The Royal African Society is thrilled to announce the return of Film Africa, one of Europe’s most anticipated showcases of African cinema, for its 2024 edition.
Scheduled to run from October 25 to November 3, this year’s festival promises an exhilarating array of films, virtual events, director Q&As, panel discussions, professional workshops, master classes, school screenings, and family activities.
The grand Opening Night of the festival will feature the award-winning documentary “Dahomey,” directed by Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop, who clinched the prestigious Golden Bear at the 2024 Berlinale.
Set against the historic backdrop of the Kingdom of Dahomey (modern-day Republic of Benin), “Dahomey” presents a dramatized account of the return of 26 royal treasures from a museum in France to their rightful home.
Through meticulous storytelling and powerful imagery, the film delves into the complexities of cultural repatriation and captures the profound reactions of the Beninese people as they reconnect with their heritage.
Closing the festival is “Black Tea,” another Berlinale finalist. This poignant romantic drama by Mauritanian director Abderrahmane Sissako follows the journey of a young Ivorian woman who embarks on a transformative odyssey to China, where she finds unexpected love and confronts the complexities of cultural assimilation.
It reveals a narrative of aspirational migration across the rarely addressed axis of Asia and Africa.
In addition to the opening and closing films, Film Africa 2024 will showcase an eclectic lineup of features, documentaries, and shorts.
The festival also recognizes and supports new filmmaking talent through the Baobab Award for Best Short Film and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film.
About Film Africa
Film Africa is London’s biggest biennial festival celebrating the best African cinema from across the continent and diaspora, brought to audiences by the Royal African Society. Established in 2011, the festival brings diverse London and UK audiences a high-quality and wide-ranging film program accompanied by a vibrant series of events, including director Q&As, talks, and panel discussions; workshops and masterclasses; Film Africa Young Audiences school screenings and family activities; and Film Africa LIVE! music nights. Film Africa also recognizes and supports new filmmaking talent through the Baobab Award for Best Short Film and the Audience Award for Best Feature Film.
Film Africa 2024 promises to be a captivating celebration of African cinema, providing audiences with an opportunity to engage with thought-provoking films and participate in enriching cultural experiences.
