The African-Union designated Africa Day falls on May 25th each year. Its aim is to celebrate African diversity and success, and to highlight the cultural and economic potential that exists on the continent of Africa. As part of the day, and as a celebration of African film there are some very special film screenings coming to Dublin and Limerick.
Events kick off on Tuesday May 24th with a screening of the 2010 documentary Benda Bilili!, a Congolese film charting a the rise to fame of a group of street musicians comprising of five paraplegics and a young able-bodied teenager. The film is a happy and joyous celebration of the possibilities of human endeavour. Benda Bilili! will be shown in the Belltable Arts Centre, 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick. Admission is free for the 6pm screening so you have no excuse not to go.
The capital gets in on the action on Wednesday May 25th with a special showing of U-Carmen eKhayelitsha, a modern remake of Bizet’s opera, Carmen, translated into Xhosa and set in the South African township of Khayelitsha. The screening will be followed by an audience discussion facilitated by film reviewer, presenter and all-round grand lady of cinema, Sarina Bellissimo. The screening takes place in the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre, 27 – 31 Upper O’Connell Street, Dublin 1. from 6.30pm till 9pm. Admission is free, but booking is essential. Bookings: 01 854 6924 or email:edel.lawless@dfa.ie.
Wednesday also sees Limerick get another chance to see one of the best documentaries of last year, with a fresh screening of Africa United. The film tells the story of three Rwandan children and their bid to achieve their ultimate dream – to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup in Johannesburg. Fresh, funny , heart-breaking and heart-warming this is a truly special film. Be at The Lofts Venue, 3 George’s Quay, Limerick at 6pm for free admission to this wonderful film.
These 3 films are just part of the great modern cultural history of Africa, and in their own small wy serve to highlight the emerging talent that is coming from the dark continent. If you’d like to know more about Africa Day check out www.africaday.ie and www.dorasluimni.org.