Cinema Africain & Radio Fro - Cinema as a Tool of Resistance (2024)

As part of the CINÉMA AFRICAIN! film festival, filmmakers discussed the important role of cinema as an instrument of resistance in Africa. We present a recording of the discussion from October 25.

Moderated by film curator and author Nadia Denton, remarkable creatives will have their say. Their works use the tools of storytelling, visual politics, and sound to critique systems of power, promote social change, and reclaim historically overlooked narratives. This panel discussion will explore how film serves as a tool of resistance and promotes dialogue, reflection, and action.

Participants in the panel discussion:

• Lilis Soares is a Brazilian cinematographer, winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Cinematography at the 2023 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL and the first woman to win the Best Cinematography award at FESPACO 2023. Notable projects include the black-and-white feature film “Mami Wata,” directed by CJ Obasi; the Brazilian films “Um dia com Jerusa” and “Ó, paí, ó 2,” directed by Viviane Ferreira; and the documentary “Diálogos com Ruth de Souza.” Lilis received the 2020 Helena Ignez Award for her contributions to three films, including “Mostra de Tiradentes.”
• Simisolaoluwa Akande’s fascination with the art of storytelling crossed continents before finding expression in film. The multi-award-winning filmmaker pursues a deeply collaborative and intimate approach to storytelling in her films, giving Black stories the space to be told and retold.
• Michel K. Tsagli was born in Dakar, Senegal. In 1992, he moved to New York, where he studied sound production at NYU. His work has been featured on Lifetime, HBO, VH1, Speed Channel, and Canal+, among others. After 26 years working in New York, he returned to Senegal. Many of Tsagli’s projects have been critically acclaimed, including “Tey” by Alain Gomis (2012), “Kemtiyu, Séex Anta” by Ousmane William Mbaye (2016), “Night of the Kings” by Philippe Lacôte (2020), and “Xalé” by Moussa Sene Absa (2022).

Link to the festival

Other programs:

• FROzine from 16 October about the film festival
• The Early FROsch of October 23: Nadia Denton as guest
• 52 minutes of radio: Exploring Feminism, Identity, and the Future of Film

Editing: Petra Moser
Radio show presenter: Michael Diesenreither