The first edition of Africanides, a film festival celebrating African, Arab, and Caribbean cinema, will take place in Toulon from October 8-11. The festival, organized by Djamal Guettala, will feature eleven film screenings, including Tunisian filmmaker Amel Guellaty's debut feature film "D'où vient le vent?". The film, which premiered this year, will be showcased on October 9 at the Pathé Toulon cinema.
"D'où vient le vent?" follows the story of Alyssa and Mehdi, two young Tunisians who embark on a journey in an old car to escape their respective obligations. The film explores themes of freedom, identity, and social pressures. The festival's programming includes a diverse selection of films from Africa, the Arab world, the Caribbean, and their diasporas, showcasing a range of perspectives and generations of filmmakers.
The festival will feature a range of films that explore themes of identity, social issues, and cultural heritage. "Fanon", directed by Jean-Claude Barny, tells the story of Frantz Fanon's time at a psychiatric hospital in Blida-Joinville in 1953. "Dao", directed by Alain Gomis, follows a family between Paris and Guinea-Bissau as they navigate issues of transmission and exile.
The festival will also feature "Cotton Queen", directed by Suzannah Mirghani, which explores identity, women's condition, and social relationships in Sudan. The Caribbean is represented with "Zion", directed by Nelson Foix, set in Guadeloupe, and "Soumsoum, la nuit des astres", directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, which follows a woman exiled in a Chadian village.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will include several events and activities, including masterclasses, conferences, and debates. Firmine Richard, a French actress and comedian, will be the festival's guest of honor and marraine. She will participate in a masterclass on October 10, discussing diversity in cinema.
The festival will also feature a range of events, including a gala on October 10 at the Live Toulon - Zénith, and a village with cultural associations. The programming includes a salon du livre afro-caribéen, concerts, dance performances, and fashion shows.
The festival aims to promote African, Arab, and Caribbean cinema and culture, and to provide a platform for filmmakers and artists to share their perspectives and experiences. With its diverse programming and range of events, Africanides promises to be a unique and enriching experience for film enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
Key points
- The festival will feature eleven film screenings, including Tunisian filmmaker Amel Guellaty's debut feature film "D'où vient le vent?".
- Firmine Richard will be the festival's guest of honor and marraine, participating in a masterclass on diversity in cinema.
- The festival will include a range of events and activities, including masterclasses, conferences, debates, and a gala.
