Movie reviews

12TH AFRYKAMERA FESTIVAL

SEARCHING - SHORTS

THE BIRTHMARK MAN

Watchable. About the trauma of having a discoloured face. Well acted which makes it bearable to watch even if you're lucky not to have this problem.

LAND OF MEN

Recommended. An insightful shortie showcasing Libya in ruin and torn in conflicts while loudly denying women their rights. On the one hand you witness women's frustration with the status quo imposed on them in spite of the revolution. On the other you see how this social order has devastated the country and how men, remaining blind to the fact, are reasserting their power where they still can, i.e. over women. All that in just 4 minutes. Made by a man (Kelly Ali).

LOVE, HATE & KETCHUP

Watchable. Supposed to be comical, John Ukpe and Omobola Akinde's acting looks silly rather. It's tongue-in-cheek movie-wise as ketchup is used as blood.

IN MY FATHER'S VILLAGE

Watchable. Enigmatic and about a local feud but the ostracism creates mystery.

UN COUP DE BALAI SUR LE PONT (UPRISING ON A BRIDGE)

Would have walked out if it hadn't been so short. Shoddy animation about an obscure (for Europeans) event in Burkina Faso.

COLOURISM

Watchable. About albinism as if it was a fad of fashion. Quite an issue in African culture but the doc is full of talking heads.

EDEM (SAVED ME)

Watchable. Beautiful, colourful animation with very good music. The story is barely sketched.

HYMENEE

Watchable. Exaggerated acting suggests a comedy yet the topic of an arranged marriage and losing virginity with a stranger is barely funny. At the same time it's a rare occasion for a glimpse behind the veil of that Moroccan tradition.

DEM DEM!

Watchable. Attractive views of a white sandy beach and blue skies don't really compensate for a lack of a plot. It's a short film made by 3 or 4 directors from 2 countries: Senegal and Belgium. Too many cooks spoil the broth.


KEMTIYU, CHEIKH ANTA

Watchable. Senegalese Cheikh Anta Diop, who died 30 years ago, in his lifetime conducted research which led him to two history-shattering conclusions: ancient Egyptians were black and the Sphinx had an African nose, the white man only appeared 20 thousand years ago. However fascinating his revelations were, the documentary goes through his biography step by step tediously. Well, it's partly French and certainly French in style. At least the presented scientists wear beautiful African outfits.

THE CURSED ONES

Watchable. Very African in climate and subject - about witchcraft accusations. Could be acted better so as to evoke some emotions, other than that it's very good. I liked the plot.

Sadly its reception in the part of rural Ghana where it was shot showed a lack of understanding, in cities the belief in magic is less prevalent apparently as it was received better.

KATI KATI

Recommended. Very mysterious and puzzling - about the afterlife. With good suspense: Is it the final stage? Who will disappear when? Are they dying... more? Great cinematography.

A UNITED KINGDOM

Recommended. A piece of the history of Botswana and its arduous struggle for independence from Britain. An excellent political thriller written by life. Top-notch lines, twists of action defying belief.