Bristol’s very own African film festival returns to Watershed from Fri 9 Nov to Sun 11 Nov with another great line-up of cinema, music, workshops and discussion. This year the festival takes a close look at fifty years of independence for Jamaica and also focuses on African trauma healing. With sixteen fascinating, diverse events that make up this year’s Festival programme, Afrika Eye Film Festival 2012 promises to be one of the highlights in Bristol’s cultural calendar.

The 2012 festival opener is La Pirogue (Fri 9 Nov at 20:30) the compelling story of a group of Senegalese men who, desperate to escape poverty, set off for Europe on a simple fishing boat, hoping for a better life. This moving film won a standing ovation at Cannes film festival and we are delighted to be opening Afrika Eye with this very special screening.

La Pirogue is followed by the stompingly good Afrika Eye launch party in the Café/Bar from 22.00 until late. Hosted in collaboration with the WOMAD Foundation, we bring you a stunning Jamaican dance and MC collaboration from Ripton Lindsey and Mr Benn to rip up the dance floor, alongside Jamaican folk song and dance from local Bristol group Tan Teddy plus sounds from producer/DJ Mr. Benn whose very own blend of reggae and hip-hop helped to introduce the Bristol sound to the world. It promises to be a night to remember!

Ripton’s Friday night party performance will pave the way for his dance workshop on Saturday afternoon at 13:30, when he’ll be demonstrating his inimitable brand of Jamaican dance techniques to teenagers aged between 13 and 18. Also on Saturday afternoon in collaboration with WOMAD Foundation, artist David Cox will host a Jamaican style Mask Making workshop for children aged between 8 and 12. These two fabulous workshops will culminate in a very special, celebratory Afrika Eye Parade along the Harbourside at 14.45 with live drumming, the parade will then be heading back into Watershed to continue the packed festival programme.

Annie Menter, WOMAD Foundation’s Director, says:

“WOMAD is all about celebrating the richness and diversity of cultures, and we are delighted to bring the dynamic duo of Ripton and Mr Benn plus artist David Cox’s vibrant images to the Afrika Eye Film Festival. Our workshop programme with these three great artists is a fantastic opportunity to extend the reach of this culturally important annual film event.”

On Sat 10 Nov the State of Mind: African Healing programme gives you the opportunity to spend the afternoon with experts in therapy and healing to take a close look at some of the approaches to trauma healing that are being adopted across Africa. This programme includes a screening of State of Mind (15.45) which explores the notion that people cannot be productive until they overcome their trauma.

The Festival closes with a rousing crescendo at a screening of Kinshasa Symphony on Sun 11 Nov at 18:30. This remarkable film is a gorgeous inspiring testimony to the healing joy of music, featuring a 200 strong symphony orchestra performing Beethoven’s Ninth before being interrupted by a power cut. The musicians’ love of playing music keeps their spirits up amid the horrors of war and poverty.

Festival co-founder Simon Bright says:

“I believe in the power of film to transform political events. The best way to understand the continent’s complexity and diversity is to hear from its film makers and that’s what this Festival weekend at Watershed promises. Our aim is always to unite an audience from all cultures through stories from Africa. We want to appeal to all ages, young and old , and to attract people from all parts of Bristol – from Easton and Bedminster to St Pauls and Clifton.”

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