Friday, September 15, 2006

On Screen - At the Toronto Film Festival

The reason I even brought up The Last King of Scotland, was because it has two screenings at the Toronto International film Festival this week. There are quite a few other films of African origin, with African stories or are otherwise related to Africa; that are being screened up there in Toronto this week. Here are some:

Abeni - often compared to 2005's "Tsosti", this is a movie about childhood sweeties, who are seperated by actions of a father. Reunited by chance as adults, though Abeni is already set to be married off by her father, the couple make plans for their future. The movie is in French and Yoruba (now I wish I paid attention in yoruba class) and is directed by Tunde Kelani

Bamako - Mauritanian born, Malian raised Abderrahmane Sissako produced this film, that asserts Africa doesn't suffer from pverty, but is a victim of it's wealth.

Darrat - Mahamat-Saleh Haroun brings us this film, about the after effects of war in Chad. A teenager seeks revenge on his father's murderer, even though he can seek greener pastures elsewhere.

Gathering the Scattered Cousins - a short documentary and ode to his mother and her family in Barbados brought to us by half Bajan/half Nigerian actor/director Akin Omotoso.

Moekgo and the Stickfighter - South African director, Tebeho Mahlatsi, examines magic in Lesotho (ultimately African) culture.


They're a couple of more I didn't mention, but those of you living in Toronto, or other real "cosmopolitan" cities like New York, LA or London, keep an eye out for these films, you'll be the only ones lucky enough to even have them on a screen somewhere near you. Unlike me... le sigh.

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