Afrika Filmfestival Leuven: 'Showing the other side of Africa is our main goal'

The Afrika Filmfestival starts in Leuven on Friday. Kinepolis, M Leuven, 30 CC and Cinema Z will host a series of fascinating and controversial African films, with debates, book presentations, exhibitions, concerts and a fashion show.

The Afrika Filmfestival (AFF) aims to broaden visitors' worldview and dispel common ideas about Africa. "The audience in Flanders has a very negative and narrow view of Africa. There is little room for nuance," says the organisation. "Showing the other side of Africa is our main goal. We want to communicate about an Africa that is young and dynamic."

"African films have many qualities, and AFF showcases the best of them"

"Many professional directors are making excellent fiction and documentaries. African films have many qualities, and AFF showcases the best of them. Our poster is an essential part of our communication strategy. This poster doesn't show poor or sick children, nor giraffes or zebras, but artistic images of young actors by portrait and set photographer Kris Dewitte."

The festival highlights films with a unique view of Africa by African and non-African filmmakers. "This not only gives these filmmakers the recognition they need but also generates income to continue to make films that tell their stories," the organisers say.

On 6 May, the festival's last day, the AFF 2023 Prize will be awarded. The Flemish Unesco Commission, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has selected five films about intangible heritage. This topic is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, set by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the global sustainable development agenda for 2030.

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