The 14th Cologne African Film Festival with the theme “Sisters in African Cinema” scheduled to take place from the 15th – 25th of September 2016 in Germany, which is being organized by FilmInitiativ Koln eV, promises to be one of a kind, with over 30 guests in attendance, 83 films from filmmakers of African origin to be screened, a podium for live discussions, three live music acts, an exhibition, reading and screenings for schools and children, being part of the programs for the festival.
The event will screen current award winning feature films, documentaries, and short films from Africa’s major film festivals (Ouagadougou, Tunis, Zanzibar etc.) as well as new releases from the African Diaspora.
Filmmakers from Ethiopia, Cameroun, Tunisia and South Africa, have been invited to participate in the opening of the festival at the film forum in Museum Ludwig, Cologne, with the internationally recognized musician Patrice, in attendance.
Other artistes to grace the event are Rapper AWA ( African Women Arise) from Zimbabwe; and other highlights of the festival will include feature films from Algeria, Burkina Faso, cote d’ ivoire , Mauritius, Morocco and south Africa, with documentaries about Islam militants in Somalia, and the use of music to heal war trauma in Sudan, the African cinema pioneer Ousmane Sembene from Senegal and Nollywood, as well as short films from Libya, cinematic discoveries from all corners of Africa and the presentation of visual art from the continent (Africa)
There were consultations from directors from five countries to compile this year’s theme, and afterwards 33 feature films, documentaries, short films etc, giving an insight into the current filmmaking exploits of women in 13 African countries and from the Diaspora.
There is no doubt this year’s event is going to be a unique one leaving unforgettable memories for guests.
FilmInitiative Koln eV is an association of journalist, media educators and Cineastes from Cologne in Germany , and one of the group’s main activities is the presentation of African Films in cologne and across Germany, and a platform for African rights holders to commercialize their work.
Some notable Ghanaians to be involved in the previous festivals are the veteran film director King Ampaw and Hans Sarpai.
A detailed program lineup of “Sisters in African Cinema” can be found on the organizations website