ASPETTANDO BALAFON dal 12 al 19 novembre 2026

Events leading up to the 36th edition of the Balafon Film Festival

Bari once again welcomes the cinema of the African diaspora with Waiting for Balafon, a series of events accompanying audiences toward the 36th edition of the Balafon Film Festival, taking place from November 24 to 28 at Cinema ABC in Bari. The program features a selection of films presented at previous editions of the festival, bringing back stories, perspectives, and languages capable of portraying Africa and its diasporas through different viewpoints. While cinema remains at the heart of the program, this year the series is also expanding into other forms of expression: concerts and talks will be held at various locations throughout the city, creating a lead-up to the festival through images, music, and discussion.

WAITING FOR BALAFON – COMBONI MISSIONARIES’ THEATER
Via Giulio Petroni 101, Bari – Free admission while seats last
All screenings will begin at 6:30 p.m.

NOVEMBER 14

The Long Way Down
Directed by Yasser Howaidy
Year: 2012
Running time: 13 minutes
Country: Egypt, United Arab Emirates

Two young businessmen are in an elevator in a skyscraper in Abu Dhabi, arguing and exchanging offensive remarks about each other’s cultural backgrounds. Meanwhile, a rumor is circulating inside the building that two terrorists are in the elevator.

Une Saison en France
Directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Year: 2017
Running time: 100 minutes
Country: Chad

The film tells the story of Abbas, a Central African teacher who has taken refuge in France with his children after fleeing his country. While awaiting a response to his asylum application and trying to build a new life, he meets Carole, and a relationship develops between them. The film explores exile through everyday, family, and emotional experiences.

Awards: Sunugal Award at the 28th edition of the African, Asian and Latin American Film Festival (FCAAAL) in Milan in 2018.

In collaboration with SCIAMM Music

NOVEMBER 12 – CATÁNO + PARIDE – 9:00 P.M. CONCERT

Venue: Taverna del Maltese, Via Domenico Nicolai 67, Bari

Catáno (Alessandro Catano) will perform a live piano-and-vocal set blending conscious rap, R&B, soul, indie, and jazz, while Paride (Paride Leon Procacci) will perform an acoustic set featuring his indie singer-songwriter music.

NOVEMBER 13 – 6:30 P.M. TALK

Venue: Feltrinelli, Via Melo da Bari 119, Bari
Talk: Music That Migrates

From historical migrations to contemporary diasporas: how people, instruments, rhythms, and songs travel and build new communities. Moderated by Alceste Ayroldi (musicologist), with Koblan Amissah (artistic director of the Balafon Film Festival).

Musical contribution: a rhythmic demonstration with percussion by Roberto Lella.

NOVEMBER 16 – 6:30 P.M. TALK

Venue: Laterza Bookshop, Via Dante Alighieri 53, Bari

Carlo Chicco (journalist) speaks with Williams “Sundjah” Sassene (cultural mediator with experience in various detention centers for foreign nationals and a founding member and singer of the Tukurù Project) and Giovanni Ceresoli (sociologist, founding member of the Tukurù Project, multi-instrumentalist, and composer).

NOVEMBER 19 – GIORGIO SCODANIBBIO – 9:30 P.M. CONCERT

Venue: Cabaret Voltaire, Via Alessandro Volta 35, Bari

Scoda will bring a live guitar-and-vocal set to the stage, blending pop singer-songwriter music, funk, and soul, with original songs in Italian and English.

A journey toward the Balafon Film Festival

Waiting for Balafon is a series of events designed to prepare audiences for the festival by immersing them in the cultures of the African diaspora and the Global South, also through music and spoken word.

Concerts and talks held at venues throughout the city open up a new space for listening and discussion, accompanying audiences toward the 36th edition of the Balafon Film Festival.

From November 24 to 28, Cinema ABC in Bari will host the main event, featuring the best in African cinema and cinema from the Global South.

THE PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Organized by:
Comunità di Corte Altini

With the patronage and support of:
Apulia Region
Initiative funded by the Apulia Region through the resources of the POC Apulia 2021–2027 (Action Line 6.2), as part of the 2026 Annual Programs in the film and audiovisual sector.
Municipality of Bari – Departments of Culture and Youth Policies

In collaboration with:
Bari Chamber of Commerce
University of Bari “Aldo Moro”
Comboni Missionaries
CGIL Bari
Caritas Italiana
Associazione Murattiano
Fondazione Migrantes
Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto

Organizational office:
Abusuan Intercultural Center