2003 Summer Film festival

in conjunction with Pier-african studies summer institute
"The Teaching of Africa"

[All films are shown in Luce Hall - Admission is free and open to the public]

Thursday, July 10:
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Long Night’s Journey into Day: South Africa’s Search for Truth & Reconciliation
Produced by Frances Reid and Deborah Hoffmann

South Africa, 95 minutes, In English, Zulu, Sotho and Afrikaans with English Subtitles

The film provides a dramatic inside look at one of the most innovative and ambitious attempts at dialogue and healing in human history - South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It documents South Africa’s quest for restorative justice as it follows four dramatically different cases that came before the commission over the course of two and a half years.

Monday, July 14:
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Chinua Achebe: The Importance of Stories
Directed by Cambiz Khosravi

1996, 57 minutes, In English

A video portrait examining how Chinua Achebe and modern Africa were shaped by a history of racism and colonialism. Achebe discusses the artistry and human significance of literature.

Mwe Bana Bandi (You, My Children)
Produced by Kristiina Tuura

Zambia, 1988, 29 minutes, In Bemba with English Subtitles

A musical documentary about the songs and dances of children in a northeastern Zambian village, Wapamesa. It is a story of two boys as central characters, following their daily activities from sunrise to sunset.

Wednesday, July 16:
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

The Triumph of Evil
Produced by WGBH/FRONTLINE

Rwanda, 1999, 60 minutes, English

FRONTLINE examines the role of Western powers and the United Nations as they ignored the warnings of impending genocide in Rwanda in 1994 and failed to intervene even when it became clear what was happening.

For Our Bread
Produced by The National Film Board of Canada

1988, 26 minutes, In English

Interviews with Malians reveal that the language, religion and ideology of donor nations are often infused into and even dominate indigenous ethnic and regional practices.

Tuesday, July 9:
6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

A Safety Net
Produced by the National Film Board of Canada

Ghana, 1987, 30 minutes, In English

An examination of how food aid from Western nations may actually help undermine the ability of African nations become self-sufficient in food production. A leading Ghanaian agricultural expert, presents strategies that encourage greater agricultural productivity, more efficient processing and distribution systems, and emphasis on indigenous food crops.

The Language You Cry In: The Story of a Mende Song
Produced and directed by Alvaro Toepke and Angel Serrano

Sierra Leone/Spain, 1998, 52 minutes, In English and Mende with English Subtitles

This is a story reaching across hundreds of years and thousands of miles from 18th century Sierra Leone to the Gullah people of present-day Georgia and South Carolina. It demonstrates how the memory of a family was pieced together through a song to connect those who sang it with their roots.