Zambian-Welsh director Rungano Nyoni takes on witchcraft accusations in the country of her birth with a satire revolving around the plight of nine-year-old Shula, played by newcomer Maggie Mulubwa.
"I Am Not A Witch" —
Zambian-Welsh director Rungano Nyoni takes on witchcraft accusations in the country of her birth with a satire revolving around the plight of nine-year-old Shula, played by newcomer Maggie Mulubwa.
Kinology
Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania was the only African filmmaker among the festival's official selection. It screened as part of the Un Certain Regard line up and featured actress Mariam Al Ferjani as a student raped by a police officer, who then must negotiate a maze of bureaucracy in search of justice.
"Ala Kaf Ifrit" ("Beauty and the Dogs") —
Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania was the only African filmmaker among the festival's official selection. It screened as part of the Un Certain Regard line up and featured actress Mariam Al Ferjani as a student raped by a police officer, who then must negotiate a maze of bureaucracy in search of justice.
Jour2Fete
A Swahili-language French production, "Makala" screened in competition as part of Semaine de la Critique (Critics' Week). Set in Congo, the documentary follows the story of 28-year-old Kabwita, a charcoal producer striving for a better future for his loved ones. We see him toil as he tries to sell his wares while planning to build a house with his wife, feeling every ounce of effort from its taciturn lead.
"Makala" —
A Swahili-language French production, "Makala" screened in competition as part of Semaine de la Critique (Critics' Week). Set in Congo, the documentary follows the story of 28-year-old Kabwita, a charcoal producer striving for a better future for his loved ones. We see him toil as he tries to sell his wares while planning to build a house with his wife, feeling every ounce of effort from its taciturn lead.
BATHYSPHERE
South African director Jahmil X.T Qubeka (back row, fourth from left) joined filmmakers as part of the Realisateur De L'Atelier (Directors' Workshop) program. The Atelier program, part of the Cinefondation initiative, seeks to support up and coming directors realize projects, develop skills and find contacts in the film industry. Quebeka was in Cannes to pitch his latest feature "Sew the Winter to my Skin," a film about John Kepe, a real-life Robin Hood style character in mid-20th century South Africa who lived for years out of the reach of authorities. Qubeka's previous feature "Of Good Report" hit headlines in 2013 when censors attempted to ban the film in the run up to the Durban Film Festival, where it was due to screen on the opening night.
Jahmil X.T Qubeka —
South African director Jahmil X.T Qubeka (back row, fourth from left) joined filmmakers as part of the Realisateur De L'Atelier (Directors' Workshop) program. The Atelier program, part of the Cinefondation initiative, seeks to support up and coming directors realize projects, develop skills and find contacts in the film industry. Quebeka was in Cannes to pitch his latest feature "Sew the Winter to my Skin," a film about John Kepe, a real-life Robin Hood style character in mid-20th century South Africa who lived for years out of the reach of authorities. Qubeka's previous feature "Of Good Report" hit headlines in 2013 when censors attempted to ban the film in the run up to the Durban Film Festival, where it was due to screen on the opening night.
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