Film Africa, the UK’s largest annual festival of African cinema and culture, is back in November 2012 with ten days of seventy African films, including great films about music. Other interesting events are Q&As with filmmakers, free professional workshops, and eight African music nights. This year they will also be inaugurating the Picha House, an alternative cinema venue with free screenings throughout the festival.
Friday, 2 November 2012, 4:30pm
Rich Mix
Starring hip-life pioneer Mensa and Wanlov the Kubolor, this musical will make you laugh like never before. On a normal morning in Accra, two friends wake up and plan to go clubbing with some lady friends after chasing an evasive debtor. But their free-spirited attitude makes them a few enemies as the day progresses.
The Urban Music Special will also be screened as an installation film, on show outside of regular Picha House screening times from 10am.
+ Film Africa LIVE!
Two of London's best up-and-coming African bands bring the soaring melodies and irresistible rhythms of Zimbabwe and Central Africa.
Friday, 2 November 2012, 7:00pm
The South London Gallery
Film director Yanick Letourneau follows Didier Awadi as he visits some forty countries to collaborate with hip hop activist artists, including the outspoken Smockey (Burkina Faso), M-1 of Dead Prez (United States) and ZuluBoy (South Africa) and records a tribute to revolutionary African leaders. A passionate call for Africans to rise up and take control of their destiny.
Sun, 4 November 2012, 12:00pm
Rich Mix
UK PREMIERE
This charming and entertaining documentary explores East Africa, where VJs often offer hilarious commentary and insights along with Bollywood, Hollywood and Kung Fu films as they work to educate and entertain audiences, becoming celebrities in their own right. Screening includes Surprise Film by Special VJ guest.
Sunday, 11 November 2012, 1:00pm
The Ritzy
Algerian-born director Safinez Bousbia brings us this amazing story of the reuniting of an orchestra of Jewish and Muslim ‘Chaabi’ musicians torn apart by war half a century ago. Screen Daily called it the Algerian Buena Vista Social Club. The music, a mix of Spanish Andalusian, Berber, Jewish and Arabic traditions is much more than the soundtrack.
Sunday, 11 November 2012, 6:00pm
Hackney Picturehouse
A moving tribute to renowned South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba, this long-awaited documentary by Finnish director Kaurismäki features interviews and archive footage to follow Makeba through her young years as a rising success in South Africa, into her decades of political exile and activism, her breakthrough as an international singing sensation, and her four marriages.
Alongside the film programme Film Africa are hosting a series of live music events and workshops. Read on for some of the highlights:
Saturday, 3 NOVEMBER 2012, 8:00pm
The Ritzy
Sunday, 4 NOVEMBER 2012, 4:00pm
Hackney Picturehouse
Sunday, 4 NOVEMBER 2012, 7:30pm
Hackney Picturehouse
Friday 9 NOVEMBER 2012, 8:00pm
Hackney Picturehouse
Sunday, 11 NOVEMBER 2012, 5:00pm
Hackney Picturehouse