We Are Africa Film Festivals (WAFF) brings the cinematic experience to Limpopo
On 24 May, University of Limpopo will be the venue for the community to experience the wonder of cinema brought by 'We Are Africa Film Festivals' (WAFF).
POLOKWANE – The fifth edition of WAFF will be taking place from 24 May and 5 June across Limpopo, Free State and Mpumalanga. The festival is under the endorsement of the Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) as part of the Africa Month celebrations, fostering the African Renaissance vision articulated in the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance.
Festival curator, Lesego Mphake said, “During Africa Month all countries are encouraged to celebrate their cultural traditions in the wider context of the great diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions. Africa Month recognizes aspects of African culture which are both tangible and intangible, creative expression such as music and performances, our historical inheritance, architecture, language, film, food, fashion and practices.”
The theme for this year is ‘Celebrating 25 years of democracy – Building a better Africa and a better world’ and will be a selection of between 15 and 22 films from across the continent, depicting various social issues that Africans can relate to such as freedom, aids, civil wars, comedy, genocide, love and leadership.
The festival aims to give underprivileged communities a big screen cinematic experience, for most of whom is a first. The targeted participating country for this year is Zimbabwe, which is rich with authentic cinematic works that will resonate with local viewers. The programmes of the festival also includes an address by a prominent African filmmaker on the state of African cinema and all the screenings will be followed by a question and answer session between the audience and the cast or director present. A presentation will also be made by the NFVF on their aims and objectives and career prospects in film making with career guidance being a critical element in the story of the African child.
Mphake further added that “‘Over the years that I have been involved in this great initiative I have seen how the festival touches lives, inspire young minds and open a new world of possibilities to youths that have been deprived and excluded from experiences such as the cinema. I know the power of cinema and how it can unlock one’s potential just from powerful storytelling. We are excited about this year’s line up and look forward to seeing new faces,” he said.
The festival will start at 10:30 to 15:30 and one of the films that will be showcased is Ibala, a film directed by Rosina Masetla which tells the story of Ntombi who is married to a fictional royal clan. She births an heir born with albinism and this sets a battle royal of culture, tradition and modernity as the family fights for their son to be accepted into society as the rightful future paramount chief.
Other films include Baby Mama with Thembisa Mdoda and Five Fingers for Marseilles with Vuyo Dabula and Hamilton Dhlamini.
Check the dates for the festival
May 24: Limpopo at University of Limpopo, Mankweng Turfloop
May 30-31: Mpumalanga at KwaMhlanga Community Hall
June 5-6: Free State at Pacofs, Mangaung
