Africa in Motion Film Festival 2012

'Modern Africa'

25 Oct to 2 Nov 2012

Welcome to Africa in Motion 2012! This year our festival theme is Modern Africa. We will focus on films and events that represent Africa as part and parcel of the modern, globalised world – the urban, the new, the provocative, the innovative and experimental. We regard “modern” not as belonging solely to the “West”, and through the festival we want to emphasise Africa’s important role in the modern world.

We are interested in discovering and exploring through this year’s festival how modernity manifests in African cultures. We will try to get answers to questions such as:

  • How has Africa become part of the global world through processes such as migration, exile and the increasing role of the African diaspora?
  •  What is Africa’s relationship with the international community in political and economic spheres?
  • How has the digital revolution affected Africa through the prevalence of technology such as the increasing use of mobile phones, satellite dishes and digital filmmaking?
  • How can modern art forms be observed in African cultures such as contemporary dance, architecture, modern street fashion, conceptual art, new fusion musical styles, street art, graffiti, graphic novels and cartoons?
  • How have African countries found modern, innovative and grassroots solutions to contemporary challenges such as resource control, environmental protection, poverty, conflict resolution, education and economic emancipation?
  • How has modern life affected African societies and individuals in terms of traditional customs and rituals, religion, rural community life, family dynamics and the role of women?

As usual, our film screenings will be accompanied by a wide range of complementary events such as directors’ Q&As and masterclasses, workshops, discussions, music performances and an arts exhibition. We are continuing our much anticipated annual short film competition, and we are also launching a call for entries for films linked with the theme of Modern Africa. An academic symposium on African Popular Culture will further enhance our festival theme.

We hope to welcome you to AiM 2012 to explore with us what the modern means for Africa!

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