Afrika Eye, the South West’s biggest celebration of African cinema and culture, returns with an 11-day programme (Mon 7 - Thu 17 Nov) of new and classic films, street art, spoken word, dance, music, food and photography at venues across Bristol.

Artists from across Africa and within the diaspora bring insights, creative ideas and extraordinary projects to broaden and enrich our knowledge of a continent that has for centuries been part of a shared history, without ever having an equal voice.

At the heart of Afrika Eye is a weekend of film at Watershed, from Fri 11 – Sun 13 Nov, with a selection of films that reach into the histories and experiences of individuals from the personal to the political, none more so than our opening film Le Bleu du Caftan – a touching portrait of a couple in crisis set in one of the oldest medinas in the city of Salé, Morocco. After the screening it’s over to the Café & Bar where marimba maestro Kuda Matimba and Harare will have us up and dancing to his ‘jit’-inspired rhythms and some of the most vibrant dance music to come out of Southern Africa for our opening night party.

Saturday’s programme includes the intriguing documentary Waithira, the musical blast that is Benda Bilili and the remarkable Tug of War - a deeply personal story set in Zanzibar during the struggle for independence. We’re delighted to welcome director Amil Shivja for an in-conversation after the screening.

Sunday kicks off with the archive classic Sambizanga directed by Sarah Maldoror, marking the 50th anniversary of the premiere of the first film to be directed by an African woman. And finally the Dardennes Brothers' Tori and Lokita, which received a standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival this year and is up for numerous awards - a film that couldn’t be more relevant in today’s climate.

With events leading up to and following the weekend we’d love you to join us for what we feel sure will be a festival to remember.
- Annie Menter, Festival Director

Check out the full Afrika Eye programme of films and workshops from Mon 7 Nov onwards at afrikaeye.org.uk and #afrikaeye

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