From the Bronx to the Bahamas, audiences will come far and wide to celebrate the voices of the African diaspora at the 4th Annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival.
The festival brings together communities to uncover black and brown stories told through the lens of filmmakers from across the world. With close to 40 films and a host of parties and panels over the 4 days, Afrikana looks forward to bringing global Black culture to the streets of Richmond for the 4th year in a row.
“It’s important for people to understand the power of black storytelling. Human narratives of laughter, unity, heartache, and empowerment uncover our common stake in this world,”
Enjoli Moon, founder of the Afrikana Film Festival.
On Friday, September 13th, the Institute for Contemporary Art will host the VA premiere of The Remix: Hip Hop x Fashion by Academy award-winning filmmakers, Lisa Cortes and Farrah X. A story of the icons who shifted the culture and created some of the most legendary looks in hip-hop. Screening followed by a Hip Hop and Fashion panel discussion with celebrity stylist and designer Misa Hylton, fashion designer April Walker, fashion pioneer and designer Dapper Dan, Lisa Cortes and Farah X.
On Saturday, September 15th we will host an encore screening of The Central Park Five documentary by Ken Burns, David McMahon and Sarah Burns. This film, originally released in 2012, takes a deep dive into the Central Park Five case that inspired the critically acclaimed Netflix series, When They See Us by director Ava DuVernay. Screening followed by moderated discussion with Central Park Five exoneree, Raymond Santana.
This year’s festival also marks a significant week not only for the Richmond community, but for the nation as a whole.
“Exactly 400 years ago, a ship arrived in Virginia bearing human cargo. This is an important moment of reflection in our country, and through Afrikana we want to honor the resilient and perseverant spirit of our ancestors and pay homage to their journey through the festival,” said Moon.
Afrikana continues with a dynamic blend of events that celebrate film, global Black culture and our city including:
- Free youth programming provided in partnership with Art 180 from 1-4pm (suggested age: 11 years+)
- Saturday Shorts Showcase – over 30 short films presented at a host of galleries throughout the Richmond Arts District to include Candela, 1708, Elegba Folklore Society, ADA and the Black History Museum.
- Encore screening of When I Get Home, a film by Solange Knowles, Saturday, September 14th at Candela Gallery.
The Afrikana Independent Film Festival was founded in 2014 by Enjoli Moon, is a film festival dedicated to celebrating, elevating, and further validating Black stories, Black voices, and Black lives. This festival is made possible through the generous support of Culture Works, Virginia Film Office, Virginia Humanities, Optima Health, The Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, Croaker’s Spot Restaurants, and the Richmond creative community. For more info visit www.afrikanafilmfestival.org.