THE Africa Rising International Film Festival launched its ARIFF Showcase at The Bioscope in Joburg.
According to the festival, this is a first in a series of planned showcases, set to take place periodically throughout the year in the lead-up to the main event.
ARIFF said themed showcases primarily aim to provide a platform for African filmmakers who often struggle to access exhibition platforms at home and abroad.
Moreover, ARIFF has a desire to use African storytelling as a vehicle for advancing urgent social conversations.
One of the films that will be showcased at the festival is The Ghost and the House of Truth, directed by Nigerian-born award-winning writer and actor Akin Omotoso. It explores human trafficking.
The film follows the character of Bola Ogun (Susan Wokoma), a single mother and dedicated counsellor who brokers reconciliation sessions between convicts and their victims.
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When her 10-year-old daughter Nike (Imoleayo Olusanya) goes missing after school. Bola finds herself in the role of vigilante.
Speaking to Daily Sun, festival director Ayanda Sithebe said: “There are many compelling stories and masterpieces in the African film industry that are hardly ever exhibited. “At ARIFF we feel it’s important to rally around these films and provide the creative talent behind them a platform to connect with audiences they’re intended for. “The subject matter in African films is pertinent not only to the continent’s film industry but to the global film industry as well.”
Ayanda said the plan is for the showcases to travel around the continent and beyond.
The fourth edition of the main ARIFF festival will run from 25-29 November and continue the tone set by the showcases, with screenings that amplify African voices.
Festival co-chair Lala Tuku said this is their way of continuing to build a powerful, accessible, diverse network of pan-African storytellers who’re not afraid to probe issues relating to sectors of our society that are often overlooked.
“This includes systematically disadvantaged people including the LGBTQI+ community and women,” she said.
The full upcoming screenings details, including how the public can attend, will be shared through the festival’s social media platforms.
