(NEW YORK, August 2010) New Yorkers seeking to immerse themselves in African arts and culture can take a short trek to beautiful Governors Island on Saturday, August 7 for African Film Festival Inc.’s third annual Family Day Celebration. The event, which runs from noon to 5 pm, will include free short films from emerging African directors, African and Afro-Brazilian dance classes, Double Dutch, storytelling and needle arts—as well as affordable fine African cuisine.
“We are happy to once again be back on scenic Governors Island for ‘Family Day Celebration,’ with an array of African-themed activities that New Yorkers of all ages can enjoy,” said African Film Festival Inc. Director Mahen Bonetti. “From film and dance to food and more, there really is something that everyone can enjoy.”
World-renowned dance instructors Quenia Ribeiro (Brazil), Babacar M’Baye (Senegal) and Youssouf Koumbassa (Guinea) will lead Afro-Brazilian, Senegalese sabar and Guinean dance classes at 12:15, 2 and 3:30 pm respectively. They will be accompanied by Afro Brazilian Drummers, Sing Sing Rhythm and Les Merveilles de Guinea, all master drummers. Michelle Bishop, founder of Harlem Needle Arts, will lead participants in making an African-inspired quilt from 12 to 2 p.m. From 3:30 to 4:30 pm attendees can be captivated by storyteller Malika Leigh Whitney or join in with jumping wonders Double Dutch Dreamz.
Selected short films—A History of Independence by Daouda Coulibaly, Guew Bi – Sabar Dances of Senegal by Francoise Bouffault, Pumzi by Wanuri Kahiu, and others—from across the African Diaspora will be screened at Pershing Hall. African-inspired cuisine from the restaurants Les Ambassades, with Chef Jules Niasse, and The Seasoned Pot, with Chef Charmain Sithappah, will be available for purchase.
All events will take place at Colonels’ Row on Governors Island, a family and tourist destination located off the southern tip of Manhattan across from the Financial District. To get to Governors Island, take the 1 to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the R to Whitehall Street. Then take the free Governors Island Ferry, located in the Battery Maritime Building, Slip # 7, to the Island and follow the signs to the festivities.
About the African Film Festival, Inc.
For almost twenty years, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) has bridged the divide between post-colonial Africa and the American public through the medium of film and video. AFF’s unique place in the international arts community is distinguished not only by leadership in festival management but a comprehensive approach to the advocacy of African film and culture. AFF established the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in 1993 with The Film Society of Lincoln Center. The New York African Film Festival is presented annually at the Walter Reade Theater by African Film Festival, Inc. and the Film Society of Lincoln Center, in association with Brooklyn Academy of Music. AFF also produces a series of local, national and international programs throughout the year. AFF can be found on the Web at www.africanfilmny.org.
About Governors Island
Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor, is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise. For almost two centuries, Governors Island was home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Today, The Trust for Governors Island oversees 150 acres of the Island. Its mission is to bring Governors Island back to life and to make the Island a cherished destination. Governors Island is open every Friday – Sunday through October 10 and hosts a diverse array of arts, cultural and recreational programs. For more information, please visit govisland.com.
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