Reflecting on the personal and professional challenges faced by journalists covering the intersection of politics, culture, and cinema.
Author: Tambay A. Obenson
SHAIHU UMAR: A Nigerian Rediscovery, Restoration, and Representation
SHAIHU UMAR, directed by Adamu Halilu in 1976, is a notable work of Nigerian cinema that was once thought to be lost. It was *rediscovered* in 2016 when the negatives and prints were found in the Nigerian Film Corporation’s archive.
IFFR Review: THE BALLAD OF SUZANNE CÉSAIRE Moves Beyond Biopic Into Realm of Cinematic Séance
While its stylistic choices might not cater to all tastes, its artistic vision and the importance of its subject matter make it a noteworthy contribution to the landscape of biographical cinema.
IFFR Review: AFTER THE LONG RAINS is a Whimsical Kenyan Tale of a Little Girl With Big Dreams
In Damien Hauser’s poignant and visually captivating “After the Long Rains,” we are transported to the coastal town of Watamu, Kenya, where we meet Aisha, a ten-year-old girl with dreams that soar far beyond the confines of her traditional community.
Sundance Review: SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D’ETAT is a “Documentary-as-Mixtape” Intertwining Jazz and African Independence Struggles
At its core, “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat” is an exploration of the political earthquake that shook the foundations of colonial power structures in the mid-20th century, spotlighting the Congo, emphasizing how superpower rivalries exacerbated internal conflicts and played a role in the destabilization of the newly independent state.
African Stories at the 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)
This year’s lineup showcases a diverse array of films that probe the continent’s rich narratives, exploring themes of revolution, identity, and cultural resilience.
Sundance 2024 Review: THE BATTLE FOR LAIKIPIA Dissects Impact of Colonialism and Climate Change on Land Disputes in Kenya
Co-directed by Peter Murimi and Daphne Matziaraki, it’s a narrative that resonates deeply with broader African experiences of post-independence realities.
Berlinale 2024: Trailer Premiere for Abderrahmane Sissako’s Anticipated Competition Title, BLACK TEA
The film, described as a universal love story set against the backdrop of Chinese and African cultures, explores the very topical complexities of contemporary Sino-African relations.
Ethiopia’s Cinematic Journey: From WHO IS HIRUT’S FATHER? to Where?
On January 16, 2024, Addis Ababa University hosted a conference to discuss the past, present, and future of Ethiopian cinema.
Amazon Withdraws, Showmax Advances: Plans to License More Originals Globally, Including US and UK
Showmax addresses plans for US and UK availability of its original shows and movies.