May 8 – Tuesday, May 13 – FREE

Amphitheater at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center

From Then to Now: Celebrating 15 Years of African Cinema — Presented by AFF & OkayAfrica
The African Film Festival (AFF) and OkayAfrica present From Then to Now: Celebrating 15 Years of African Cinema—a thoughtful exploration of the evolving landscape of African film. Bringing together four acclaimed filmmakers featured in this year’s festival, this panel offers a rare opportunity to reflect on the creative shifts and enduring themes shaping African cinema today. Panelists include Abderrahmane Sissako (Black Tea), Balufu Bakupa-Kanyinda (Juju Factory), Afolabi Olalekan (Opening Night film Freedom Way), and Fatou Cissé (Furu), who also honors the profound legacy of her father, the late Souleymane Cissé. Together, they trace the threads of continuity and change across a decade and a half of cinematic storytelling, offering insight into the present moment and the future of the art form.
Saturday, May 10 at 11:30am – FREE
Amphitheater at the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center

FILM AT LINCOLN CENTER
Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) is a nonprofit organization that celebrates cinema as an essential art form and fosters a vibrant home for film culture to thrive. FLC presents premier film festivals, retrospectives, new releases, and restorations year-round in state-of-the-art theaters at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. FLC offers audiences the opportunity to discover works from established and emerging directors from around the world with a passionate community of film lovers at marquee events including the New York Film Festival and New Directors/New Films. 

Founded in 1969, FLC is committed to preserving the excitement of the theatrical experience for all audiences, advancing high-quality film journalism through the publication of Film Comment, cultivating the next generation of film industry professionals through our FLC Academies, and enriching the lives of all who engage with our programs.

Rolex is the Official Partner and Exclusive Timepiece of Film at Lincoln Center.

Film at Lincoln Center receives generous, year-round support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. For more information, visit filmlinc.org and follow @filmlinc on X, Instagram, and Bluesky.

AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL, INC.
Since 1990, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) has bridged the divide between postcolonial Africa and the American public through the powerful medium of film and video. AFF's unique place in the international arts community is distinguished not only by leadership in festival management, but also by a comprehensive approach to the advocacy of African film and culture. AFF established the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in 1993 with Film at Lincoln Center. The New York African Film Festival is presented annually by the African Film Festival, Inc. and Film at Lincoln Center, in association with Brooklyn Academy of Music and Maysles Cinema. AFF also produces a series of local, national, and international programs throughout the year. More information about AFF can be found on the Web at www.africanfilmny.org. You can follow AFF at @africanfilmfest on X and Instagram.

For press inquiries regarding Film at Lincoln Center, please contact:

John Kwiatkowski, Film at Lincoln Center, JKwiatkowski@filmlinc.org

Eva Tooley, Film at Lincoln Center, ETooley@filmlinc.org

For press inquiries regarding African Film Festival, Inc., please contact:

Cheryl Duncan, Cheryl Duncan & Company Inc., cheryl@cdcprnews.com

DELA Campus Tour Kicks Off With Pan-Atlantic University

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Patricia Igho, Lagos - Nigeria

The Nigeria leg of the DELA Campus Tour kicked off with the Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos on 20th March 2025. From 10:00 am, the technical crew began setting up at Benin Hall, the theatre style 60-seater venue for the screening

L-R: Standing by on of El Anatsui’s early wood works: Ayodele O. Banjo (DELA Editor/TWPC), Clement Eno, Solomon Nkwagu (Head Corporate Communications, Yemisi Shyllon Museum). and Patricia Igho ( Africa-Related). Photo by Yemisi Shyllon Museum

The DELA Team was given a tour of the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art by the Head Corporate Communications Mr. Solomon Nkwagu. The museum is situated on the campus, where some of El Anatsui's earlier works are part of the its permanent collection. 

The screening was scheduled to take place at 2:00 pm, and students began arriving as early as 1:30 pm, having completed their registration prior to the event. Those students who had classes scheduled in between the start time and the screening later joined the gathering as they were able. Additionally, several members of the staff also made their way to the venue to participate in the event, contributing to the overall atmosphere of engagement and anticipation.

Dr. Añulika Agina, an Associate Professor, Media Studies and MSc Programme Director, made the introductions, and prompted the students to observe a minute of silence for the late Dr. Tom Adaba, who also served as a Senior  Consultant on the film project. 

The screening kicked off about 2:10 pm and ran through to 4pm. The students displayed keen interest and were actively taking notes during the course. Some of the scenes elicited different reactions such as laughter and awe. 

The ‘intense’ Q&A session that followed lasted for an hour and ten minutes. It was an enlightening session, where five students were given the opportunity to ask questions. Mr. Ayodele O. Banjo, the lead editor and co-producer on the project, answered questions that centered on the technical aspects of the documentary i.e filming, music, editing, and personal motivation..  

Q & A Photos with DELA Editor Mr. Ayodele Banjo

The day ended with three copies each of books authored by two participants in the film,  presented to the PAU library and received by Dr. Ajina. The books are 'But For God' by Dr. Tom Adaba and 'A Samson In The Wild' by Bright Andrew Igho.

DELA: The Making of El Anatsui is a biographical documentary about one of the world's greatest sculptors. The Campus Tour aims to bring art and film students closer to the film's subject. The next stop in Nigeria is the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) on April 10, 2025. In Ghana, the tour will screen at the artist’s five alma mater institutions.

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Ozioma Onuzulike's exceptional talent has been recognised on a global scale.

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Image: Ozioma onuzulike, Embroidered Babariga Armour for Fubara (Power Series), 2024, earthenware and stoneware clays, glazes, recycled glasses and copper wire, 145x122x5cm.

Ozioma Onuzulike's exceptional talent has been recognised on a global scale. He has been shortlisted as one of 29 Finalists representing 18 African countries for The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (NSAAP) 2025, an annual award for contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora sponsored by Schroders. The shortlisted artworks, including Onuzulike's, will be presented to the public in a Finalist Exhibition at Norval Foundation, Cape Town, South Africa, from 4 February to 20 April 2025.

Onuzulike’s ceramic tapestry, titled Embroidered Babariga Armour for Fubara, is a masterpiece of intricate craftsmanship. It has been constructed from 3,189 handcrafted ceramic palm kernel shell beads woven together using copper wire to resemble a sumptuous West African elite gown called “Babariga” or “Agbada”. The clay shells were first bisque-fired, then selectively dipped into glazes before being inlaid with glass from crushed recycled bottles and re-fired to very high temperatures. His laborious studio processes made the shells resemble glass beads, historically used as tokens to buy enslaved Africans. However, beads are now considered prestige items and emblems of high social status in many regions of Africa. Created by Onuzulike at the height of the struggle for political power between the governor of the oil-rich Rivers State in Nigeria and his political godfather, this piece brings to mind both “agbada” dress (emblematic of the affluence of political figures) and the medieval plate-armour and speaks about political turmoil in Africa.

Ozioma Onuzulike is a professor of ceramic art and African art history in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is also the Director of the Institute of African Studies at the same university. He is considered a prominent voice in Africa's contemporary ceramic art practice.

To view Ozioma Onuzulike’s other works, you may follow him on Instagram @ozioma.onuzulike.

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Two UN Exhibitions Shed Light On Human Rights & Gender-Based Violence

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by Oyiza Adaba

Free guided tours at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. (Africa-Related)

Exhibition

UN Exhibits

United Nations HQ, New York

Two exhibitions are showing at the lobby of the United Nations HQ in New York - Pictures for the Human Rights features 30 pictures by 30 artists of 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; while Uprooted: Resilience in Crisis sheds light on the impact of gender-based violence, exploring the resilience of survivors.

Pictures for the Human Rights

According to UN Exhibits, this exhibition features 30 pictures in which artists from many countries have interpreted the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in their own visual language. These images make human rights easier to understand in words and pictures, inspiring visitors to defend and promote Human Rights for everyone everywhere. The exhibit is in connection with Human Rights Day (10 December).

This exhibit is organized by the Pictures for the Human Rights e.V and endorsed by the Permanent Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United Nations. 

This exhibition is on display until 10 January 2025

Uprooted: Resilience in Crisis (Photos by Africa-Related)

According to Un Exhibits, this exhibit seeks to shed light on the impact of gender-based violence, exploring the stories of survivors, the resilience of affected communities, and the ongoing struggle for justice and healing. Through a diverse array of art forms, it offers a platform for survivors to share their experiences and for audiences to engage with this urgent issue. This exhibit is organized and endorsed by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

This exhibition is on display until 7 February 2025

Photos by Africa-Related

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HIGHLIGHTS: "DELA" At ISFMF 2024

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by africa-Related

HIGHLIGHTS

ISFMF 2024

SAMOBOR, Croatia

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Samobor!

it’s worth the search

DELA was nominated for the Crystal Pine Award in Best Picture (Feature-length Category). Photo by Africa-Related

DELA was nominated for the Crystal Pine Award in Best Picture (Feature-length Category). Photo by Africa-Related

DELA: The Making of El Anatsui made its way to Samobor, Croatia as part of the 12th-edition lineup of the International Sound & Film Music Festival. The unique festival celebrates Sound and Music in Film. It was no wonder the small town, 29 km outside capital Zagreb, was filled with the most least recognizable faces. They were faces of those who work tirelessly and efficiently behind the scene, in order to ensure that the sound translates the visuals in fllm production.

The two-day event, which was organized by Dreammaker Productions packed on activities like the music concert tribute to Italian composer and orchestrator Ennio Morricone, an art exhibition, film screening in mostly shorts category, followed by a brief Q&A with the director, sound engineer or music composer; a panel discussion, a children’s concert and many more.

Born from the small family circle of today’s Artistic Director Ozren K. Glaser, Tena Glaser and Željko Glaser, the mission of the International Sound & Film Music Festival (ISFMF) is to promote awareness of the importance of music and sound as irreplaceable elements of film. The festival also provides visibility to audiovisual professions who work in the field of composing music, sound design and sound mixing. 

Best PICTURE (Feature-Lenght Category) - Crystal Pine Award

DELA: Director Oyiza Adaba on the red carpet at ISFMF 2024. DELA was nominated for the Crystal Pine Award in Best Picture (Feature-length Category). Photo by Africa-Relatd

"DELA: The Making of El Anatsui," is an intriguing biographical documentary that records the extraordinary life and artistic journey of arguably Africa’s most globally acclaimed sculptor El Anatsui (pronounced anachwi). "DELA" goes deeply into the life of this legendary artist, tracing his growth from his artistic endeavors to his rise to popularity in the art world.

Interview with Krunoslav Solenički at Radio Samobor

In a later interview with Radio Samobor, Adaba praised the musicians and sound crew that particiated in the film which was scored by Funsho Ogundipe of Jazz collective Ayetoro; and also featured Words By Moe, Yinka Davies, Anayako Cultural Troupe, Tyrone Burirkett, Israel Maweta, Cam Tamura, Baba Ani and Win Big Selasi.

Some of the films that stood out at this year’s festival include CRYSTAL LIGHT by Bart Wierzbicki from Belgium which was nominated best music video. I’M PERFECTLY FINE by Hans Nieuwenhuijsen of The Netherlands won BEST ORIGINAL SCORE SHORT.

One of the other highlights of the event was when SOUNDS LIKE FAME director Robert D. Morais from Canada won for best short. Mr Morais was so emotional, barely uttering a simple “Thank You”, as he exited the stage. He of all people understood and his film celebrated the ‘thankless’ job of the “sound dude”.

Photos by Africa-Related

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Welcome to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

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By Oyiza Adaba

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 Gateway National Recreation Area was established in 1972 to offer a national park service experience to an urban audience. Gateway is a large, diverse urban park with 27,000 acres spanning Sandy Hook in N.J. and Jamaica Bay and Staten Island in N.Y. It is the 4th most visited National Park Service unit with more than 9.2 million annual visitors. 

Video courtesy of National Park Service

Staff from Gateway National Recreation Area and Jamaica Bay Rockaway Parks Conservancy hosted foreign journalists for a press tour of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.  The Foreign Press Center New York organized this tour for members of the foreign press to cover the most recent park activities and initiatives to create a living shoreline, mitigate the impacts of extreme weather, and ensure overall climate resilience not only for this site but also for the surrounding communities. With the devastation and loss from recent hurricanes and floods, public-private partnerships like this are one of the ways coastal communities are working to mitigate environmental degradation and other losses.

LESSON FOR COP29

Climate conferences like the recently concluded COP29 can learn a lesson or two from Jamaica Wildlife Refuge - a prime example of one putting its climate dollar where its mouth is. 

"In the distance, you can see the New York City skyline."

Tucked away in the Queen's Rockaway area is a wildlife refuge that houses a one mile gravel trail visited by 9.2 million visitors yearly, a wide species of rare birds and a preservation story that even Hurricane Sandy couldn't wash away. 

It is no longer news that the earth's land mass is shifting and disappearing due to natural weather occurrences like hurricanes, erosion, drought, tsunamis, etc.

When Hurricane Sandy hit the New York area in 2017, much of the land where the Refuge sits, was wiped away, causing the devastating loss. For its minders, the Gateway National Recreation Area, it was an  opportunity to find new ways to reclaim the conservatory. 

Gateway, the fourth most visited national park unit, was established in 1972 to offer park services to urban audiences through its large diverse urban parks, with 27,000 acres spanning Sandy Hook in New Jersey and Jamaica Bay on Staten Island in New York. 

On this day, Daphne Yun, Terri Carter and Elizabeth took members of the for press on the mile long tour that showed some of the experiments, trials, failures and ultimate success stories that went into rebuilding the shoreline after the storm. 

With mitigating future impact in min, the team adopted both scientific and experimental tricks to 

Worthy of emulation by coastal communities around the world is how the goal became attainable through public private partnership - a structure that kept all stakeholder accountable and paid attention to the littlest detail. 

The Jamaica Wildlife Refuge is open to the public for trail walks, birdwatching. There is a shop/museum on the premises. 

Photos by Africa-Related

Oyiza Adaba Visits The Museum of Broken Relationships

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by oyiza adaba

The Museum of BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Zagreb, Croatia

“The Museum of Broken Relationships encourages discussion and reflection not only on the fragility of human relationships but also on the political, social, and cultural circumstances surrounding the stories being told. The museum respects the audience’s capacity for understanding wider historical, social issues inherent to different cultures and identities and provides a catharsis for donors on a more personal level.”

— 2011 Kenneth Hudson Award, European Museum Forum (EMF) judging panel

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With a few hours to my flight, of all Croatia's 222 museums, I chose to visit The Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb's city center. I was curious, and thought it interesting to encounter first hand, how people confronted their past relationships. The museum was founded by two individuals, an artist/film producer, and a sculptor, who survived a breakup. Three years after joking about how to store their personal items, their maturity and innovation led to the museum's first public showing in 2006.

Since then, it has enjoyed an extensive travel history as a global  traveling exhibition to nearly 60 locations from South Africa to North Macedonia. The museum's popularity with fans and tourists is its unique relatable subject matter, and main concept of personal objects from failed relationships. It is something, to which most living beings can relate.

"Brokenships", as it’s popularly called,  is a reflection of Croatia's tenacity to overcome its dark history of war and conflict. The beauty of this peaceful country lies in its ability to confront its past, in order to move forward. It is no wonder that the country houses 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 15 intangible cultural heritage items. Art in itself, is healing.

Croatia is a country of 3.9 million people that sits in the Balkans surrounded by Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and Italy. Beyond its war history, Croatia's historical significance includes Neanderthal fossils and many significant cultural sites.

According to the Croatia Tourism Board, Tourism accounts for up to 20% of the country’s GDP, providing a rich cultural scene, with professional and amateur theaters, orchestras, and cinemas. Croatia operates as a republic with a parliamentary system, and is a member of the EU, Schengen area, the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. 

The 2011 KENNETH HUDSON AWARD, presented by The EUROPEAN MUSEUM FORUM (EMF) goes to… "a museum, person, project or group of people who have demonstrated the most unusual, daring and, perhaps, controversial achievement that challenges common perceptions of the role of museums in society", rating the "importance of public quality and innovation as fundamental elements of a successful museum". (Photo by Africa-Related. Source: Wikipedia).

Photos by Africa-Related

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FILM AFRICA Debuts DELA to UK Audience

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WED 30 OCT | RICH MIX, 3:30 PM

DoP Jason Hill filming Prof El Anatsui in Anyako, Volta Region Ghana. Photo by Africa-Related

The Royal African Society is delighted to announce that Film Africa, one of the most anticipated and celebrated showcases of African cinema in Europe, will return for its 2024 edition from 25 October to 3 November. This year's festival promises an exhilarating array of films, virtual events, director Q&As, panel discussions, professional workshops, master classes, school screenings, and family activities.

The grand Opening Night of the festival will feature the award-winning documentary "Dahomey," directed by award-winning Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop, who won the Golden Bear at the 2024 Berlinale. Set against the backdrop of the historic Kingdom of Dahomey, (modern-day Republic of Benin) "Dahomey" presents a dramatised account of the return of 26 royal treasures from a museum in France to their rightful home. Through meticulous storytelling and powerful imagery, the film delves into the complexities of cultural repatriation and captures the profound reactions of the Beninese people as they reconnect with their heritage. 

In between, DELA: The Making of El Anatsui, an award-winning biographical documentary on the globally acclaimed sculptor directed by Oyiza Adaba, will be screened on October 30, 2024 at 3.30 PM. Get tickets here. Others include The Knife Woman (LA FEMME AU COUTEAU) by Timite Bassori, The Spectre of Boko Haram by Cyril Raingou, and Made in Ethiopia by Xinyan Yu. 

Closing the festival is "Black Tea," another Berlinale finalist. "Black Tea" is a poignant romantic drama by award-winning Mauritanian director Abderrahmane Sissako. Starring Nina Mélo and Chang Han, the film follows the journey of a young Ivorian woman who embarks on a transformative odyssey to China, where she finds unexpected love and confronts the complexities of cultural assimilation. It reveals a narrative of aspirational migration across the rarely addressed axis of Asia and Africa. 

In addition to the opening and closing films, Film Africa 2024 will showcase an eclectic lineup of features, documentaries, and shorts. Film Africa also recognises and supports new film-making talent through the Baobab Award for Best Short Film and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. 

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