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.

#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO LAURIE DIEFFEMBACQ

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About belganewsagency.eu

Belga News Agency delivers dependable, rapid and high-quality information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from Belgium and abroad to all Belgian media. The information covers all sectors, from politics, economics and finance to social affairs, sports and culture, not to mention entertainment and lifestyle.

Every day, our journalists and press photographers produce hundreds of photos and news stories, dozens of online information items, plus audio and video bulletins, all in both national languages. Since the end of March 2022 English has been added as a language.

For public institutions, businesses and various organisations that need reliable information, Belga News Agency also offers a comprehensive range of corporate services to meet all their communication needs.

Contact

Arduinkaai 29 1000 Brussels

www.belganewsagency.eu