Alongside the mix of new and classic films for which the festival is best known, the programme celebrates a rich array of street art, spoken word, dance, theatre, music, food and photography at venues across the city.
Bristol24/7 picks out the highlights.
Dance
Zimbabwe-born dancer and choreographer Barwen Tavaziva will be presenting Boy’s Khaya, his powerful new work merging ballet and contemporary styles with African dance, all set to a soundscape of music and spoken word.
Tavaziva will also be hosting a participatory workshop designed to inspire new audiences through the discovery of modern African dance.
Photography
Curated by Cynthia Sitei of Ffotgallery, Cardiff, the photographic exhibition More Than A Number will showcase the work of emerging photographers from across Africa. The collection will culminate in a photo symposium at Trinity Arts on November 15.
Theatre
Telling his own narrative as one of the ‘born free’ generation in Zimbabwe, writer and actor Tonderai Munyevu stars in his acclaimed play Mugabe, My Dad & Me. Following his emigration to England, Munyevu’s story is one of huge political upheaval, and personal transition. Traditional music comes from Shona cultural artist, Millicent Chapanda.
Music and food
On the opening night of the festival, Harare – fronted by Zimbabwean musician Kuda Matimba (ex Bhundu Boys) – will be in the Watershed café mixing marimba, mbira and swooping basslines to create irresistible rhythms and uplifting songs, performed in the Shona language of Zimbabwe.
Preceding a screening of the lauded Somali film The Gravedigger’s Wife, a celebratory evening at Windmill Hill City Farm will begin with Somalian food and music from the oud duo ‘Nabra’.
A Taste of South Afrika promises to be a unique night of cooking, conversation and music, hosted by musician and singer, Sisanda Myataza at Coexist community kitchen in Easton. The evening will pay homage to the Miriam Makeba, the South African singer, actor and civil rights activist.
Annie Menter, festival director, is thrilled about what is to come for the 16th edition of the festival: “We’re back with a programme jam-packed with films, dance, music, food, panel discussions and a stunning photography exhibition,” she says.
“Artists from across Africa and within the diaspora bring insights, creative ideas and extraordinary projects, which broaden and enrich our knowledge of a continent that has for centuries been part of our shared histories without ever having an equal voice.
