“Aside from being an historical center of African American
art and culture, in recent years Harlem has become the new home of a vibrant community of African immigrants. It is only natural that the African
Film Festival should also come to Harlem. African films should not be directed only to African and African American audiences, but those audiences have
a unique interest in the success of the African Film Festival as a cultural institution in our own community. African films can give African Americans
much needed insights into present-day African realities that are usually absent from mainstream media coverage of the Continent. And African expats living
in Harlem should enjoy having easy access to films depicting themselves and their homeland right here in their new neighborhoods. Hopefully, the festival
will also be a catalyst for mutual understanding and increased cooperation between these two communities, in spite of cultural differences that continue
to divide us even though we live in the same community and share a common ancestral heritage. But first, all of us must embrace the festival as our own
by coming out in greater numbers to see the films.
— Tracy (Binta) Austin
“The African Film Festival was, to the delight of Harlem aficionados,
presented at the Magic Johnson theaters for the 2001 season. The decision to take the festival to Harlem was a welcome one, as we watched as the community
was given access to films and filmmakers from the African Diaspora that they would not otherwise have had, with out conscious effort. Given the increased
influx of African immigrants to Harlem neighborhoods, the festival is able to help bridge the gap for these diverse cultural communities by providing
a broad based program that addresses issues that are significant to all. I applaud the festival's efforts and hope that they will continue to strengthen
and expand this relationship with the Harlem community! - Robin - Having an "African" event in a place so heavily frequented by, and accessible to, African-Americans
was really important. It was a first step towards making a connection and making the Harlem community aware of what's coming out of African, with regard
to film. There was a great diversity of films, of stories and of characters to whom we could all relate. Hopefully, by planting these seeds in Harlem,
the AFF will be the birthplace of a stronger, more close-knit relationship between the various African and African-American communities.
— Darnetha Lincoln
“There is no feeling like sitting in a state-of-the-art movie theatre while
watching our most popular African actors and directors do their thing. This year's African Film Festival was by its very nature a phenomenal experience
for me, a young Nigerian American residing in Harlem. The two films I watched (and yes back-to-back because I was too thirsty to leave after just one)
were created by Nigerian directors and were vast in the ground they covered: one chose Christianity in high life Lagos as its center setting while the
other flavorfully honed in on the perspective of AIDS amidst the bonafide rural Igbo experience, pulling no shorts on traditional proverbs! As one of
Harlem's newer and younger residents, I saw that AFF could be used as a medium for promoting African cultural interest and spirit in New York and specifically
in Harlem, the community that has earned the title 'Little Africa'. However while I loved the fact that the jewel Harlem had been chosen as the festival
site. Even if AFF tries a downtown venue next year, we can tailor marketing initiatives in Harlem and throughout the New York region to capture a wider
audience. I promise, once the camera rolls with such vigor and authentic art, you have them hooked. AFF, thank you for your mission and for realizing
the importance of such a loaded event. See you next year!
— Yvonne Koyenhi Okoh.