Afrikana – Sawubona: A Tale of Two Souths

Overview:

Sawubona: A Tale of Two Souths is a program of the 8th annual Afrikana Independent Film Festival, connecting artists, filmmakers, musicians, and thinkers from South Africa with those from the American South. The event features screenings, talks, music, performances, food and drinks with a South African street festival vibe.

The day kicks off with film screenings, round table discussions, vinyl listening sessions and more in different corners of the ICA. The second floor will be transformed into a Southern Shisa Nyama Lounge with food, music, and beverages that celebrate culture from South Africa to the American South. Featured films in the afternoon include the VA premiere of Milisuthondo, an award winning film which premiered at Sundance this year and our afternoon spotlight film where we will explore the works of South African filmmaker Sifiso Khanyile who will be joining us from Johannesburg for a post-screening conversation!

As we transition into the evening, we turn up the dial as we tap into two world premieres. First up, 90s Girl Brunch highlighting Richmond’s own award winning DJ and Rapper, Mad Skillz, followed by a post-screening discussion. After that, we let out to our Sawubona pop-up, a hip-hop and amapiano party in the forum. We’ll close out the night with Afrikana’s first film production, Ninki Nanka. Written by the winner of the Afrikana Script-to-Screen residency, revel denkyem, and directed by Leron Lee. The premiere will be followed by a post-screening discussion with the writer, director, producers, and cast.