The African Diaspora International Film Festival

Schedule:

1pm: Maluala – Remembering Sergio Giral

In 19th century Cuba, runaway enslaved Africans known as 'Cimarrones' hide in settlements in the eastern mountains. However, discord among the Cimarrons is sown by a limited offer of freedom from the Spanish. Maluala is part of a trilogy of films about Cuba's slave uprisings made by Sergio Giral, the best-known Afro-Cuban director. Directed by Sergio Giral, 1979, 84 minutes, Drama, Cuba, Spanish with English subtitles

3pm: Bezness - Classic

Set in the scenic coastal city of Sousse, Tunisia, this controversial and thought-provoking drama follows the fate of Roufa, a young man who dreams of escape to Europe. He is a sex worker who appeals to tourists’ desire for the exotic, although he remains betrothed to Khomsa. She in turn attracts the attentions of a visiting photographer. One of the first Arab films to deal with gay themes and gender segregation, it also grapples with the destructive impact of Western tourism on Tunisian society. Directed by Nouri Bouzid, 1992, 100 minutes, Drama, Tunisia, Arabic with English subtitles

5:30pm: Mother Suriname - DC Premiere

Mother Suriname – Moeder Suriname is a deep and evocative portrayal of Suriname's history and the personal story it weaves. Its effectiveness in bringing Surinamese history to life, makes it a significant contribution to understanding the country's cultural and historical landscape.

A woman looks back on her life, through narration and song. In Mother Suriname – Moeder Suriname, filmmaker Tessa Leuwsha uses a stream of fascinating colorized archival footage to illustrate the lives of Surinamese women like her grandmother, who was a washerwoman.

Directed by Tessa Leuwsha, 2023, 71 minutes, Documentary, Netherlands, Suriname, English

OPENING NIGHT FILM!

6:30pm Catered VIP Reception
7:30pm: Breaking Boundaries + Q&A - US Premiere
Breaking Boundaries follows the journey of Nastasya Generalova, the daughter of an African-American man, and raised by her single white Russian mother, Olga. Enrolled in rhythmic gymnastics at the age of four to connect with her mother's homeland, Nastasya faces systemic biases and limited resources as the only black girl in Team USA.

As she strives to become the first African-American rhythmic gymnast from the USA to compete in the 2020 Olympic Games, the film delves into the emotional and physical challenges she encounters, highlighting her resilience, ambition, and the unwavering support of her mother. Directed by Dina Burlis, 2024, 76 minutes, Documentary, USA, English and Russian with English subtitles

Cost: $45 - $120

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