John Akomfrah, Stuart Hall and the Film Essay
Akomfrah's films gives voice to the legacy of the African diaspora in Europe, and his experimental approach to narrative and structure helped pave the way for the re-emergence of the "essay film" today.
Culture
The ‘Born Free Generation’
The Fader (yes, they’re still around) has been putting up a series of posts from Johannesburg
The Question of International Aid
How a documentary about a radio station provides a window into aid policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The closest thing to real life
The documentary film. “Zoran and his African Tigers,” shows how harsh and unforgiving international football can be.
A level of decadence
Muntu Vilakazi photographs the 'Politics of Bling' on Johannesburg's East Rand.
Ponte City
The 54-storey building in Johannesburg, built in the 1970s, is the tallest residential building on the continent, and subject of a new photobook.
To be an artist in Egypt right now
An Egyptian theater company puts on Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables in colloquial Arabic. The choice was no error.
New Photography Book Depicts the South African Social Landscape
Between 2012 and 2013, an exercise took place known as the France South Africa Season. This
The Rediscovery of William Onyeabor
The continued relevance or irrelevance of a musical figure to an African audience doesn't factor into that figure's "rediscovery" outside the continent.
Lagos in the Red
A short documentary film on the Lagos, Nigeria, performance artist Jelili Atiku.
Cape Town Gangster Films
If you wish to gain some insight into the turmoil of gangland Cape Town, it's worth starting with the films of Riaan Hendricks and Dylan Valley.
Eastern Highlands
This Weekend Music Break features a number of strong women performers: Nosiwe, Rina Mushonga, Alicious Theluji, and the 95 year old Tututa Evora, who just passed away.
When Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie met Sweden
Sweden is a country living under the illusion of a special kind of exceptionalism, including that it is “less affected by postcolonial relations than other nations.”
Stories that will Remain in Darkness
The shortcomings of the film "Shado'man," a documentary about Freetown, Sierra Leone's handicapped 'street boys.'
What’s in a name
What we don't talk about when we spend time learning about Lupita Nyong'o's family and getting her name right.
Born Free Films
Amazwi Wethu in Cape Town, South Africa, teaches its high student members how to advocate for themselves through film and photography.
How to say Lupita Nyong’o
Please do your research, stretch your tongue, and practice saying Lupita's name. The Kenyan actress, born in Mexico, plans be around at the top for a while.
Little Steven’s South African Adventure
The making of Paul Simon's "Graceland" album was controversial. But it seems we didn't know the half of it if Steven Van Zandt is to be believed.
Low Country Screens
A ton of new films by African filmmakers or with African themes are screening at the 2014 edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Don’t tell anyone
New music videos from Tanzania, Senegal, South Africa, Cameroon, Mali, Congo, and Ghana, make up Weekend Music Break Number 66.