Africa First is worldwide film company Focus Features’ uniquely conceived initiative designed to identify promising up-and-coming filmmakers from continental Africa. Africa First offers eligible and participating African filmmakers the chance to be awarded $10,000 in financing for the pre-production, production, and/or post production of their narrative short films. This exciting evening includes the New York premieres of three short films from alumni, and a discussion with Africa First advisory board members, producers and programmers who will give an overview of the current state of African filmmaking. A larger Africa First program will be presented in 2011 at the Museum of the Moving Image.

Films to be screened:

Tinye So

(Mali, directed by Daouda Coulibaly, 24 mins.), a drama about the quest of the ancestors in a West African community to be heard by the people.

Umkhungo

(South Africa, directed by Matthew Jankes, 25 mins.), a science-fiction tale about a young boy from the slums of Hillbrow grappling with paranormal abilities.

The Adventures of Mwansa the Great

(Zambia, directed by Rungano Nyoni, 24 mins.), a fantasy in which a young Zambian boy’s imagination transforms everyday activities into an exciting quest.

Discussion following with Kisha Cameron-Dingle (Program Director, Africa First); Matthew Plouffe (Director of Production, Focus Features); Mahen Bonetti (African Film Festival); Jihn El-Tahiri (documentary filmmaker); June Givanni (London-based programmer); Sharifa Johka (producer and programmer); and Keith Shiri (Africa at the Pictures Film Festival, London).