Visioni d'africa, il cinema africano nelle sale di Taranto, Lecce e Foggia

PRESS RELEASE

**Visions of Africa: A Journey Through African Cinema in Search of Roots**

The series **"Visions of Africa"** is designed to guide viewers in the search for their roots through African filmography, creating a possible interaction and understanding of the peoples of the Mediterranean Sea—a metaphorical journey into the worlds of others, with a curious and non-judgmental gaze.

The series **begins at the Savoia cinema in Taranto on Monday, October 28** and continues **on October 29 at the Massimo cinema in Lecce**, concluding **on October 31 at Laltrocinema Cicolella in Foggia.**

Screenings start at 8:00 PM; free entry until seats are filled.

Cinemas become privileged meeting places for stories of distant countries and peoples, where cultural and social realities that often cannot "speak" and "make themselves heard" can finally be voiced: on **October 28 at the Savoia cinema**, through the screening of a short and a feature film, the theme of intergenerational relationships and the quest for identity is confronted in the film **"Wallay"** by the Swedish-born director **Berni Goldbl**. The story follows Ady's coming of age, raised in a French banlieue and sent by his father to relatives in Burkina Faso, leading him to realize that diversity is a wealth, helping him to grow out of feeling like a foreigner everywhere. The autobiographical short **"Sur La Tombe De Mon Père"** by Moroccan director **Jawahine Zentar** condenses in 24 minutes the portrait of a society torn between religious and traditional impositions and the needs of a new generation. **On October 29 at the Massimo cinema in Lecce**, the journey is the central theme for understanding the complex reality of the Egyptian territory through Beshay's quest for family and a place to belong in the film **"Yomeddine,"** the debut of Egyptian director **Abu Bakr Shawk**. The short **"Le Départ"** by **Saïd Hamich** is narrated in the first person by young Adil, who recounts his life and the implications of his imminent departure from Morocco with his father. It is a simple yet excellently woven narrative on the painful and delicate theme of what it means to leave one's home and loved ones at a very young age. **On October 31 at Laltrocinema Cicolella in Foggia**, the issues of migration and identity are tackled in the short **"Zakaria,"** by Tunisian director **Leyla Bouzid**, depicting moments in the upbringing of an Italo-Arab boy who must reclaim his original Arabic culture, which he has never known. The masterpiece of Senegalese director **Djibril Diop Mambéty,** **"Hyènes,"** is inspired by **Friedrich Dürrenmatt's** *"The Visit"*. It offers a prophetic and clear view of post-colonial Africa, which is also a reflection on relations with Europe and on individual and collective guilt.

Each screening will be followed by a discussion on the themes addressed in the film.

Through the cinema of Sub-Saharan and North Africa, the series explores the images, sounds, and colors of these countries. It highlights how African filmography reflects social change, with traditions confronting modernity and evolving identity, representing attachment to roots and ancestral traditions while facing the challenges of the modern system, often influenced by the West. The films explore the nuances of daily life, showcasing the tensions and beauties that arise from the meeting of tradition and modernity. These films provide a deep insight into the experiences of those living between two worlds, highlighting the challenges of integration and the enrichment that comes from embracing diversity. With sensitivity and profound empathy, they invite us to reflect on the importance of tolerance and acceptance in an ever-evolving world.

The series is organized by **Social Music Promoter**, in collaboration with **the Comboni Missionaries** and the **Abusuan Intercultural Association.**

"The Visions of Africa initiative was realized as part of the "Promoting Cinema 2024" project, funded by the Apulia Region and implemented by the AFC Foundation utilizing POC Apulia 2014-2020 resources, Action 6.7."

INFORMATION:
Email: info@abusuan.com
Phone: 080 2223328
Web: www.abusuan.com