From Season 1, Episode 4 of An African City
Welcome to the inaugural edition of our new Cinemafrique series. Each week we'll be highlighting the latest film and television news from throughout Africa and the diaspora, from film festival announcements and who to expect on the big screen to the scoop on what to binge watch and add to your viewing party schedule. Without further ado let's get the ball rolling with news on Traitors, An African City, Afronauts, nominees for the 2014 Africa Movie Academy Awards and more!
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Traitors At Tribeca Film Festival
The Tribeca Film Festival kicked off last night and runs through April 27th. Along with the world premiere of the Nas documentary Time Is Illmatic, one of the features we’re most looking forward to is Traitors (2013), which makes its North American premiere at TFF. First time director Sean Gullete's Moroccan coming of age story revolves around Malika, whose life as the leader of a female punk band in Tangiers proves to be too scandalous for her über conservative community. Watch a preview below and head here for more information on tickets and screening times.
Sun 4/20, 6:30pm, Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 6
Tues 4/22, 9:45pm, Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 8
Thurs 4/24, 5:30pm, Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 4
Sat 4/26, 6:30pm, Bow Tie Cinemas Chelsea 6
Season 1 Of An African City On Youtube
An African City has been lauded as Ghana’s answer to Sex and the City, and show creator Nicole Amartefiois just fine with the comparison. The new (and already massive) web series captures the cultural and romantic missteps of five women trying to settle in Accra after years away from home. Their triumphs and trials in everyday life makes for some very addictive entertainment so keep your fingers crossed for Season 2! For now, you can find all ten episodes from Season 1 on YouTube.
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2014 Africa Movie Academy Awards Nominees
Nominees for the 2014 Africa Movie Academy Awards were recently announced at a star-studded gala event in Johannesburg. Look out for winners from all 27 categories to be awarded in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Until then, take a look at contestants in some of the major categories below and head here for a full list of nominees.
AMAA 2014 Award for Best Film:
Children of Troumaron (Mauritius)
Potomanto (Ghana)
The Forgotten Kingdom (South Africa)
Of Good Report (South Africa)
Accident (Nigeria)
AMAA 2014 Award for Best Director:
Harrikrishna & Sharvan Anenden, Children of Troumaron (Mauritius)
Shirley Frimpong Manso, Potomanto (Ghana)
Andrew Mudge, The Forgotten Kingdom (South Africa)
Jamil X.T Quebeka, Of Good Report (South Africa)
Teco Benson, Accident (Nigeria)
AMAA 2014 Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role:
Zengo Ngqobe, Forgotten Kingdom
Kanayo O. Kanaye, Apaye
Mothusi Magano, Of Good Report
Joseph Benjamin, Murder At Prime Suites
Adjatey Annan, Potomanto
Majid Michel, Brothers Keeper
AMAA 2014 Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role:
Uche Nnadili, B for Boy
Linda Sokhulu, Felix
Chioma Chukwuka Akpotha, Accident
Clarion Chukwura, Apaye
Uche Jombo, Rodriquez, Monalisa Chinda and Daniella Okeke, Lagos Cougar
Joselyn Dumas, Northern Affair
AMAA 2014 Award for Best Diaspora Feature Film:
Tula The Revolt (Curacao)
AZU (Venezuela)
Kingston Paradise (Jamaica)
Retrieval (USA)
AMAA 2014 Award for Best Documentary:
Hamu Beya- The Sand Fishers (Mali)
Potraits of a Lone Farmer (Nigeria/Denmark)
Kushaya Ingagasi (South Africa)
Daughters of the Niger Delta (Nigeria)
Sincerely Ethiopia (Ethiopia)
Afronauts Awarded The Grand Jury Prize For Short Film At The Dallas International Film Festival
When last we shed light on Frances Bodomo’s Afronauts, the space age short had just made its debut at Sundance. Since its premiere, Afronauts has accumulated a slew of accolades, so it came as no surprise that it was chosen as the recipient of the Grand Jury Prize for Short Film at the Dallas International Film Festival this past weekend. Congratulations to the cast and crew! And if you haven't managed to see it yet, check out the trailer below and catch Afronauts as part of the upcoming Sundance Short Film Tour in a city near you.
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New York African Film Festival Tickets On Sale
Tickets are now on sale to the 21st edition of the New York African Film Festival ( May 7th – 26th). Screenings will be held at theaters across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Information on how to purchase tickets can be found here. Be on the lookout for our full comprehensive guide to NYAFF coming soon!