Kinshasa Symphony
Vancouver International Film Festival September 30 October 15, 2010
Good Morning Africa!
Good Morning Africa! – Pride and interest in Africa has increased dramatically this World Cup year, and once again, filmmakers have been ahead of the curve. VIFF has experienced an incredible increase in the number of submitted films set in sub-Saharan Africa, and we’ve taken this excellent opportunity to launch a new series. The colourfully wide spectrum of subjects and styles range across a rapidly changing and dynamic Africa from Chad, Congo, Kenya and Ethiopia to Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa and Zanzibar.
Be sure to see the Good Morning Africa Film Series and vote for your favorite! These are great films, showing the rise of Africa at the 29th Annual Festival Vancouver International Film Centre : Sept. 30 – Oct. 15, 2010 Vancity Theatre, Phone: 604-685-0260 Fax: 604-688-8221 viff.org
Honore Gbedze, editor and publisher: “The Afro News is delighted and proud to see how the African world has improved in film. The opportunities for youth to express themselves in the art of filming have shown great progress.”
A note from Ariadne:
“Dear Honoured Readers,
I would like to thank:
Honore Gbedze, publisher of the Afro News, Alan Franey Festival Director from VIFF ; Director Nathan Collett (Afro News sponsored film Togetherness Supreme who kindly agreed to be interviewed by phone in Nairobi, Kenya) Helen Yagi and Ellie O ‘Day, two extraordinary people from VIFF, for their help.
Last but not least, a great thank to you, the empowered Afro News readers who give my words life.
I was not able to view all the wonderful films due to time constraints but hope to see them during the festival.
Look for an upcoming article on Nathan Collett about filmmaking in Africa”
Here are the previewed films:
• Togetherness Supreme (Sponsored by the Afro News)
Kenya, Dir: Nathan Collett.
Nairobi resident Nathan Collette’s debut feature film shines a spotlight on the lives of three young people, each from a different tribe, living in Kibera, Kenya, East Africa’s largest slum. It is based on a true story about their working together despite political and ethnic unrest. Nathan says: “The story of ethnic conflict and possible resolution is a prevalent issue in Africa”. His message to the Afro News: “We want everyone to come out to see the film! We want them to not only see the film but also to help us promote it across Canada / North America. To tell all their friends / family / colleagues. This film has something to say and is also entertaining.” Togetherness Supreme used trainees from the Kibera slum in the film. A percentage of profits go toward film training for the slum dwellers through the Hot Sun Foundation.
“Togetherness Supreme has just been nominated for 5 Kalasha Awards (Kenyan version of the Oscars) with the public get a chance to vote at: http://www.kalashaawards.co.ke/ it has also been nominated for 10 ZAFAA Awards in London. The public can also votehttp://www.funsahara.co.uk/websites/zafaa/vote/voting.htm
These awards have certainly given our team a boost, as they are African-film only awards, we hope now we can start to reach new audiences as well in Canada and internationally.” Nathan Collett.
Kinshasa Symphony.
Germany, Dirs: Claus Wischmann, Martin Baer, Claus Wischmann. This film presents an unique all African symphony, the first in the world, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. A delightful film that shows the power of classical music. It includes the stories of the members and ability to make their own instruments as needed. The members of the symphony delight in bringing their powerful music to people who have never heard classical music. Mozart, Orff and Beethoven would be impressed!
• Zanzibar Musical Club.
France/Germany, Dirs: Philippe Gasnier, Patrice Nezan A music feast reflecting the music of Zanzibar showing the wide variety of music throughout the centuries. Singers, musicians and dancers share the mixture of many cultures with a background of scenic views that are heartbreakingly beautiful. An elderly woman singer is the star of the show, showing immense dignity and skill.
• Bush League. Bush League
USA, Dir: Cy Kuckenbaker. An interesting look at Tony Bombers football team in Zokolere, Malawi. A look at the players in the team and life in the village. This is a cautionary tale about outside influence and the need to work with the people instead of directing them.
Alan Franey, VIFF Festival Director and CEO: “VIFF has experienced an incredible increase in the number of submitted films set in sub-Saharan Africa. We hope to continue the series next year.”
Thanks to IVFF for text and photos.
Ariadne Sawyer, Afro News Reporter.
