Cinema releases are not lacking in September. If this month rhymes with return, it’s also a time for cultural novelties. Many African and Afro-related films and documentaries are now available in theaters or on DVDs. Of course they all deserve to be seen. Some have nevertheless particularly drawn my attention.

Documentary outings

Wax in the City

From the beginning of the summer, many spectators were able to appreciate this documentary film. Through over an hour of mesmerizing images, Flora Coquerel takes us on a journey through African fashion. But not just any. It is mainly about Afro-Pacific fashion; the one that proudly sports the WAX.

This cloth, originally from Indonesia, was imported to Europe by the Dutch. It then massively found himself in all sub-Saharan Africa. With different colors and patterns, wax loincloths are constantly renewing themselves.. Flora takes us to meet designers, stylists, traders … who make, shape and popularize this fabric. Eli Kwame, Youssouf Fofana creator of Maison Château Rouge or Chayet Chiénin founder of Nothing But the Wax are in the game. They all testify to the emotional and historical connection they have with wax. Indeed, for many Afro-descendants it is a visual symbol of Africa. They saw their fathers, mothers, elders put on their colorful clothes, in Wax. They inspired themselves and added their styles. Something new is born. Afropoliataine fashion mixes the codes of the world Hip Hop, Pop or even Punk. A novelty that Wax In The City sublime. That’s the beauty of this documentary. It is well anchored in reality and the news while dreaming. I can only recommend it !

Wax In The City is currently available on TV5 World. Moreover, the film is in world tour and is currently screened during events evenings everywhere.

Ouvrir la Voix (Speak Up)

This documentary film was released a year ago now. Its recordings include screenings at the French National Assembly, broadcasts in several cities in France as well as in Europe. Just that !

Ouvrir la Voix is a documentary film thought, directed and created by Amandine Gaye. Organized in the form of interviews and testimonies, it gives a realistic overview of the feelings of African, Afro-descendant and Caribbean women in France and Belgium. Relationships with others, identification as Black, personal fulfillment, career, sexuality … The themes are numerous. The comments of the participants are relevant, touching and challenging. What roles do we force ourselves to play? How to build oneself, when one is identified as belonging to a group with already established characteristics? What glances, expectations, prejudices do we bring to the Black Woman?

Opening the Voice is an outlet for many women and girls. It puts words and presents the experiences of thousands of Blacks. In addition, it puts its finger on subjects that are rarely discussed in Afro communities, in general: health and mental well-being. It is a complete work. A documentary to watch with family in order to open sincere discussions. It can also serve as a support for children and parents. And if we talked about sexual orientation with the family !

This documentary film is now available on DVD.

 

This is what Rafiki is talking about.

 

Rafiki

This film directed by Kenyan Wanuri Kuhari, features two young women who are allied with friendship and love.

The sysnopsis is as follows: Ziki and Kena, two teenage girls in the process of becoming students weave intimate and deep bonds. One is colorful, demonstrative and the other is less expressive and observant. How are they going to live their relationship in a society that imposes specific roles on women?
Moreover, their paths intersect in the middle of the electoral campaign. And their respective fathers are opposing candidates.

Beyond the issues related to the acceptance of homosexuality in African societies, the film addresses several topical issues.
A cheerful, dynamic and even avant-garde portrait of Africa, through the city of Nairobi, is drawn up. This capital is inherited as ambassador of contemporary African metropolises. When we think that Rafiki was presented at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and is now available at the cinema; it puts the balm in the heart. Indeed, just think of the thousands, millions of people who will have other visuals of Africa.
We can also notice the beauty of the plans as well as their sequence. We feel impregnated by the emotions of the characters. A great sensuality comes out.
Last but not least, female sexuality, especially that of young women, is at the forefront.

Despite its success, the film has so far been banned from broadcasting in Kenya. This was suspended from 23 to 30 September.

Rafiki is currently visible in cinemas in France.

Movie releases

Sacred water

Sacred water, without a doubt, is a film that puts the spotlight on the sexuality of African women. I do not want to say more than the synopsis, so much it deserves to be seen. Imagine that this documentary film received awards at 14 film festivals!

The sacred water makes us discover a part of the Rwandan culture, until now little known, by the door of the feminine pleasure. In the company of Vestine, a well-known radio personality in Rwanda, we immerse ourselves in the quest for Gukuna.

If in the symbolism of Bollywood movies water represents eroticism, sexuality, here it is well in question. Legend has it that the queen discovered a source of intimate pleasure, in the absence of the king, gone to war. Since then, it’s a tradition but also a quest that continues.

This film really gives a big blow in the western collective imagination. Indeed, African women are often portrayed as submissive, victimized and devoid of any form of pleasure. When they are on the Western screens, it is often as a sex slave, prostitute, excised person, infected with HIV or in a situation of forced marriage. As everywhere, nothing is all black to all white. African women learn, maintain and develop their intimacy, knowledge of their bodies and their sexual pleasure. They are not mere victims. And likewise, African men are listening and willing to participate in the enjoyment of their partner. They are not the brutes or felines portrayed.

It is currently possible to attend releases of Sacred Water.

 

Article by Christelle Kamanan, translated from French to English by Gova-Media.