1 November, 2016 - 08:12
The African Diaspora International Film Festival is back for its 24th edition from Nov. 25 to Dec 11 with a total of 66 films from 30 countries including 34 US and NY Premieres.
Screenings will be held in three venues in Manhattan: Teachers College, Columbia University, Cinepolis Chelsea Cinemas and MIST Harlem.
The past 25 years have been fruitful for African films in the United States. We moved from the films by Ousmane Semb ne to those by Tunde Kelani, Moussa Tour , Souleymane Ciss , Abdoulaye Ascofar , Khady Sylla, Ana Ramos Lisboa and many more. African films are part of the cultural landscape of America today and are no longer obscure films. In fact, it would not be too inaccurate to say that some African films have succeeded in having better Box Office results in the USA than many non-African specialty films.
ADIFF 2016 is loyal to the festival tradition of bringing to New York quality African cinema. This year, a total of 21 African films - including 11 US and New York premieres - will be featured in the festival. They are films from Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi and Egypt together with co-productions from Belgium/Morocco, France/Kenya, USA/Ghana, Mali/Germany and Senegal/Switzerland.
SPOTLIGHT ON NIGERIAN CINEMA
Straight from TIFF, a selection of Nigerian films that represent a departure from the familiar is showcased in ADIFF 2016. Featuring films with bigger budgets, strong acting, a firm direction and interesting topics, the Spotlight on Nigerian Films is one of the highlights of ADIFF 2016.
In 93 Days by Steve Gukas, Danny Glover leads a team of doctors fighting a potential Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. In historic drama 76 by Izu Ojukwu the pregnant wife of a young soldier accused of complicity in the abortive coup of 1976 helps him prove his innocence. The Arbitration, the latest film directed by box-office sensation Niyi Akinmolayan, is a bold and whip-smart courtroom drama that presents a cautionary tale of lust, betrayal, and corporate ambition. In Taxi Driver (Oko Ashewo), a dark comedy thriller directed by Daniel Oriahi, a small-town mechanic turned chauffeur for the mob gets caught up in the troubles of a beautiful sex worker. TIFF describes Taxi Driver as a Scorsese-meets-Nollywood crime comedy that transforms the fast-paced and vibrant city of Lagos into an expressionistic film noir metropolis.
DAVID DONTOH, A SEASONED GHANEAN ACTOR
David Dontoh has been in front of the cameras for quite some time in the Ghanaian film industry and beyond. His experience is rich and his advocacy for the improvement of the image of Africa in films is significant. The acting power of Mr. Dontoh is showcased in four films in ADIFF 2016 Kukurantumi, The Road to Accra, No Time to Die both directed by King Ampaw, Silent Moment by Kopi Rana and Like Cotton Twines by Leila Djansi. Mr. Dontoh will attend ADIFF to present these films and participate in a round table about African Cinema in the United States.
BURKINA FASO, EGYPT, MALAWI AND MORE
Burkina Faso, home to FESPACO, is a country that has produced a good number of important films. Cell 512 by Missa Hebi is a story depicting the conditions in the prison and justice system in that country. Presenting a strong social commentary, Mr. Hebi is loyal to his style of providing a direct analysis of his native Burkina Faso.
Based today in Sweden, Burkinabe filmmaker Danni Kouyat (Sia, the Dream of the Python, Keita: The Heritage of the Griot) tells us a story of family, identity dilemmas and Hip Hop. Fresh and very creative, While We Live illustrates the large diversity of sources and inspirations that feed African films today.
Egyptian filmmaker Khaled El Hagar comes back to ADIFF 2016 with Sins of the Flesh, a strong drama about love, betrayal and adultery with the Spring Revolution in the background. Mr. El Hagar is one of the daring Egyptians filmmakers whose work confronts heads-on the taboos of their society.
In Rebel / Insoumise by Jawad Rhalib, Laila is a young IT professional whose political activities force her to leave her native Morocco for a while. As she gets used to working in the fields of Belgium as a seasonal worker, she rebels against the working condition of the migrant workers in the farm. Rebel / Insoumise deals with issues of immigration, social unrest in Europe and Africa, the place of women in both societies and racial relations in Europe.
Malawi does not have a film industry. However, a number of creative filmmakers from this small country in East Africa have decided to make films and put the country on the map in more ways than one. Two films from Malawi in ADIFF 2016, Seasons of a Life by C. Shemu Joyah and Mercy's blessing by May Taherzadeh, are among the pleasant surprises of the festival. Seasons of a Life is a story of family ties, love and a society in transition and women's rights. Mercy's blessing tells us the story of Mercy and her desire to move out of poverty.
Fatoumata Diawara is a major singer in her native Mali, Europe and North America. In Mali Blues by Lutz Gregor, the camera follows her and a group of artists to the Niger Music Festival. In between musical performances, one is exposed to the impact of Islamic extremists in Mali and the role of the artists in the combat for freedom in that country.
Four bucket drummers from the Chicago South Side travel to Senegal and the cultural shock is major. Walk All Night: A Drum Beat Journey by Mallory Sohmer and Kate Benzschawel is one of those documentaries that keep the viewer thinking about the importance of getting to know other cultures and the need to build awareness concerning the understanding of the Africa and its Diaspora. Walk All Night: A Drum Beat Journey is presented with Youssou Ndour: Return to Goree a film about the connection between Africa and the African-American
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
19/03/2026
Berklee Popular Music Institute's 24th Showcase Channels '80s Prom Nosta...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
19/03/2026
How Chris Bolte Builds the Sound of PlayStation Games Chris Bolte '16 is a technical sound designer at Sucker Punch Productions, where he helps create the...
19/03/2026
Other Voices presents a legendary night of music as Foo Fighters bring their stadium anthems to St James' Church, An Daingean. The surprise performance teas...
19/03/2026
***Issued by RT on behalf of RTS Ireland Awards / Gradaim RTS 2026...
19/03/2026
It's a double feature on GFN Thursday. This week, GeForce NOW offers smoother sights in virtual reality (VR) and a sprawling new land to conquer.
Streaming...
18/03/2026
Newly named chief product officer (CPO), Larissa G rner Meeus will return to Net Insight on May 4.
Larissa G rner Meeus will become CPO of Net Insight on May 4...
18/03/2026
SVG Europe's The Football Summit 2026 explored how the sports broadcasting i...
18/03/2026
The 2026 NAB Show kicks off one month from today and SVG is once again set to cover the show from every angle. SVG's SportsTech@NAB Show Blog is now live - ...
18/03/2026
(L-R) The cast and crew of Dead Lover at The Ray Theater for its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. (Photo by Robin Marshall/Shutterstock for Sundan...
18/03/2026
Yamaha C7 captured in Nashville
Wiltone Productions have announced the release of Music Row Piano, a deeply sampled Yamaha C7 piano library that's been ...
18/03/2026
Bass-enhancement plug-in upgraded
Along with a steady stream of new releases, Techivation have recently been revisiting some of the older plug-ins in their ...
18/03/2026
Mix-reference plug-in overhauled
iZotope's powerful mix-referencing plug-in has just reached its third major version, and now boasts a new capture proce...
18/03/2026
Latest EZKeys 2 expansion arrives
Toontrack's staggering collection of EZKeys 2 expansions has grown once again, and the latest instalment delivers a on...
18/03/2026
Jess Ho explores the politics of food in new SBS Audio podcast For The Culture
18 March, 2026
Media releases
New SBS Audio podcast For The Culture, hosted ...
18/03/2026
Future-ready broadcasts with ATSC 3.0 and enhanced services from Rohde & Schwarz...
18/03/2026
London Calling - When The Industry Convened to Help Streaming Find its MoJo In this blog, Laura Rognoni reflects on key discussions from the Connected TV World...
18/03/2026
SMPTE Unveils 2026 NAB Show Educational Presentations
Brie Clayton March 18, 2026
0 Comments
SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, a...
18/03/2026
Auditel Ad Campaign Shot on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K
Brie Clayton March 18, 2026
0 Comments
LED wall virtual production blends 12K open gate acquisition w...
18/03/2026
Brainstorm transforms productivity and sustainability with Suite 7 at NAB Show 2...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, today unveiled its educational presentations for the 2026 NAB Show. This year SMPTE will ...
18/03/2026
Maxon, maker of powerful, approachable software solutions for creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects, gaming, and more, today ann...
18/03/2026
Digital Alert Systems
Preview
2026 NAB Show
April 19 - 22
Booth C3452
At the 2026 NAB Show, Digital Alert Systems will showcase Version 6.0 of its DASDEC ...
18/03/2026
Setplex today announced that it will showcase its complete, fully integrated Zapflex platform for the first time at the 2026 NAB Show, introducing powerful new ...
18/03/2026
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIED OR MAY HAVE QUALIFIED AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE ...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking DP for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Director of Photography for Low Budget Dramedy Fe...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Gaffer for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Gaffer for Low Budget Dramedy Feature Film- I...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Location, Sound for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Location/Sound for Low Budget Dramed...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Child Wrangler for Low Budget Film - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Child Wrangler for Low Budget Dramedy Fe...
18/03/2026
Calrec Redefines Broadcast Workflows at NAB 2026 with its Most Powerful Hardware...
18/03/2026
Oscar Nominated Two People Exchanging Saliva Posted with DaVinci Resolve Studio
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
DaVinci Resolve Studio handle...
18/03/2026
Boston Conservatory Presents Celebrated Musical Satire Urinetown Performances for this Center Stage production will take place at Boston Conservatory Theater ...
18/03/2026
Charlie Puth Joins Switched on Pop at Berklee NYC The Berklee alum spoke with host and Berklee NYC professor Charlie Harding for a live taping, answering audi...
1 November, 2016 - 08:12 
