How to own history
Five films pointing to new directions for African cinema — by some of the most exciting young filmmakers from the continent.
Blog
The Jews of Egypt
Highlighting one of the dark sides of Egyptian nationalism, and exposing the dangers of blanket xenophobia.
Before And After The Disco
The self-titled debut album of Ibibio Sound Machine, features songs mostly in the southern Nigerian language of lead vocalist, Eno Williams.
James Baldwin’s White History Week
In 1986, one year before he passed away, James Baldwin announced a radical idea: “White History Week.” In this post, Ed Pavlic writes about how Baldwin got to that moment.
When Salazar met one of Lumumba’s murderers
António Oliveira Salazar founded Portugal’s New State dictatorship in 1933. Some Portuguese still remember him fondly.
Aimé Césaire on Europe
"At the end of capitalism, which is eager to outlive its day, there is Hitler. At the end of formal humanism and philosophic renunciation, there is Hitler."
Ruud Gullit and the Struggle for South African Freedom
When Gullit won the Ballon d’Or in 1987, he dedicated the award to the imprisoned Nelson Mandela; then made a reggae song about Apartheid.
Slavery: A view from the Other South
Slavery governed the Cape Colony, the origin of colonialism in South Africa, for nearly 200 years and left a lasting legacy.
Instagramming Africa
An interview with Peter DiCampo and Austin Merrill, founders of the Instagram project, Everyday Africa.
Steve McQueen and the Dutch
The Dutch are quick to celebrate "12 Years a Slave," but what if Steve McQueen had decided to make the film about Dutch slavery and colonial history?