5th Annual African Film and Art Festival Opening Night

PROVIDENCE, RI, September 04, 2024: Back for its fifth year, PVD World Music’s Annual African Film and Arts Festival returns to Providence for five days from September 18 to 22, 2024, shining a spotlight on contemporary films and filmmakers from Africa and the African Diaspora. As with every year, the festival will showcase rarely-seen films and highlight important indigenous music histories and traditions in locations around Providence in partnership with local champion organizations. It will also include traditional African music and dance performances and offer opportunities to learn more about the vibrant arts of the African continent.

The African film festival seeks to celebrate, educate and and promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding between the diverse communities that call Providence home. We hope you can join us to celebrate, promote, and enrich traditional music, arts and films from Africa and around the world so that they may be enjoyed and cherished for generations to come!

For more information contact info@pvdworldmusic.com or visit pvdworldmusic.com.

OPEN AIR CINEMA AND CULTURAL MUSIC IN THE COMMUNITY

OPENING NIGHT SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 5:30 PM

Join us for the opening day on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Brown University’s Watson Institute, Providence, RI 02907,  from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. We will begin with a welcome at 5:30 PM, followed by traditional music from Burkina Faso, performed by renowned local Kora musician, Yacouba Diabate at 6:00 PM. Our opening feature film Miraculous Weapon  by distinguished Cameroonian filmmaker, Jean-Pierre Bekolo will premiere at 6:15 PM.

At 8:00 PM, we will close the day with a special Q&A session with director Jean-Pierre Bekolo in conversation with South African filmmaker, Kurt Orderson.

Traditional African Cuisine Food will be served from the Village Restaurant

Tickets are free, and donations are highly encouraged.

CURATORIAL TEAM

Laura Twagirayezu

Kayleen Vicente

Norissa Hemendes

Jetrie Ndikumwenayo

Chance Kinyange

FESTIVAL PARTNER AND SPONSORS

Rhode Island Council for the Arts

Rhode Island Council for the Humanities

Providence Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism

Providence Public Library

195 District Park

Social Enterprise Greenhouse

Courtland Club

The Fleet Library at Rhode Island School of Design

Ruth J Simmons Center for Slavery and Justice at Brown University

Africa Initiative at  Watson Institute at Brown University

Department of Africana Studies at Brown University

SMALL MIGHTY TEAM. BIG COMMUNITY DREAM!

This event was made possible through tireless work of the PVD World Music 2024 team:

OUR STAFF

Chance Kinyange Boas, Founder and Executive Director

Padini Nirmal, Director of Strategy, Community and Research

Dominique Sindayiganza, Photographer and Advisor

Ian Lyle, Sound Technician

SUMMER INTERNS

Jetrie Ndikumwenayo

Likeyi Nihoreho