Africa Rising International Film Festival 2024: celebrating African cinema and storytelling
The Africa Rising International Film Festival (ARIFF) is set to captivate audiences once again with its 7th edition, scheduled for December 6 and 7.
Kicking off the festival is the short film “Why the Cattle Wait”, directed by award-winning South African writer and director, Phumi Morare.
Produced by Layla Swart, the co-founder of Yellowbone Entertainment, the film dives deep into the realms of African mythology while shining a light on feminine identity.
Starring “DiepCity” actress Zikhona Bali and “Rhythm City” actor Nyaniso Dzedze, the film follows the journey of an African goddess attempting to persuade her mortal lover to forsake humanity and return to the eternal world, ultimately framing a tale of love, power and destiny.
As the festival draws to a close, it will be marked by the poignant documentary, “Banned”, which is directed by Naledi Bogacwi.
This gripping documentary takes viewers on a historical journey exploring the legacy of “Joe Bullet” with South Africa’s first all-African cast film.
“Banned” examines the film’s journey from being produced in 1971, starring Ken Gampu, Sol Rachilo, and Abigail Kubeka, to its abrupt banning by the apartheid government after its initial screening at the Eyethu Cinema in Soweto.
Through haunting interviews with original cast members and others involved in the film's production, “Banned” exposes the terrible consequences of censorship during apartheid.
It also features the voices of award-winning storyteller, poet, musician and actress, Gcina Mhlophe, acclaimed playwright, singer and composer, Mbongeni Ngema, and renowned author, actor and playwright, Kgotso Nkhatho.
The documentary provides a sobering yet inspiring tribute to resilience in the face of oppression.
Lala Tuku, ARIFF president said that the festival is a celebration of cinema’s transformative power.
“With ‘Why the Cattle Wait’ and ‘Banned’, we honour the creativity and resilience of African storytellers who have shaped and continue to redefine the cinematic landscape. These films represent the heart and soul of ARIFF.”
She added: “‘Why the Cattle Wait’ immerses us in the magic of African mythology, while ‘Banned’ reminds us of the enduring spirit of storytelling as a tool for resistance and change.”
Aside from these compelling films, the ARIFF 2024 programme promises a variety of exciting experiences.
Included in the programme is a rich and diverse line-up of films that highlight the evolving narrative of African cinema, an immersive day dedicated to VR and gaming, the ARIFF Film Child Program, which showcases films crafted by the Actor Spaces Academy Junior and Teens, and, finally, a segment dedicated to films addressing pressing social issues, including climate change, human rights and inclusion.
The festival takes place on December 6 and 7 at Ster-Kinekor Cinemas in Rosebank Mall and Atlas Studios in Milpark.
For tickets and more information visit the festivals website.