Introduction

African cinema is on its way to emancipation. The advent of widespread digital technology has opened new doors for more and more fresh local talent to blossom. Thanks to this, African film is now challenging its cultural, cinematic and political images and models. Africa in the Picture has caught on to this remarkably dynamic new trend, comparable to a veritable African nouvelle vague. Therefore, Reframing Tradition will be the guiding theme of this year’s edition, which will run from September 7 to 16.

AITP festival is proud to host the Dutch premiere of many films that exemplify this trend, such as: THE Amazing Grace, Nigeria’s first 'homemade' 35mm feature; Sylvestre Amoussou’s futuristic Africa Paradise, in which Europeans seek asylum in the United States of Africa in 2033; Senegal’s Joseph Gaïe Ramaka’s pitiless attack on President Abdoulaye Wade’s failed democracy in And if Latif were Right, which has been banned in his country. Special mention is also to be made of Rachid Bouchareb’s Indigènes, about North Africa’s forgotten soldiers who fought for France in WWII. This film, whose entire male cast received the Best Actor Prize at Cannes this year, will also enjoy its Dutch premiere at AITP 2006.

Photo: Henk Brandsen

“Something new is coming out and I think it’s going to be very interesting, especially politically,” Heidi Lobato — the “director of the party”— explains.

The political message is perhaps most clearly felt in the de plantageCongo Trippin’ special focus. Each of the selected films provides an in-depth view into the troubled socio-political realities of the Congo. Simultaneously, each of them sends a message of hope for (re)building the country and to never give up trying. Petna Ndaliko Katondolo will premiere raising the flag, his documentary about the first free elections in the Congo in 40 years. An interactive debate by satellite with war-torn Goma, DRC, is also scheduled. Funky Line Up! and AfricAnimated are the two other special focuses of the festival. Funky Line Up’s selection of films connects continents with musical styles as a driving force for survival or even protest. AfricAnimated glimpses into the vitality of the expanding homegrown animated film industry in Africa. Naturally, recurring themes such as Highlights from the Motherland, African Diaspora, Shortcut Surinam, Gay Africa and Maghreb in the Picture will also be on the bill again. And of course, the Open Air Screenings will once again be fun and… free! They will begin as early as August 16.

Heidi says it all in a few words: “We make you think while you really enjoy yourself.”

Welcome back to the ride.

Photo : Henk Brandsen