13th annual Silicon Valley African Film Festival - Program Booklet

Cover

Office of Vice Mayor Charles “Chappie” Jones City of San Jose District 1

Dear Honored Guests: I would like to offer a warm and heartfelt welcome to the filmmakers, academics, government officials and other international guests who are in San Jose for the 13th Silicon Valley African Film Festival.

I would like to recognize all participants in this year’s Film Festival for filling the pivotal role in representing African film, history, and culture in not just our community, but the world. SVAFF continues to make an invaluable contribution in Silicon Valley by preserving and harboring the rich history and culture of Africa.

I hope your time here is filled with rich conversation, discovery, and appreciation for the incredibly diverse backgrounds represented in San Jose. We look forward to sharing this rare and exceptional view into the African continent with the rest of Silicon Valley.

Best Regards,

Charles “Chappie” Jones, Vice Mayor City of San Jose

200 East Santa Clara St. Fl. #, San José, CA 95112-4505 tel (408) 535-4901 www.sjdistrict1.com

STATE CAPITOL Room 4085 Sacramento, CA 94249-0020 Phone: (916) 651-4010 Fax: (916) 651-4110 DISTRICT OFFICE 39510 Paseo Padre Pkwy, St 280 Fremont, CA 94538 Phone: (510) 794-3900 E-MAIL senator.wieckowski@senate.ca.gov

CALIFORNIA STATE SENATE

WEBSITE www.sd10.senate.ca.gov

BOB WIECKOWSKI SENATOR, TENTH DISTRICT

October 14th, 2022 Honored Guests: On behalf of the 10th Senate District, I would like to welcome you to San Jose. The Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) promotes an understanding and appreciation of Africa and Africans through moving images and, crucially, provides audiences with exquisite lenses to the real Africa.

The festival has built a substantial following and become an annual destination film event in Silicon Valley that draws an international following of distinguished transcontinental visitors, Silicon Valley high tech executives, cinema buffs, academics, civic officials and diverse community supporters.

I would like to congratulate SVAFF’s organizers for its 13 successful years. I hope you enjoy your experience at the festival.

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you in the Senate.

Sincerely,

Bob Wieckowski California State Senator, 10th District BW: awm

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From Our Festival Director I welcome you to our 13th Annual Silicon Valley African Film Festival and invite you to this shared journey across the vast richness of the African Continent and its diaspora in a historic showcase of feature films, shorts and animations from Africa’s seasoned and emerging filmmakers.

This year, we celebrate 13 years of connecting Communities, Cultures and Continents with an in-person festival featuring a brilliant line-up of 102 films from 33 countries, all sharing the true stories, hopes and dreams of Africa and its diaspora. Over 50% of the films in our festival are World or North America premieres.

I am excited about the quality, range of genres and diversity of voices represented in the films we have selected. From Botswana to Brazil, Cameroon to Canada, Ghana to Guyana, Uganda to United States, our 2022 festival centers authentic stories and voices of seasoned and emerging creatives from the African continent and its diaspora.

As we continue the slow but steady come back from the global pandemic, we have designed a festival weekend program that will engage, delight, inspire, provoke and challenge our audience. Our spaces will engage audiences in thought-provoking dialogue, and offer film lovers and artists unique social and artistic visions from around the African continent and its diaspora. It is an honor to offer our community an unfiltered access to the richness, diversity and vitality of Africa’s creative expressions and provide a forum for cultural exchange.

The Silicon Valley African Film Festival has become a destination event that draws an avid international following, of distinguished transcontinental visitors, entrepreneurs, tech executives, cinema buffs, academics, civic officials, celebrities and community supporters. I welcome our Guest of Honor and 2022 Cultural Icon Award recipient Jimmy Jean-Louis and his manager, veteran Hollywood Producer, Steven Adams, to Silicon Valley. Thanks for honoring us with your presence and giving the world the gift of your talent as an actor, producer and philanthropist. You make Mama Africa proud and we wish you continued success!

Our journey from the first year to today has been long but steady as the community rallied and became the wind beneath our wings. I thank our sponsors, donors, staff, advisors, volunteers and festival attendees without whom this festival will not be possible. Special thanks to our filmmakers for sharing their talent and enriching us with their stories.

God bless!

Chike C. Nwoffiah Founding Director, Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF)

SVAFF 2022 TEAM 2022 Cultural Icon Award Recipient: Jimmy Jean-Louis Actor, producer and philanthropist Personal Assistant to Jimmy Jean-Louis: Chinedu G3 Nwoffiah Industry Guest: Steven Adams, Alta Global Media Libation Ceremony: Idowu Akinleye Performing Artists: Oriki Arts San Jose Fashion Show: Amatula Designs by Amatula Jacobs

Vendor Coordination: Shaka Bogolani

Production Manager: Karl Welch

Welfare: Jumoke Akinsola, Jum’s Kitchen

Filmmakers Liaison Manager: Frazer Wodage

Audio Visuals: Ken Davis, K-Style Productions

Media / Public Relations: Dami Oyefeso, Agile PR

Transportation: Gregg Blackmon | Chasity Shelby

Government Affairs and Protocol: Deanna Tryon, Silicon Valley Office of Protocol

Event Photography & Videography: Jamii Enterprises

Program Booklet Design: Gabriel C. Nwoffiah, Rhesus Media Group

Opening Night Photography: Katie Ravas, Drew Altizer Photography (Sponsored by Silicon Valley Office of Protocol)

T-shirts design & print: T-Shirts for the Heart & Soul

Celebrating 13 years of connecting Communities, Cultures and Continents!

Director of Business Development: Deffria Bass-Nwoffiah Director of Programs: Adolpha Cole Director of Academic Programs: Zaza Kabayadondo, PhD

Front Cover: Portrait of Princess Tutu Côte d’Ivoire | SVAFF 2022 Back Cover: Hadassah: Queen Esther USA | SVAFF 2022

Director of Partnerships: Leah Michelle Taylor Chief Technology Officer: Gabriel C. Nwoffiah III Festival Director: Chike C. Nwoffiah

International Board of Advisors: Stephen Ozigbo (USA) | Diem Jones (USA) | Deanna Tryon (USA) Dr. Esailama Artry-Diouf (USA) | Prof. Jude Akudinobi (USA) | Prof. David Anthony (USA) Diane Lima (Brazil) | Prof. Aboubakar Sanogo (Canada) | Prof. Chika Anyanwu (Australia) Dr. Mohamed Gazala (Egypt) | Dela Acolatse (Ghana) | Lucy Igbenabor (Nigeria) | Alvin Kasule (Uganda)

Cultural Icon Award

Jimmy Jean-Louis Actor, Producer and Philanthropist This award is our festival’s highest award, and is exclusively presented to individuals who have demonstrated years of dogged commitment to showcasing and uplifting the image of Africa and its diaspora through creative expressions. It is an opportunity to celebrate, honor and thank our cultural ambassadors for their inspiring work and role in sharing Africa’s story with the global community.

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Jimmy first gained a global following for his starring role in the wildly popular NBC series HEROES and was recently a series regular on CLAWS opposite Niecy Nash. Other television roles include the hit CW series ARROW, and EXTANT opposite Oscar winner Halle Berry produced by Steven Spielberg. Feature film work also includes director David O. Russell’s JOY opposite Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert DeNiro and the Russo Brothers THE GRAY MAN.

Haitian-born Jean-Louis grew up in the slums of PetitionVille until age 12 and has since gone on to become an Award winning Actor, Producer & Philanthropist, and a global cultural Ambassador to Haiti, while continuing to forge a unique career on the world stage Jimmy stars in the Netflix feature CITATION, one of the top-rated films in Nigeria, which recently won two prestigious National Film Awards in the UK. He won the prestigious African Movie Academy Award as Best Actor in Apolline Traore’s film DESRANCES. Jimmy Jean-Louis plays opposite screen legend BRUCE WILLIS in the upcoming DEVIL’S KNIGHT: ROGUE, which reunites the two actors who performed together in TEARS OF THE SUN. Jean-Louis recently wrapped a lead in the adaptation of the best selling Indian novel GOAT DAYS, directed by the award winning Blessy. He is also a lead in director Camille Delamarre’s upcoming feature ASSASSIN’S CLUB opposite Henry Golding, Roomi Nopace, Sam Neil and Daniela Melchior.

For his acclaimed turn in the title role of TOUSSAINT L’OUVERTURE, Jimmy won the Best Actor Award at the Pan African Film Festival and he was also nominated Best Actor at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. Jimmy’s global footprint includes films and series shooting in such locations as France, Algeria, England, Jordan, Indonesia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mexico, South Africa & The Dominican Republic, amongst many others, while making full use of his fluency in 5 languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian & Creole.

Jimmy Jean-Louis co-founded the Los Angeles based production company Jet Media Production in 2008. His Producing credits include the documentary films HAITI: 16:53, JIMMY GOES TO NOLLYWOOD, the upcoming JIMMY GOES TO CANNES and the feature films EVERYTHING BUT A MAN directed by Negest Likke (Phat Girlz). He also produced the neo-noir psychological thriller RATTLESNAKES directed by Julius Amedume. Jimmy is an executive producer of the movies THE CURSED ONE, THE EMPTY BOX, DESRANCES, RISE and the upcoming GOAT DAYS. Mr. Jean-Louis serves as the Haitian Ambassador at large.

PR: THEO DUMONT Alta Global Marketing, theo@altaglobalmedia.net MGMT: STEVEN ADAMS Alta Global Media, steven@altaglobalmedia.net

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Industry Guest

Steven Adams Award winning Manager/Producer Steven Adams is a Founding Partner at Alta Global Media where he represents and produces with talent, writer/directors and international media companies.

Clients include JIMMY JEAN-LOUIS, ROGER GUENVEUR SMITH, TAMARA TUNIE, JAMES DUMONT, PEDRO ALONSO, LUKA PEROS & VERENA ALTENBERGER amongst others.

Adams is a producer on the Netflix Original adaptation of Roger Guenveur Smith’s solo performance piece RODNEY KING and the Peabody Award winning A HUEY P NEWTON STORY for Starz, both directed by Academy Award winner Spike Lee. Adams recently served as an Executive Producer on GOAT DAYS by top Indian director Blessy, which just wrapped production in India, Jordan and Algeria, REDEMPTION DAY, starring Andy Garcia shot in Morocco, and ZERO which shot in Dakar, directed by Jean Luc Herbulot.

Adams was VFX Executive Producer with Paris-based VFX house BUF for 4 years. His credits there include such Academy Award winners as James Cameron’s AVATAR, Ang Lee’s LIFE OF PI, THOR for Marvel Studios, as well as GREEN LANTERN, GREEN HORNET, Stephen Sommers’ ODD THOMAS, and Tim Burton’s DARK SHADOWS. Steven was also VFX Executive Producer for French VFX house Digital District whose credits include the Academy Award winning features THE ARTIST & THE INTOUCHABLES. As a partner in Luna Ray Media, Adams produced the Peabody Award winning A HUEY P NEWTON STORY, directed by Spike Lee, the first Starz original Production. Other indie credits with

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Luna Ray include GOD’S WAITING LIST, JUSTICE and BURNING SHADOWS, and the Sundance indie pilot IT’S NOT ABOUT JIMMY KEENE. Television credits also include 3 seasons as Consultant on THE CULTURE CLASH SHOW. An accomplished host, Adams is a moderator for the Motion Picture Academy and the podcast F IS FOR FILM. He is also a frequent public speaker and moderator at Cannes, NATPE, Sundance, Toronto, Content London amongst many others.

Steven began his career at the Paradigm Talent and Literary Agency and Landmark Artist Management. He was President of Filmpro Finance, developing US business opportunities for international film finance companies.

He is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television, the Producers Guild of America, the Television Academy, an Advisory Board member of Content London, The Durban Filmmart and The Catalyst Content Festival. Adams serves as Board Chair for the Oscar qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival.

Opening Night Film

A Second Life TUNISIA

A Second Life is the first feature film for Tunisian film director Anis Lassoued. Anis obtained his director’s diploma from the Institut Maghrébin de Cinéma (IMC), Tunis and the University of Tor Vergata, Rome. From 1994 to 2010, he was first assistant director and production manager in several Tunisian and international films and shot several documentary films for TV channels NHK, TV5, Aljazeera children, etc.

His 2006 short film Saba Flouss gained acclaim and awards at several international film festivals, including International Short Film Festival Oberhausen, Cinémas du MondeCannes, Muhr Award in DIFF, UAE 2006, Gold Cairo in 2007 Cairo International Film Festival for Children. His 2012 short film, Sabbat El Aïd (My Shoes), won the prestigious Poulain d’Or & Best African film at FESPACO in 2013.

Lassoued is the co-founder of the Tunisian based production company Lumières Films.

He is also a consultant in development of cinema programs for GIZ, Euromed and CIFEJ. In 2016, he received the Tunisian National Award for the Protection of Children’s Rights for his cinematographic work defending Children’s Rights.

In the absence of the father, the life becomes devoid of taste and color, and the fate of “Gadeha”, 12 years, becomes dependent on a fateful coincidence that gives him a chance for a second, brighter life, but he has to pay for that life.

93 minutes / 2022 Narrative Feature Director: Anis Lassoued Country: Tunisia FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 8PM (THEATRE)

Director: Anis Lassoued 13TH SILICON VALLEY AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

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Narrative Feature A Second Life Friday | 8PM | Theatre

BEDROOM CHAINS Saturday | 7:30PM | Theatre

93 minutes / 2022 Narrative Feature Director: Anis Lassoued Country: Tunisia

93 minutes / 2022 Narrative Feature Director: Hassan Mageye Country: Uganda

In the absence of the father, the life becomes devoid of taste and color, and the fate of “Gadeha”, 12 years, becomes dependent on a fateful coincidence that gives him a chance for a second, brighter life, but he has to pay for that life.

Crystal-Countless Misfortune Sunday | 12PM | Theatre 94 minutes / 2022 Narrative Feature Director: LEONARD AMANYA Country: Uganda

A teenage girl succumbs to abuse at her new school after her parents’ death but her bravely and confidence turn her into an inspiration before her adversaries.

Destin Tracé Saturday | 6PM | Studio 2 83 minutes / 2022 Narrative Feature Director: Carlo Lechea Country: Congo, DRC

After seven years in prison, Tomi is preparing to regain his freedom. In the cell, he is close to Manu, an old man who becomes his mentor and tries to put him on the right path for his release.

Dirt Roads Sunday | 5:15PM | Studio 2 100 minutes / 2019 Narrative Feature Director: ENAH JOHNSCOTT Country: Cameroon

Kimberly, a fast rising and overambitious songstress jilts her Producer boyfriend, Jason for a “bigger” deal... She becomes the prey of her own blunder as she loses her spot to Kadhija, the studio cleaner.

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NATASHA is an extrovert, born and raised amidst hatred and rejection from her father because she is a girl. She is sold by her father to the Indians who later were expelled by IDD Amin Dadda. Her return unfolds a mysterious unexpected movement of liberation for the women in Uganda, not that even her death could not stop her ambitions.

Dark Beauty Friday | 4PM | Studio 1 75 minutes / 2022 Narrative Feature Director: Germain Atabe Ayum Country: South Africa

Zobuhle sits in class but her mind is not here. While others enjoy the exciting lectures of their charismatic History teacher, Zobuhle’s mind is at home, filled with pictures of abusive moments by her own mother. In school, she is bullied by her classmates, especially Keith - the famous campus dancer. The school organizes a dance competition with a cash price for the ultimate winner. Keith and other classmates are excited to compete, but not Zobuhle - due to low self-esteem. Most of Zobuhle’s time is spent alone, dancing and learning to dance.

One day, after receiving insults from her classmates, Zobuhle decides to express her frustrations. She ends up getting humiliated by Keith and other classmates.

Final round Sunday | 12PM | Studio 1 83 minutes / 2021 Narrative Feature Director: Mohamed Fekrane Country: Morocco

Rashid is a teenage orphan boy who dreams of becoming a world famous boxer, with is orphan friend Salek. They box every day of bets to save up enough money to smuggle into Europe, escaping their shabby life in Morocco. However, to realize their dream, they have to endure exploitation from adults and overcome fraud. Eventually, the boys arrive in Tangier in northern Morocco, a few kilometers from Spain. On their way, they meet Illy, a boy who dreams of becoming a footballer. The three boys try to go to Spain together.

NARRATIVE FEATURE

Graine Sunday | 2PM | Studio 2

The Hail Mary Saturday | 6PM | Theatre

93 minutes / 2021 Narrative Feature Director: OUEDRAOGO Alimata Country: Burkina Faso

50 minutes / 2021 Narrative Feature Director: Nnamdi Kanaga Country: United States

Sybia, a forty-year-old architect from Ouagadougou, has been trying for years to have a child with her husband, a rich Burkinabè entrepreneur, but in vain. After several miscarriages, Sybia decides to adopt a baby in order to achieve her greatest ambition: to become a mother. The trial of this family tragedy quickly became the platform for opponents of excision and the rights defenders of women’s rights to dispose of their bodies.

Sybia then decides to lead this fight, for her, for the memory of her daughter, and for all women.

The Intruder Saturday | 7:30PM | Studio 2 68 minutes / 2022 Narrative Feature Director: Philipo Ngonyani Country: Tanzania

Five siblings are brought back under the same roof after their father’s passing, with a deadly intruder roaming their halls and no way out they are forced to face the truth, the intruder, and worse, each other.

Fighting his own personal demons, war veteran Darius moves to Montana in an attempt to repair his relationship with his grown son, Terrell. On a day significant to both, they confront their differences.

Your Turn Saturday | 11AM | Theatre 80 minutes / 2022 Narrative Feature Director: Kizito Samuel Saviour Country: Uganda

A University journalism graduate and aspiring human rights activist, Melissa, is drastically introduced to the world of success and elites after meeting the handsome, rich, seemingly endearing and conniving Mugenyi. As her social status soars, her private life is made a whirlwind of grey emotions.

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Documentary Feature Afrikan By Way of American Saturday | 11AM | Studio 2 45 minutes / 2021 Documentary feature Director: Theo M Moore, II Country: United States

The Hiztorical Vision Productions (HVP) team, with the assistance of the Africatown community, tells the story of the legacy and future of the Africatown community in Mobile, Alabama. The film highlights many unsung heroes that played a pivotal role and contributing to this unique African settlement.

Jeanne Duval, Belle d’Abandon Sunday | 2PM | Studio 1 44 minutes / 2022 Documentary feature length Director: Karine Edowiza Country: France

In Paris, who remembers Jeanne Duval? Let us look for it, in the streets of Paris, in the poems of Charles Baudelaire, in the paintings of artists. Let us give a voice to the one who shared seventeen years of the poet’s life.

Operation Lights Out The Story of Canairelief Sunday | 5:15PM | Theatre 90 minutes / 2021 Documentary feature length Director: Angela Onuora Country: Canada

A historical documnentary project about the Biafran Airlift – a massive and epochal Non-Governmental War Relief Effort, and the specific role played by CANAIRELIEF (led mainly by members of The Presbyterian Church in Canada), in contributing to saving an estimated 1 million lives.

The Zone Friday | 4PM | Studio 2 78 minutes / 2021 Documentary feature length Director: Tovoniaina Rasoanaivo Country: Madagascar

In Antananarivo, a hundred young boys are imprisoned in a specific area for minors. A cinema workshop is organized there.

The young prisoners develop film ideas, they tell their stories.

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Haiti Is A Nation Of Artists Saturday | 1PM | Theatre 50 minutes / 2022 Documentary feature Director: Jacquil Constant Country: United States

Haiti Is A Nation Of Artists tells the story of Haitian artists creating transformational art after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010. The documentary depicts the humanity of Haitian culture through the lens of a HaitianAmerican filmmaker who seeks to uplift the rich diversity of Haiti and its historical legacy.

No Simple Way Home Sunday | 3:30PM | Studio 1 85 minutes / 2022 Documentary feature Director: Akuol de Mabior Country: South Sudan

In East Africa, Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior is known as the mother of South Sudan. The country gained independence in 2011 and has been at war for most of its short history. Rebecca’s greatest fear is that her husband, John Garang, along with millions of South Sudanese people died in vain. After years in exile, a fragile peace agreement plants the possibility for her to do something about the precarious situation in the country.

Meanwhile, Rebecca’s daughter Akuol is struggling to come to terms with what it means to call herself South Sudanese because she was born and raised in exile. She decides to follow her mother from behind the camera and is forced to come to terms with her own fears.

When Women Speak Saturday | 7:30PM | Studio 1 105 minutes / 2022 Documentary feature length Director: Aseye Kokui Tamakloe Country: Ghana

When Women Speak is a documentary film that challenges perceptions that Ghanaian women’s activism around existential, and political issues are of more recent or western origin.

The film, shot entirely in Ghana, traces a cohort of 16 women who came of age in the 1960s & 1970s and catalogues their experiences, in their own words, as Ghana passed through periods of single-party, military and multi-party rule.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

The Bronze Men of Cameroon Sunday | 2PM | Theatre 55 minutes / 2020 Documentary feature length Director: Florence Ayisi Country: Cameroon

The Bronze Men of Cameroon’ is an intimate portrait of a community of bronze artisans in Foumban, the ‘City of Arts’.

Bronze casting is a valued cultural heritage of the Bamum People in the Western Region of Cameroon. This film presents bronze craftsmen at work. It presents rare insights into their expertise in producing unique bronze sculptures that are inscribed with symbolic images and narratives of collective memory, identity and the Bamum character.

Silence... on Tourne Saturday | 1PM | Studio 1 69 minutes / 2022 Documentary feature length Director: Rita El Quessar Country: Morocco

The camera is ready and the interview begins. Azzeddine and Abderrahmane, two men from disadvantaged neighbourhoods, are shooting their first film. They interview people with a difficult past who have agreed to speak out. In front of the camera, these people talk about their lives, which have been tainted by the prison environment and violence. They tell their regrets, their shame, the flaws that allowed them to build themselves and, finally, to start dreaming. Skatt is a story within a story. An invisible camera that spent a few months in a rehabilitation centre to capture the improbable encounter between two young people who are trying to dream against all odds.

No U-Turn Saturday | 2:30PM | Studio 1 94 minutes / 2022 Documentary feature Director: Ike Nnabue Country: Nigeria

Ike Nnaebue, a renowned Nollywood director, goes back to the path he took at the dawn of his adult life when he wanted to reach Europe. In 1998. Ike decided to leave with his three friends to try the great adventure. Their plan was simple: head for Cotonou in Benin, then Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, until Tangiers in Morocco, the gateway to Europe. But in Bamako, an encounter with a stranger who told him about the dangers of the road led to the end of his journey. Ike never made it to Europe. Returning to Nigeria without money was not an option, so he spent two years in The Gambia working in some theatre and film productions. Today, when social networks and television flood us with images of servitude, pain and atrocities that make it impossible to ignore the dangers of the road, Ike Nnaebue embarks on this journey again to try to understand what drives so many young African men and women to migrate today. A road movie through the landscapes and cultures of West Africa that puts into perspective the realities experienced by young people in Africa today. By recounting their journey, the director brings his own to life in his first feature-length documentary.

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OPENING CEREMONIES Parade of flags Libation ceremony African dance performance Welcome remarks Recognition Icon Awards Opening Night Films: OWBA COOCOO (Slave Ship) | 7 mins | Nigeria A Second Life | 95 mins | Tunisia * Post-screening dialogue with filmmaker

Theatre

Theatre Your Turn | Narrative | Uganda | 80 mins*

BLVCK GOLD | Narrative | Australia | 19 mins Have I Told you that I love You? | Narrative | France | 19 mins Eating Pawpaw on the Seashore | Narrative | Guyana | 20 mins Mother Earth | Narrative | Equatorial Guinea | 20 mins

Music is my Refuge | Doc | Senegal | 29 mins

Studio 2 Entrepreneurs of Color | Doc | Portugal | 35 mins Afrikan By Way of American | Doc | USA | 45 mins

The Zone | Doc| Madagascar | 78 mins

Food vendors

Networking sessions

Live performances

African Marketplace

Open all day:

Courtyard / Front lawn

Opening Night mixer

Red Carpet Walk / Photos Food and Beverage – East/West African cuisine Live performance

Studio 2 Courtyard / Lobby The Star | Congo DRC | 14 mins CAI-BER | Egypt | 17 mins Stay in the Light | Brazil | 20 mins The Sound of Sugar Cane Flowers | Reunion/France | 21 mins

Studio 1 Africa Animated 1 For Tigray | Ethiopia | 4 mins The Underestimated Villain | Ghana | 6 mins The Pyramid| Egypt | 7 mins Three Teaspoons of Sugar | S. Africa | 14 mins Big Dreams-A Tale of Resilience | Doc | Nigeria | 30 mins

Dark Beauty | Narrative | S. Africa | 75 mins

Studio 1 The Egg | Narrative | Brazil | 22 mins Opal | Animation | Martinique | 85 mins

12:30PM Night Skies | Narrative | USA | 10 mins* Àyàn: Traditional Yoruba Drum Making | Doc| Nigeria | 13 mins* 1PM Dagmar| Doc | Brazil | 3 mins* Young Phoenix | Doc | Botswana | 6 mins Haiti is Africa| Doc | USA | 4 mins Superheroes Wear Hoodies | Doc | UK | 10 mins Breaking the Chains | Doc | Canada | 9 mins * Silence… on Tourne | Doc | Morocco | 69 mins Haiti is a Nation of Artists | Doc | USA | 50 mins * Post-screening dialogue with filmmakers

TIME 11AM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2022

10PM

8PM

7PM

6:25PM 6:30PM

4PM 5:30PM

TIME 2PM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022

Screening Schedule (subject to change)

13TH SILICON VALLEY AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL

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Studio 2 Douleur Silencieuse | Narrative | France | 11 mins Portrait of Princess Tutu | Narrative | Côte d'Ivoire | 11 mins Jenny &. The Betjies | Narrative | S. Africa | 33 mins Intermission | Narrative | Nigeria | 20 mins Graine | Narrative | Burkina Faso | 93 mins

Lindela Under Lockdown | Doc | S. Africa | 8 mins The Intruder | Narrative | Tanzania | 68 mins

The Catch Up | Narrative | UK | 6 mins Destin Trace | Narrative | Congo DRC | 83 mins

Santos (Discovering El Zatoun Hiphop culture) | Doc | Egypt | 9 mins Amagama ka Nokutela | Narrative | S. Africa | 10 mins Love Languages | Doc | UK | 13 mins Joy’s Garden | Narrative | Kenya | 14 mins Ijo: A Love Story | Narrative | Nigeria | 15 mins

Soul to Feed | Doc | Brazil | 16 mins Africa Animated 2: Life Note | Narrative | Tunisia | 19 mins Kasi Riders | S. Africa | 6 mins Jeanne Duval, Belle d’Abandon | Doc | France | 44 mins Emily and the Panhandler | Uganda | 7 mins She Flies Again | USA | 13 mins Moremi The Epic Battle | Nigeria | 25 mins The Blouse | Narrative | USA | 7 mins My Name is Patience | Doc | Zimbabwe | 10 mins No Simple Way Home | Doc | S. Sudan | 85 mins One Nice Dress | Narrative | Egypt | 10 mins Be Somebody | Narrative | Ethiopia | 15 mins Paths of Wrath | Narrative | Morocco | 18 mins Half Soul | Narrative | Tunisia | 23 mins Our Story | Narrative | USA | 6 mins Clippers | Narrative | Nigeria | 11 mins The Power is Yours | Narrative | France | 7 mins Dirt Roads | Narrative | Cameroon | 100 mins Mpululu Majotia| Doc | Botswana | 9 mins The Novelist | Narrative | S. Africa | 14 mins The Forests of a Desert Land | Doc | Namibia | 12 mins

Why is it Difficult to Understand Women | Narrative | Mozambique | 5 mins Final Round | Narrative | Morocco | 83 mins

Studio 1 Magicland | Narrative | Nigeria | 3 mins 15 Years Later | Narrative | USA | 16 mins Astel | Narrative | Senegal | 24 mins

7:30PM AWARDS / CLOSING CEREMONY * Filmmaker in attendance. Post-screening dialogue after screening.

5:15PM

3:30PM

Operation Lights Out | Doc | Canada | 90 mins *

King of the Street | Narrative | Ethiopia | 5 mins * Plus One | Narrative | USA | 9 mins* Crystal | Narrative | Uganda | 94 mins* Pressed | Narrative | USA | 6 mins * Straight, Yet Narrow | Narrative | USA | 18 mins* The Bronze Men of Cameroon | Doc | Cameroon | 55 mins * Second Wind | Narrative | Canada | 12 mins* In the Stillness | Narrative | Nigeria | 24 mins* Nobuntu | Experimental | S. Africa | 40 mins*

12PM

2PM

Theatre

TIME 11AM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2022

Quarantine Chronicles | Doc | USA | 12 mins* No U-Turn | Doc | Nigeria | 94 mins PUSH | Narrative | Zimbabwe/USA | 15 mins* Zohar | Narrative | Morocco | 18 mins * Hadassah: Queen Esther | Narrative | USA | 25 mins* Post-screening dialogue with filmmakers 4PM Centerpiece: Panel Discussion | Fashion Show 6PM Retreat | Narrative | UK | 8 mins * A Better Friend | Narrative | Ghana | 9 mins 50 Piastres | Doc | France | 21 mins Akwụna | Narrative | USA | 15 mins * The Golden Seeds | Doc | Ghana | 21 mins The Hail Mary | Narrative | USA | 50 mins * Tender Threads |Narrative | Morocco | 25 mins Post-screening dialogue with filmmakers 7:30PM Bedroom Chains | Narrative | Uganda | 93 mins * When Women Speak | Doc | Ghana | 105 mins Post-screening dialogue with filmmaker * Filmmaker in attendance. Post-screening dialogue after screening.

2:30PM

Food vendors

Networking sessions

Live performances

African Marketplace

Open all day:

Courtyard / Front lawn

Food vendors

Networking sessions

Live performances

African Marketplace

Open all day:

Animation Emily And The Panhandler Sunday | 2PM | Studio 2

For Tigray Saturday | 11AM | Studio 1

8 Minutes / 2022 Animation Director: Joseph Kitone Country: Uganda

4 minutes / 2021 Animation Director: Gabrielle Tesfaye Country: Ethiopia

When a panhandler is ignored by a hopeful teacher, he decides to give her a lesson in respect.

Kasi Riders Sunday| 2PM | Studio 2 6 minutes / 2021 Animation Director: Myles Mlombo Country: South Africa

On November 4th, 2020, Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed declared a genocidal war on Tigray, the northernmost regional state of Ethiopia. His administration has limited and blocked access to electricity, aid, food, and water for millions of Tigrayan civilians. Through a conflict so saturated in political debates, For Tigray looks through the lenses of the people. From life before the war, and the collective future on the horizon.

Moremi: The Epic Battle Sunday | 2PM | Studio 2

Thuso, a teen engineering wiz, has recently lost her father - a mechanical engineer with a knack for inventing. While packing his old work garage she discovers his latest unfinished project - a top secret interactive robot car. Still reeling from her loss Thuso decides to finish what her father started. Can she do it?

OPAL Friday | 2PM | Studio 1 85 minutes / 2021 Animation Director Alan Bidard Country: Martinique

Once upon a time a magic kingdom where summer lasted forever and where the animals and the inhabitants were immortal. The source of all magic was a young princess called Opal. Legends said that her joy would bring wonders and prosperity to the kingdom. But her sadness would only bring chaos and darkness…

The Pyramid Saturday | 11AM | Studio 1 7 minutes / 2021 Animation Director: Mohamed Ghazala Country: Egypt

An ancient Egyptian tried to build an upside-down pyramid.

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25 minutes / 2022 Animation Directors: Faith Olatunde Olasehinde, Oreoluwa Timothy David | Country: Nigeria

Moremi: The Epic Battle is a 3D animated short film that relives and reimagines the legendary act of Queen Moremi of the Ife Kingdom in Nigeria, in a form that is presentable to our young generation.

It’s a story of Love It’s a story of Courage It’s a story of Sacrifice It’s a folklore reimagined.

She Flies Again Sunday | 2PM | Studio 2 14 minutes / 2022 Animation Director: Joy Shannon Country: United States

In the colorful world of talking seagulls, She Flies Again centers around a young, Black seagull with dreams and wings, so shattered that she stops flying. Years later, her passion to pursue her dreams is reignited and with wounded wings and all, she somehow flies again!

ANIMATION

The Underestimated Villain Saturday | 11AM | Studio 1

Three Teaspoons Of Sugar Saturday | 11AM | Studio 1 14 minutes / 2019 Animation Directors: Kabelo “Cabblow” Maaka, Dr Tshepo P. Maaka Country: South Africa

6 minutes / 2021 Animation Director: Comfort Arthur Country: Ghana

Many Ghanaians are aware of this night-biter living amongst them, yet they still choose to ignore the danger. Anopheles, nicknamed Ghana’s smallest serial killer, gives a self-indulgent speech mocking humans for how they so easily let her control their lives.

In a household where meal times are a delightful feast full of bonding, fellowship & good eating, 3 members of this tight knit family are diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. 3 Teaspoons of Sugar chronicles their individual experiences living with Diabetes - the highs, lows, defeats, victories and lessons.

Inspired by real events and real people.

“The filmmakers here at Silicon Valley African Film Festival represent a new vision and paradigm on the continent.”

Danny Glover, Hollywood Actor, Producer & Political Activist.

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Documentary Short 50 Piastres Saturday | 6PM | Studio 1 21 minutes / 2021 Documentary short Director: Aia Ali Country: Egypt

It has been six years since I went back to Egypt. With the help of a 50 piastres banknote, my homeland is revisited, and through my relatives and our story, I question our relation to the country.

Big Dreams-A tale of resilience Saturday | 12:30PM |Studio 1 30 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: Twamsan Danaan Country: Nigeria

Jerry Mallo, a young Agricultural machine fabricator takes us on the journey of his struggles to fullfil his childhood dream of making a sport car.

Dagmar Saturday | 1PM | Theatre 3 minutes / 2021 Documentary short Director: Elton Luz Country: Brazil

Dagmar is a short story about a lady who lives in the north of Bahia, Brazil, where her profession keeps alive one of the ancient arts: the manual creation of clay utensils. Known to everyone in the city and surrounding regions, this lady shows us a different, intimate perspective on how her art saves her family from an even more vulnerable economic situation and is a living heritage of Belmonte’s history and culture.

Lindela Under Lockdown Saturday | 7:30PM | Studio 2 8 minutes / 2020 Documentary short Director: Sihle Hlophe Country: South Africa

During level 5 of the national lockdown a Congolese man is detained at Lindela, the largest facility for the holding of undocumented migrants in South Africa. In an effort to expose the gross Human Rights violations that he is subjected to, and the lack of safety regulations around Covid-19, he leaks cell phone video footage to his older brother on the outside.

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Àyàn: Traditional Yoruba Drum Making Saturday | 12:30PM |Theatre 13 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: Colins Akpapunami Country: Nigeria

“Àyán” explores the art of traditional drum making in Iseyin, a sleepy town in the outskirts of Ibadan, (the cradle of Yoruba civilization in Yoruba land) of Nigeria. Told through the lens of a family of master drum makers, the documentary takes us through the intricate drum making process and the multiple uses for each drum, as well as the significance of each sound emanating from different drums.

Breaking The Chains Saturday | 1PM | Theatre 9 minutes / 2021 Documentary short Director: Nitsé Mathelier Country: Canada

A Haitian-born dancer immigrated to Canada. She finds through Haitian Traditional Dance a means to affirm her identity, reconnect with her culture, and country of origin. Two dancers of Haitian background accompany her in this quest.

They share their experience, connection with drums, and their understanding of the Ibo rhythm. Through their dancing, these three dancers acknowledge the freeing powerful emotion that comes with the Ibo rhythm, the necessity to break down the stereotypes that bind us. KASE CHENN is a personal thought process. A statement and celebration of our cultural heritage.

Entrepreneurs of Colour Saturday | 11AM | Studio 2 35 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: Sami Haraketi Country: Portugal

This short film elevates the stories of several entrepreneurs of colour in Lisbon, as well as individuals who support them and are passionate about the cause for diversity. The documentary style film highlights their view of the Lisbon entrepreneurial ecosystem, showcasing their wins and their challenges within the ecosystem. The goal of the short film is to inspire entrepreneurs of colour in Europe and to inspire change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

DOCUMENTARY SHORT

Love Languages Saturday | 2:30PM | Studio 2 13 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: Jason Osborne Country: United Kingdom

Mpululu Majotia (Ululate Mrs Jotia) Sunday | 5:15PM | Studio 1 9 minutes / 2021 Documentary short Directors: Fumani Eddie Tekere, Lynett Hugs Country: Botswana

Afro-Caribbean barbershops tend to provide a safe space for the black male community. They are environments charged with boisterous hilarity and touching honesty in equal measure.

With the barber’s chair acting as a makeshift therapist’s couch, Love Languages is a nuanced and intimate portrayal of these conversations as six black men share their personal experiences of love and loss through emotive introspection, whilst challenging perceptions of their identity and black masculinity.

Mpululu Majotia emanates from a traditional Kalanga folktale about this woman who was a great Ululate. Fast forward to the year 2021 a young Miss World contestant from Botswana, during one of her skill challenges exhibits a stellar Ululation that had the pageantry world on edge. This set inspired the production of the 9minute documentary on Ululation by Director Mr Fumani Eddie Tekere.

Music is my Refuge Saturday | 12:30PM|Studio 2

My Name Is Patience Sunday | 3:30PM | Studio 2

29 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: Thierno Seydou Nouro Sy Country: Senegal

10 minutes / 2021 Documentary short Director: Gregory Louis Sibanda Country: Zimbabwe

Through music, Mariama NIASS (Lady Nancy) was able to find the strength and joy of life while being a wife and mother.

Quarantine Chronicles Saturday | 2:30PM | Theatre 12 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: Denise Khumalo Country: United States

A documentary that shows how the pandemic affected People of Colour in Los Angeles and how they navigated to keep themselves inspired and productive.

Soul to Feed Sunday | 2PM | Studio 1 16 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: Daniel Tupinambá Country: Brazil

The journey of a black singer and her creative process during the 2020 quarantine. All her questions, her stream of consciousness and the way to survive through art. Music that feeds the soul.

Between 1983 and 1987, the Zimbabwean government deployed the North Korean trained Fifth Brigade into the Southern region of the country to carry out a genocide. In 2010, Owen Maseko, a visual artist from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, made an exhibition about the atrocities, it was titled “Sibathontisele”.

He was arrested within 24 hours, while the exhibition was banned for five years. Eleven years later Maseko revisits the exhibition with poet Philani A. Nyoni.

Santos (Discovering El Zatoun Hiphop culture) Saturday | 2:30PM | Studio 2 9 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: Mustafa Hisham Attalla Country: Egypt

Despite how recognized it is in the whole world since ages, Hiphop has only spread significantly in Egypt recently. But before that rapid spread, which clearly escalated in 2019. There were many underground hip-hop artists, whether on the Internet or rap battle business, but they did not receive the appropriate appreciation at the time, and one of the neighbourhoods which had a good reputation in that field is El-Zatoun neighbourhood.

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DOCUMENTARY SHORT

Superheroes Wear Hoodies Saturday | 1PM | Studio 1

The Forests of a Desert Land Sunday | 5:15PM | Studio 1

10 minutes / 2021 Documentary short Director: Jason Osborne Country: United Kingdom

12 minutes / 2021 Documentary short Director: Tim Huebschle Country: Namibia

A group of British Black youths from one of London’s most notorious estates defy public perception by supporting their local community when they needed it the most. Not all superheroes wear capes. Sometimes they come dressed in hoodies.

The Golden Seeds Saturday | 6PM | Studio 1 22 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Director: David Boanuh Country: Ghana

A story of hope, dreams, and yes, also hardships.. a story of the cocoa industry, as told by the farmers themselves. Beautifully captured by Ghanaian filmmaker David Boanuh in this short documentary celebrating a fresh, West African perspective.

Brought to you by Tony’s Chocolonely, because every story has multiple voices, and a more equitable future is only possible when every voice is heard.

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Our planet’s most ancient desert calls Namibia its home. Far removed from the mighty sea of sand, there are luscious forests withstanding the arid land. But these forests are under attack.

Told through the eyes of a school girl, a marathon runner and an old farmer, these stories remind us that life in a desert land requires the shadow of a tree.

Young Phoenix Saturday | 1PM (Studio 1 6 minutes / 2022 Documentary short Directors: Jenny H Ledikwe, Isaac Marumo Country: Botswana

Three young adults share their struggle with anxiety, depression, and alcoholism while battling to promote mental well-being among their peers. Poignant metaphoric visuals and poetic narrative uniquely portray the symptoms and emotions of these mental health conditions with an aim of destigmatization. From their darkest moments to their search for help, the film illustrates that there is light at the end of the tunnel and support is closer than you think.

Narrative Short 15 Years Later Sunday | 11AM | Studio 1

A Better Friend Saturday | 6PM | Studio 1

17 minutes / 2022 Director: Sally Thitu Muiruri Country: United States

9 minutes / 2021 Director: Jumic Emma Anderson Country: Ghana

A Kenyan woman reunites with her daughter in the United States, after a long 15-year separation. The reunion is laced with feelings of betrayal and abandonment.

A short teen drama, melodrama that exploits love in its purest form through the eyes of two teenagers. That innocent inclusiveness it can be built upon.

Akwụna Saturday | 6PM | Theatre

Amagama ka Nokutela Saturday | 2:30PM | Studio 2

15 minutes / 2022 Director: Oluyinka Davids Country: United States

10 minutes / 2022 Director: Zimisele Ngubane Country: South Africa

Set behind the backdrop of modern-day America, Ebere chooses survival above everything else, including herself.

Astel Sunday | 11AM | Studio 1 24 minutes / 2021 Director: Ramata-Toulaye SY Country: Senegal

It’s October, the end of the rainy season in Fouta, an isolated region in the north of Senegal. Astel (13) accompanies her father every day in the bush. Together, they look after their herd of cows. But one day, in the middle of the desert, the meeting between the young girl and a shepherd disrupts the peaceful daily life between Astel and her father.

BLVCK GOLD Saturday | 1PM | Studio 2 19 minutes / 2021 Director: Ez Eldin Deng Country: Australia

Tormented about his past by ongoing nightmares, amateur athlete Tino uses running as a way to escape old wounds. His attempts are foiled when a childhood friend – Frederick, who is fresh out of prison – reconnects with him and, seeking to redeem himself, presents Tino with a plan and a mysterious object wrapped in a paper bag.

‘Amagama ka Nokutela’ (Nokutela’s words/names) is a South African women collective’s homage to Nokutela Mdima-Dube (1873-1917), a pioneering newspaper and school co-founder, educator, philanthropist, activist, musician and essayist.

‘Amagama ka Nokutela’ is a tribute to one of the ‘Hidden Figures’ behind the success of ANC and whose self-sacrifice and leadership is a great source of inspiration for all African women.

Be Somebody Sunday | 3:30PM | Studio 2 15 minutes / 2022 Director: Edelawit Hussien Country: Ethiopia

Be Somebody is a meditation on culture, society, and selfexploration set against a backdrop of a metropolitan city experiencing a renaissance. The short narrative film follows three Addis Ababa-based teenage boys as they embark on a road trip to Lake Langano. Throughout this journey, they must navigate cultural differences and shifting societal expectations that ask them to engage with ways of being that are not their own.

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NARRATIVE SHORT

CAI-BER Friday | 2PM | Studio 2

CLIPPERS Sunday | 5:15PM | Studio 2

17 minutes / 2021 Director: Ahmed Abdelsalam Country: Egypt

11 minutes / 2022 Director: Gbenga Adeoti Country: Nigeria

Hours before her one way trip out, Nour‘s last night in Cairo turns to be a troublesome journey of struggle with a patriarchal society and a fight within to keep her hidden secret.

Douleur Silencieuse / Silent Pain Sunday | 11AM | Studio 2 11 minutes / 2022 Director: Aïssa Diaby Country: France

In a traditional West African family, Ami, a studious and discreet 17 year-old, suffers from an oppressive secret. One evening, as the whole family comes together during dinner, Ami decides not to let it go any longer.

Hadassah: Queen Esther Saturday | 2:30PM | Theatre 25 minutes / 2021 Director: Ira Mallory Country: United States

Queen Esther faces off with the woman she is set to replace on the royal throne in twenty-four hours: Queen Vashti. This leads to a remarkable meeting never explored in the history books.

Half Soul Sunday | 3:30PM | Studio 2 23 minutes / 2021 Director: Trabelsi Marwen Country: Tunisia

In a world materialized and devoid of humanity the sale of souls becomes a very successful business, suicidal offers their souls against a monetary value offered to their family, it is the fantastic story of a father who is obliged to sell his soul to save the life of his dying baby girl.

Jumoke Shonaiyan, a foremost and only female barber in her community, borrows money to fund the expansion plans for her barbershop, Clippers. Her decision to mentor a pickpocket leads to a boycott of her shop and presents a dilemma.

Eating Papaw on the Seashore Saturday | 1PM | Studio 2 19 minutes / 2022 Directors: R. Wiltshire, N. Layne Country: Guyana

A coming-of-age film about two queer Guyanese boys, who are navigating their feelings in a homophobic society.

Haiti Is Africa Saturday | 1PM | Theatre 4 minutes / 2021 Director: Issouf Baguignan Country: United States

Haiti is Africa explores the relationship between Haiti, other African countries and the rest of the world.

Have I Told You That I Love You? Saturday | 1PM | Studio 2 19 minutes / 2022 Director: Ciomara Morais Country: Portugal

“Já Te Disse Que Te Amo?” or “Have I Told You That I love You?” is a short movie about a couple, based in Lisbon. Sara is the owner and CEO of a life style magazine, André is the CEO of a large business group based in Zurich. Their love is strong, as their secrets.

Ijo: A Love Story Saturday | 2:30PM | Studio 2 15 minutes / 2021 Director: Fatimah Binta Gimsay Country: Nigeria

Meaning dance in the Yoruba language, Ijo is a Nigerian tale of love and hurt as a depressed young man seeks closure and healing through dance after a lover’s quarrel.

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NARRATIVE SHORT

In the Stillness Sunday | 3:30PM | Theatre

Intermission Sunday | 12PM | Studio 2

24 minutes / 2022 Director: Naira Adedeji Country: United States

21 minutes / 2022 Directors: Famous Odion Iraoya, Chidozie C. Ahaiwe Country: Nigeria

Two creative entrepreneurs struggle to maintain their passion and identities. The blossoming romance turns volatile when the pair is suddenly thrust into the spotlight and a family heirloom becomes a vengeance tool. “In the Stillness” explores themes of loss/death, mental health, domestic violence, ethnocultural sensitivity, and self-discovery.

Jenny & the Betjies Sunday | 11AM | Studio 2 33 minutes / 2022 Directors: Melissa De Vries-Joseph, Marlon Du Plooy, Angelo Cloete Country: South Africa

In this feel-good film, out of work actress, Jenny (played by Melissa De Vries) begrudgingly takes a job preparing the students of Elizabethfontein Primer Prep for the upcoming Riel Dance Competition. Before long the students help Jenny find her true purpose.

King of the street Sunday | 12PM | Theatre 5 minutes / 2022 Director: Mantegaftot Sileshi Siyoum Country: Ethiopia

KING OF THE STREET is an ironic description of a little, poor boy on the street in the city garbage who wakes up from the sudden heavy rain at night from living a decent life in his dream and runs for shelter. He encounters two rowdy robbers and saves a young couple by informing the ambush to their family.

But he cannot make sense of his reward in the heavy rain.

Magicland Sunday | 11AM | Studio 1 3 minutes / 2021 Director: Rose Okeke Country: Nigeria

Intermission is a short film that explores the crushing impact of conservative pressures on the tender bond that is family in an increasingly progressive and fast changing world. Set in socially conservative Nigeria, against the backdrop of a 2014 law that criminalizes same-sex relationships, Intermission is the story of one young man’s quest to do right by society while seeking no more than the space to love who he loves.

Joy’s Garden Saturday | 2:30PM | Studio 2 14 minutes / 2020 Director: Ngwatilo Mawiyoo Country: Kenya

Edwin is no one’s ideal Dad. Can he step up when his estranged daughter Joy needs a home?

Life Note Sunday | 2PM | Studio 1 19 minutes / 2021 Directors: Said Mohammed Zerbouh, Fathiya Khedir Country: Tunisia

Taher just finished writing his next song, it deserves a special celebration. this celebration will change Taher’s life forever.

Mother Earth Saturday | 1PM | Studio 2 20 minutes / 2021 Director: Geronimo Ebang Nguidang Country: Equatorial Guinea

A young Equatoguinean woman returns to her native country 20 years later to find out why her mother did not go with her to Europe.

A heartwarming story about meeting a perfect stranger and making their dreams come true.

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NARRATIVE SHORT

Night Skies Saturday | 12:30PM |Theatre

One nice dress Sunday | 3:30PM | Studio 2

10 minutes / 2022 Director: Brian “Sham” Green Country: USA

10 minutes / 2022 Director: Omnya Abdelwahab Country: Egypt

The mayor of bankrupt Detroit is pleased with the safe city she has provided for the residents. However, her successful efforts to rid the city of criminals comes with a price – a pact with the Vampire Lord, Dimitri. Soon, the Mayor and the Vampire Lord realize that to save the city and their way of life, they must first save themselves from each other.

Our Story Sunday | 5:15PM | Studio 1 6 minutes / 2022 Director: Sahra Hashi Maxwell Country: USA

Our Story follows Talal, a Somali American teenager who struggles to balance his identity and culture.

Plus One Sunday | 12PM | Theatre 9 minutes / 2022 Director: Marcus Lorenzo Wells Country: United States

A black woman celebrates the biggest promotion of her career, but things take a turn when her ex shows up with an uninvited white woman.

Pressed Sunday | 2PM | Theatre 6 minutes / 2022 Director: Stacie Hawkins Country: United States

When Carmen is peer pressured into a full makeover for her big date, she is unpleasantly surprised by her date’s reaction.

A young lady with a dress that she never wore and dreams that she already quit to realize that It is not about falling, it is about getting up.

Paths Of Wrath Sunday | 3:30PM | Studio 2 18 minutes / 2021 Director: Lina Arious Country: Morocco

Jade, is a teenager who flees the hard reality of his life playing football, until the day he is forced to leave with his family of miners their native village after the closure of the mine which was the only source of employment.

Portrait of Princess Tutu Sunday | 11AM | Studio 2 11 minutes / 2022 Director: Bayo Hassan Bello Country: Côte d’Ivoire

An encounter with Princess Tutu inspires artist, Ben Enwonwu to paint timeless portraits of her. Synopsis: A fictional account of an avant-garde story. Based on Princess Tutu and the timeless paintings by artist Ben Enwonwu, which she inspired.

The film is set between 1973 to 1975 in the palace of King Adesoji Aderemi in Ile-Ife and Ben’s studio in Lagos, Nigeria.

PUSH! Saturday | 2:30PM | Theatre 15 minutes / 2022 Director: Sanelle Sibanda Country: Zimbabwe / USA

As the country fights an invisible enemy, two immigrant brothers Zugu and Manhe suddenly find themselves face-toface with the virus, and Zugu must make fast decisions to save a life.

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NARRATIVE SHORT

Retreat Saturday | 6PM | Theatre

Second Wind Saturday | 6PM | Theatre

8 minutes / 2022 Director: Marcus Smith Country: United Kingdom

12 minutes / 2022 Director: Celestina Aleobua, Sochima Nwakaeze Country: Canada

A young couple reconnects in nature.

Stay in the Light Friday | 2PM | Studio 2 20 minutes / 2021 Director: David Alves Country: Brazil

Brothers living in the slums dreams of living off music, but the difficulties they face to survive make their dreams seems impossible to realize. Each brother lives a different musical rhythm. Samba, rap and funk are the soundtracks that weaves the narrative, so as the generations each one represents. While the brothers struggle to achieve their dreams, the trafficking, violence and the payment of the end of the month are the challenges that they need to overcome.

Tender Threads Saturday | 6PM | Studio 1 25 minutes / 2021 Director: Ouijdane Khallid Country: Morocco

The routine of daily life between Radia and her mother generates an awful discomfort and becomes a major obstacle to Radia’s emotional future and her relationship with her mother.

This monotony therefore cause an unexpected cleavage.

After experiencing years of mental torment, Tebogo, a young and creative final-year university student, finds the courage to confront her classmate Antoine, on a journey down an isolated

Straight, Yet Narrow Sunday | 2PM | Theatre 18 minutes / 2022 Director: Danie Etienne Country: United States

Straight, Yet Narrow is a dance film about a young black woman who is faced with the decision to undergo a procedure that would permanently alter her hair follicles causing her hair to grow straight. This film sparks conversation surrounding black communities’ convoluted relationship to their hair, discrimination against those with tightly coiled hair, and against what darker-skinned people face within their own spaces.

The Blouse Sunday | 3:30PM | Studio 1 7 minutes / 2022 Director: Jaleigha B Jones Country: United States

An eccentric storyteller illustrates the journey of her distressed blouse during her first visit to the laundromat.

The Catch-Up Saturday | 6PM | Studio 2

The Egg Friday | 2PM | Studio 1

6 minutes / 2021 Director: Annabel Grace Country: United Kingdom

23 minutes / 2021 Director: Rayane Teles Country: Brazil

Our romance drama follows Emma who thought she’d never see the man she loves again, but when Jamal turns up amidst COVID-19, she can’t deny her feelings. Will love run free, as the world stands still?

In a dystopian Bahia where the entire population is infertile and governed by a populist dictatorial regime, a couple of hotel chambermaids and bakers can’t reach a consensus in choosing their daughter’s name, exposing structural problems in marriage and in society.

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NARRATIVE SHORT

The Novelist Sunday | 5:15PM | Studio 1

The Power is Yours Sunday | 5:15PM | Studio 1

14 minutes / 2020 Director: Andile Joshua Gumbo Country: South Africa

7 minutes / 2021 Director: Steeven Kodjia Country: France

An aspiring writer struggles to finish her novel but finds inspiration in a peculiar painter who she decides to make the protagonist of her book.

The Sound Of Sugar Cane Flowers Friday | 2PM | Studio 2 21 minutes / 2021 Director: Nicolas Séry Country: France

Ray, a teenager from Reunion, wants to join his friends’ Léa and Jonathan’s metal band. But for that, he needs an actual drum.

His father, a sugar cane farmer, offers him a solution.

Why is it difficult to understand women at times?

Sunday | 12PM | Studio 1 6 minutes / 2022 Director: Emercio Simione Mabjaia Country: Mozambique

The short film is a comedy that portrays the story of a man who, in order to satisfy his wife’s desires, is forced to face several daily challenges, some of which end up putting his own life at risk.

In 13 years we have racked up quite a mileage!

50+ countries spotlighted 1000+ films screened, 500+ filmmakers featured!

And we are just getting started!

You can be part of this incredible journey of telling Africa’s story through the African lens by making a donation.

Scan the QR code to make a donation!

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I am not African because I was born in Africa but because Africa was born in me.” - Kwame Nkrumah (First President of Ghana).

Inspired by these words, words, “The Power Is Yours” isa fashion film that parades Africa before our amazed eyes. Mixing times and fights. The KODJIA berets speak of the memories of the great leaders of the motherland and its Afro-descendants. Their silhouettes tell of the commitment of the Black Panther Party.

The film denounces the fixed ideals to overcome to build an Africa carried by its youth and carries a message that addresses itself to a whole people.

The Star Friday | 2PM | Studio 2 14 minutes / 2021 Director: Kevin Mavakala Country: Congo DRC

With the means at hand, a director does his utmost for the success of the shooting of his film, unfortunately for him, he comes across an actress who does not make it easy.

Zohar “who is who” Saturday | 2:30PM | Theatre 18 minutes / 2021 Director: Asma Mohamed EL mouttaki Country: Morocco

Zohar, a young Moroccan man of Jewish heritage returns from the United States after living there for 20 years to start his military service “Garin Tzabar” in Israel but first decides to visit his old “family” house in Morocco before reporting for service. During his stay at his home in Morocco, which has been uninhabited since the death of his grandparents many years ago, he meets eight year-old Ali. Their friendship changes Zohar’s perspective and unwittingly helps free both of them from their fears.

Congressman Ro Khanna, District 17 | State Senator Bob Wieckowski, District 10 | Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, District 4 City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs | City of San Jose Office of Racial Equity | Visit San Jose City of San Jose Office of Vice Mayor Chappie Jones | Santa Clara County Historic Grant Program Silicon Valley Community Foundation | California Arts Council | SV Creates | Silicon Valley Office of Protocol 1440 Multiversity | Wild Palms Hotel | Meta | Black@YouTube | BEN Adobe | Silicon Valley Leadership Group Links Peninsula Bay (CA) Chapter | SJ/SV NAACP | NCBW100-SVC | Ujima Adult & Family Services Inc. Dela Acolatse | Idowu Akinleye | Obi Anya | Frank Ashmore | Brandon Baker | Christopher Cambises Laura Chmielewski | Jennifer Clark | Mary Dosunmu | Pope Flyne | Akemi Flynn | Lisa Gauthier | Stephen Golden Jasmine Hartenstein | Sam Harrison | Sheila Johnson-Heacock | Jon Hicks | Wilbur Jackson | Katie Kembo Jalisa Lynn | Yasmeen Magaña | Zulma Maciel | Yvonne Maxwell | Rev. Jethroe Moore | Emmanuel Nado Rev. Dr. James Okafor | Juan Salazar | Michael Sekoni | Walter Turner | Toni Vanwinkle | Vierra Whye | Walter Wilson Event Volunteers: Ghada Ali | Olivia Awopetu | Shalom Chidueme | Michele Coleman | Michael (Misha) Ikriannikov | Kseniya Khamushkina Roxanne King | Shanay Moorer | Michell Smith | Ellis Sutton | Daevion Shelby | Catherine Tcheandjieu | Eya Touglo Lerato Tsotetsi | Stephanie Tum | Ayanna Vanderbilt | Angela Wakhweya | Afua Carol Yates | Allison Zhang

Your support is very much appreciated!

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Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) a 501(c)3 nonprofit 816 North 1st Street, Suite 204 San Jose, CA 95112, USA 408-886-0049 | office@svaff.org | www.svaff.org Facebook: @svafilmfest | Twitter: @svaff | Instagram: @svafilmfest

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