OPENING NIGHT
19TH NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL:
MIKA KAURISMÄKI’S MAMA AFRICA
African Filmmakers and Luminaries to Converge on Film Society of Lincoln Center for April 11 Celebration of African Cinema
WHAT: Mama Africa by Mika Kaurismäki (Special Jury Recognition—Documentary at the 2012 Pan African Film Festival) about the legendary singer and activist Miriam Makeba. The first African musician to win international stardom, Makeba’s music was always anchored in her traditional South African roots, as was her ceaseless message against racism and poverty. Makeba—who sang for John F. Kennedy and Marlon Brando, performed with Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone and Dizzie Gillespie, and was married to Hugh Masekela and then Stokely Carmichael—was forced into a life in exile, after exposing the harsh realities of apartheid. The documentary traces her life and music through more than fifty years of performing. The screening is preceded by a private reception, at which a digital exhibition of South African liberation posters, made possible by the Center for the Study of Political Graphics, will be on display.
WHO: FSLC Executive Director Rose Kuo, FSLC Program Director Richard Peña, AFF Founder Mahen Bonetti, Bill Salter, a bass player musician who performed with Makeba for many years, to introduce the film, South African Consul General Consul General George Monyemangen, NYAFF filmmakers Lamia Alami (Farewell Exile), Clemente Bicocchi (Black Africa White Marble), Laura Gamse (The Creators), Alexander Markov (Treasures from the Russian State Archives), Mariette Monpierre (Elza), Jane Munene (Monica Wangu Wamwere: Unbroken Spirit), Andy Amadi Okoroafor (Relentless), Branwen Okpako (The Education of Auma Obama), Charlie Vundla (How to Steal 2 Million); Avner Raingulernt (subject, Sderot, Last Exit); Kudzai Sevenzo (actress, Playing Warriors)
WHERE: The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Walter Reade Theater, 165 W. 65th Street, Plaza Level. (The private reception and exhibition will be in the Frieda and Roy Furman Gallery.)
WHEN: Wednesday, April 11. Press check in at 5:30 p.m. Arrivals to the reception begin at 6:00 p.m. Screening is at 7:00 p.m. Should film tickets be requested and approved, please retrieve tickets from the box office no later than 6:45 p.m. to avoid forfeiting them.
RSVP: John Wildman ([email protected]) or Cheryl L. Duncan ([email protected]) by no later than Tuesday, April 10 at 5 p.m. DUE TO LIMITED COVERAGE SPACE AND FILM TICKETS AVAILABLE, CONFIRMATION IN WRITING MUST BE RECEIVED. CONFIRMATIONS WILL BE MADE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 10.
###
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
