A collective of academics, engineers and business-people have banded together through their love of film to bring the African Film Festival to New Zealand for its second year. The unique event celebrates diversity across the continent of Africa through a selection of film screenings.
In order for the festival to run it has to comply with a set of three guidelines. The first is to improve Kiwi audience's understanding and appreciation of 21st Century African cultures through film, while at the same time challenge widespread negative stereotypes. The second aims to foster positive cultural relations across Auckland, and lastly, to broaden and expand the current roster of cinema films by bringing a culture that is not as strongly represented in New Zealand cinema.
If you went last year, you'll know that the selection of films is incredible. New Zealand icon Witi Ihimaera commented, "Expect provocation, revelation and passion. Be assured of boldness, vibrancy, and vitality. Expect to come away visually enriched; and understanding, just a little better, some of the profound geographies and experiences of African people who now live in many New Zealand communities."
So if you're looking for an evening of enrichment and enlightenment that will force you to watch actively rather than passively, we would definitely recommend booking a few films into your schedule this week. You'll get more out of it that you will The Bachelor, trust us on this one.
Featured films include: The Train Of Salt And Sugar and the closing night double feature of Kati Kati & Baaba Maal.