African Connections8-11 April 2015

Deptford Film Lounge

DAY 1

DAY 2

African Connections

KhumbaWeds 8 April, 2pmKhumba | Anthony Silverston | 2014 | 1h 35m | South Africa | UKhumba, a half striped zebra, leaves home in search of the magic waterhole that will cure his anomaly. It is not all black and white in this colourful animation for the whole family.

Opening Screening: Hear Me Move Weds 8 April, 6.30pmScottnes L. Smith | South Africa 2014 | Zulu and English, with English subtitles | 1h30mMuzi, the son of an amazing pantsula dancer embarks on a journey of self-discovery in order to learn the truth about his father’s death and come to terms with his own identity. Hear Me Move is an exciting new South African feature film, adding African flavour to a popular genre that includes such well-known films as Step Up and Fame.

Touba followed by a discussion on Islam in Africa and beyondThurs 9 April, 2pmChai Vasarhelyi | Senegal 2013 | Wolof and French with English subtitles | Feature documentary | 1h23m | 15The film chronicles the annual Grand Magaal pilgrimage of one million Sufi Muslims to the holy Senegalese city of Touba. This dynamic and immersive observational film takes us inside the Mouride Brotherhood--one of West Africa’s most elusive organizations and one of the world’s largest Sufi communities. The pilgrims travel from all over the world to pay homage to the life and teachings of Cheikh Amadou Bamba.

Aya Distribution in partnership with the Deptford Lounge and South Africa at 20: The Freedom Tour present African Connections. Join us for a four-day mini African film festival at the Deptford Lounge from 8-11 April. All screenings free and ticketed. To book www.deptfordlounge.org.uk

Four Corners Thurs 9 April, 6.30pmIan Gabriel | South Africa 2014 | English, Cape Afrikaans, Tsotsitaal & Sabela with English subtitles | 2h | 15A high-octane, multi-thread coming-of-age crime drama set in the unique and volatile South African prison and gangland subculture of the vibrant but violent Cape Flats townships.

African Diaspora Short Film CompetitionSat April 11, 12pm-4.30pmWe have invited African Diaspora and Black British filmmakers to submit short films of up to 30 minutes for our African Diaspora Short Film Competition. The shortlist has been selected by a high profile jury and showcases the unique and diverse talents and stories of the UK African diaspora. The audience will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite film with the Audience Award winner announced on our websites at the end of the festival.

DAY 4

Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of LawFri 10 April, 2pmLorie Conway | Zimbabwe 2013 | Documentary | 56minsThis film features one of the bravest lawyers in Africa, Beatrice Mtetwa in Zimbabwe. In spite of beatings by police, she has courageously defended in court those jailed by the Mugabe government—peace activists, journalists, opposition candidates, farmers that had their land confiscated, ordinary citizens that had the courage to speak up.

Future Sounds of MzansiFri 10 April, 6.30pmSpoek Mathambo & Lebogang Rasethaba | South Africa 2014 | 1h38m | Documentary | 15This colourful documentary explores South Africa’s cultural landscape through the vehicle of electronic music. In a country still steeped in poverty crime and injustice, young South Africans party like their lives depends on it.

DAY 3

Aya Distribution is an international sales and distribution company with a particular focus on African cinema. We distribute pioneering titles that excite curious minds, inspire imagination, and even change how people see the world, for more information see here:www.ayadistribution.org

Inspiring new ways

African Connections is supported by the Deptford Lounge. The South African screenings in the programme are held in partnership with South Africa at 20: The Freedom Tour. The Freedom Tour is a season of South African cinema held across the UK in celebration of 20 years of South African democracy. For further info, see:www.safilmtour.uk

Deptford Lounge is an award-winning community hub with a range of services and facilities available for all to use and hire For information visit www.deptfordlounge.org.uk

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