The Theatre of The Riverside Church and ArtMattan Productions have joined forces to present an eclectic slate of award winning, thought provoking and entertaining films from Africa and the African Diaspora in the African Diaspora Film Festival in November/December and the African Diaspora Summer Film Series in August. More...

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12
6:30PM Opening Reception, $20
7:30PM Scheherazade, Tell me a Story
Talkback following
A surprising, engrossing and thoughtful film about modern gender politics in Egypt, Scheherazade, Tell Me a Story is a sharp observation of Egyptian society, using the classic Arabian Nights framework of a story within a story.
Directed by Yousry Nasrallah, Egypt, 2009; 134 mins. In Arabic with English subtitles
Scheherazade also screening on Mon 8/15, Tue 8/16, Wed 8/17, Thu 8/18 at 7PM

 

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 13
3:30PM Afro-Latino Music – double feature:
Sons of Benkos
An entertaining documentary that explores the African culture of Colombia through music. The film presents the music of the "sons of Benkos," the descendants of Benkos, one of the most important Black leaders in the fight for freedom during the time of slavery in Colombia.
Directed by Silva Lucas, 2003, Colombia/France, 52 mins, In Spanish with English subtitles

Susana Baca: Memoria Viva
Susana Baca is not only a champion in the performance and preservation of Afro-Peruvian heritage, but also an elegant singer whose shimmering voice sings of love, loss and life. 
Directed by Mark Dixon, Peru/Belgium, 2003, 54mins, Spanish with English subtitles

6PM Fire in Babylon
The breathtaking story of how the West Indies triumphed over its colonial masters through the achievements of one of the most gifted teams in sporting history - the West Indian cricketers. This is their story, told in their own words.
Directed by Stevan Riley, 2009, UK, 87 mins

8PM Scheherazade

 

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 14
2:00PM Fire in Babylon
4:00PM Scheherazade

 

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 19
6:00PM The Love Life of a Zombie, Presidential Candidate
NY Premiere
A weirdly hilarious and provocative social commentary on Haiti’s corrupted politicians and resilient population, The loves of a Zombie, Presidential Candidate is FESPACO 2011’s winner of the Paul Roberson Award for the Best Diaspora Film.
Directed by Arnold Antonin, 2009, Haiti, 90 mins, In Creole with English subtitles

8:00PM Scheherazade

 

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
3:30PM David is Dying
NY Premiere
A young, successful hedge fund manager has just been told that he is HIV positive. He is informed of the possibility that his unborn child could also be infected and so too the child’s mother, his long-term fiancée, Carla. a complex thriller by one of the new talented voices of Black British Cinema.
Directed by Stephen Lloyd Jackson, 2011, UK, 90 mins

5:30PM Directors on Directing
Talkback following with Woodie King and Carol Bush
A look at the development of filmmaking and its contribution to the social and political times form the perspective of Black filmmakers, featuring candied interviews with Lawrence Hilton Jacobs, Robert Townsend, Bill Duke, Fred Williamson, Melvin Van Peebles and other industry leaders.
Directed by Jamel Wade, 2009, USA, 100 mins

8:00PM Scheherazade

 

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 21
1:00PM Scheherazade

3:45PM Bouncing Cats - $20
Film followed by breakdance/hip-hop performance by Rhapsody James and reception
The inspiring story of one man's attempt to create a better life for the children of Uganda using the unlikely tool of hip-hop with a focus on b-boy culture and breakdance. This multiple award winning film features narration by Common and interviews with Mos Def, Will.I.Am, and K'Naan.
Directed by Nabil Elderkin, 2010, US/Uganda, 75 mins