Festival to show incredible local and international films,
feature locally made films on Black mental health

This year’s African Movie Festival in Manitoba (AM-FM) will feature a line-up of compelling international films, and start with a new addition; a special series called Manitoba Gaze, which will kick the weekend festival off on Thursday September 18, featuring local film makers of all backgrounds, and four locally produced films about Black mental health.

It is the first time the festival is being held at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, showing films, both in its main hall and beautiful new Ilipvik theatre, and the WAG will be the festival’s home for the next five years.

Festival founder Dr. Ben Akoh said the number of great new films to choose from was overwhelming this year. They include: Subata, the Beast a psychological thriller investigating violent crimes, by up and coming South African director Norman Maake, (recent winner of the Best African Film Award at the Barcelona Indie Awards and Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award earlier this year for his film Inkabi), and Goodbye Julia, about the complex relationship between two women brought together by an unspoken tragedy; the first film by Sudanese director, Mohamed Kordofani, (currently with a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), an internationally multi-award winning film, and the first Sudanese film selected by the Cannes film festival. A short film set in Madagascar, Mermaids, with English subtitles by French film maker Sarah Malleon, explores a daughter’s innocent quest for new friends, and comedy-thriller Kidnapping Inc, an official selection of the Sundance Film Festival, started and stopped production in Haiti three times before it was completed.

‘‘It has been really challenging to curate. It was so hard to cut out some of the films,” lamented Akoh. “I encourage everyone to see as many films as possible.”

The AM-FM has been offering an annual masterclass for young aspiring Black film makers, and this year received funding from the Canadian Mental Health Association. “We think Black mental health is an important subject to talk about because, of course, the Black person doesn’t have any mental health issues, right? But no, that’s the stereotype which we’re trying to cross,” said Akoh.

It’s an intensive program that participants have poured their hearts and souls into, along with untold hours dedicated to learning all the stages of production, emphasized Akoh. “We wanted (masterclass students) to have a full experience where they can actually bring their families and friends to come see the projects they have been working on.”

The festival will also bring some films to the University of Winnipeg, Manitoba and St Boniface in the week running up to the start of the festival.

“This year’s festival marks an exciting new chapter for AM-FM,” said Akoh. “By bringing African stories together with Manitoba voices, we’re building a bridge of cultural exchange and creative discovery that opens the doors for co-productions and collaborations across diverse cultures and geographies. Audiences can expect powerful storytelling, fresh perspectives, and a celebration of film that truly reflects the diversity of our world.”

“The Winnipeg Art Gallery is pleased to partner with the African Movie Festival in Manitoba in celebration of Black culture and artistry,” said Julia Lafreniere, Head of Indigenous Ways & Partnerships. “It has been wonderful to work with the AM-FM team and we’re excited to share and grow this partnership over the next five years to ensure that Black voices and stories are always represented at the Winnipeg art gallery.” The AM-FM will bring more than 20 local films, and 20 films “from different parts of Africa, the African diaspora, documentaries, shorts and feature narratives paired with filmmakers, question and answers, industry dialogues and networking opportunities,” invites Akoh. The festival has special prices for seniors and students, as well as a special fundraising gala on Sunday evening that will feature film awards and a performance by Nafro Dance. For more info go to AM-FM.ca.