Take 3 Africa

Directed by Various

A series of novella films focusing on African culture, traditions and politics from three different areas of the continent.

Hot Chili

Dir: Moabi Mogorosi, Botswana/USA, 2004, DV, 48’

Cast: Seingwaeng Kgafela, Kabo Ditlhakeng

As expected from the country whose main export is diamonds, this film is a real gem. A village tribal leader disapproves of his daughter’s love for a humble gardener and devises a competition to find a more appropriate suitor. Inspired by classic Setswana folklore, Hot Chili explores tribal dynamics and class division, on the dusty plains of a fictional southern African village. Beautifully shot with remarkable characters, this is a film with a deliciously piquant twist!

Showing with:

The Real Saharawi

Dir: Caroline Kamya, Uganda, in English & Hasania w/ English subtitles, 2006, DV, 16’

This absolutely fascinating documentary follows Zrug, a refugee from West Sahara, who left aged 8 to seek an education in Cuba. On his return nearly 20 years later, he finds that life for the last surviving community of Saharawis has changed dramatically and he begins a campaign to liberate his people and claim back his homeland. An illuminating work.

and

Saint or Fallen One?

Dir: Jessica O’Keeffe, England, 2005, DV, 23’

Young Manchester-based filmmaker Jess O’Keeffe travels with Haruna Mohammed in his bid to become a politician of the people. With Michael Jackson as his hero and the battle against poverty as his task, is Haruna the progressive politician that Ghana needs? A confident and knowledgeable debut film.

Duration:
90 minutes