New Films From Nigeria, Chad, Morocco, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Congo, Mali, and Rwanda to Be Featured

January 2, 2007
By Jasmyne Cannick

LOS ANGELES -- GOING INTO EXILE, a South African documentary by filmmaker Peter Se-Puma tells the story of one of the most memorable photos of the 20th Century, the body of young Hector Peterson being carried after the Soweto Uprising. Unknown to many, the first to die in that history-altering event was Hastings Ndhlovu, brother of current Los Angeles South African Consul General Jeanette Ndhlovu. In the film, she and her two sisters discuss how his death and the ensuing government harassment affected their family well as the physical and emotional strains of their decisions to go into exile. GOING INTO EXILE is among the films from Africa featured in the 15th Annual Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) at the AMC Magic Johnson Theatres being held February 8-19. PAFF is the largest festival of African and African American films in the United States showcasing over 100 films as well as a world-class art exhibition showcasing work from the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, the South Pacific and Canada to illustrate the diversity and complexity of people of African descent.

The Sierra Leone film MAN DEM NOR GLADY'O (THE PEOPLE ARE NOT HAPPY) presents a a graphic view of Sierra Leone and exposes how the mineral wealth of this poor West African country has been exploited by foreigners and corrupt politicians.

Nigeria’s THE NARROW PATH by filmmaker Tunde Kelani tells the story of a young woman chooses between suitors. But a haunting experience, family expectations, and culture turn her wedding night into a nightmare.

In the Congolese film PIÈCES D'IDENTITÉS the former king of Bakongo goes to Belgium in search of his daughter. His daughter, the princess, has a job as a nightclub dancer. With a view of Europe from the African perspective, identity, disillusionment and separation are the themes of this sobering detective comedy.Rag and Tag were inseparable until Social Services sends Rag away. A decade later Tag is finishing law school but is having difficulty finding a firm willing to hire him. Meanwhile, Rag returns to London and finds his old friend. Their lives have changed, but their friendship is more intense, complex and confusing in the Nigerian film RAG TAG by filmmaker Adaora Nwandu.

In the Moroccan film ZAÏNA: RIDER OF THE ATLAS, an 11-year-old girl meets her real father for the first time after her mother’s death. Fleeing from her obsessed stepfather, whom she believes caused her mother’s death, the girl and her father travel to Marrakech where her father, a horseman, plans to participate in the most prestigious horse-race of North Africa. Pursued by her stepfather, the girl and her father slowly begin to create a bond that will get them through the hardships that lay both ahead and behind them. A beautifully told adventure film of love and determination that will cause the entire family to cheer!

Also from Morocco, DAYS OF GLORY (INDIGÈNES) is a powerful award- winning film which unveils the little known World War II story of African infantrymen in the liberation of Italy and France. Algeria’s official submission to the 2006 Academy Awards.

Mali shines with BAMAKO produced by and featuring Danny Glover. In the courtyard, a trial against the World Bank and the IMF has been taken up by African spokesmen. Amidst the testimonies exploring the policies that create economic havoc for Africa, life goes on.

Additional festival highlights include the Opening Night Gala featuring Ambassador Andrew Young’s RWANDA RISING, Night of Tribute, Centerpiece and Closing Night film screenings and parties. The PAFF also holds special activities for children in its 2-day Children's Fest, a multiple day StudentFest for middle and high-school students, Spokenword Festivals and panels for emerging and experienced filmmakers.

With the exception of the opening night film screening and gala party, the 2007 Pan African Film Festival will be held at the AMC Magic Johnson Theatres in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza (3650 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd). A detailed listing and description of the 12-day festival's events can be found at www.paff.org.