Benson, Figurine to feature at NYAFF

It is in this light that the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of attainment of independence by 17 countries in Africa from colonial rule and the freedom that technology has given African filmmakers to tell their own stories by themselves. According to the NYAFF, “this year’s festival boasts […]

It is in this light that the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of attainment of independence by 17 countries in Africa from colonial rule and the freedom that technology has given African filmmakers to tell their own stories by themselves.

According to the NYAFF, “this year’s festival boasts a surprising mix of works spanning the genres of sci-fi, animation, drama, comedy—as well as a musical and thriller.”

Nigeria’s Teco Benson and Kunle Afolayan are part of this epic celebration. Teco Benson’s tongue-in-cheek movie, Dr. Cruel, co-directed with Jakob Boeskov, which critically examines the work of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) on the African continent will on May 6, hold the world premiere organised by the NYAFF. ‘The event which is in collaboration with Creative Time with music by DJ Amo, AFF and the New Museum, will co-present a series of films that celebrate the technical innovations that have contributed to a new level of independence in African cinema at New Museum, on May 13, 15 and 16.’

Also, Kunle Afolayan’s masterpiece, ‘The Figurine’ (Araromire), was screened last Thursday.

According to Ladybrille reports, the NYAFF which started last Wednesday will run till next Tuesday, the 13th at the FSLC’s Walter Reade Theater. The screening panel is made up of Jennifer Merin, film journalist with About.com and founder of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists; Misani, culture writer for the Amsterdam News; Paul Burani, social media strategist; and Pam Pickens, digital marketing expert. The event which is open to the public, will be moderated by veteran entertainment publicist and NYAFF’s public relations consultant, Cheryl L. Duncan of Cheryl Duncan & Company Inc.  

“Filmmakers’ roles are increasingly expanding and today directors also need to be savvy marketers. Knowledge of what entices journalists and how social networking tools can help them connect with their audiences is essential,” Ducan said.

He explained further that today, at The Film Society of Lincoln Center at 1:30 pm, “established and aspiring directors and producers will learn how to craft an attention-getting pitch and utilize social networking tools at ‘Getting Exposure: Securing the Buzz You Need for Your Film.

“The discussion which is a part of the ‘Independent Africa’, the 17th Annual NYAFF is presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF). It then moves on to Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies on April 14 for a day of film and panel discussions with filmmakers, scholars and film critics.

“The festival concludes at Brooklyn Academy of Music’s BAMcinématek in tandem with DanceAfrica from May 28 through May 31.”