Focus Africa
The Focus has been an integral part of sehsüchte since 2005. Its sets a regional emphasis and runs as a special program outside the international competition. The Focus has its own jury and thus constitutes a separate competition. Every year, a different region is emphasized, the cinematic output of which would otherwise most likely remain obscure to most of the public. We intend to continue this tradition in 2008 to. For this year’s Focus, sehsüchte is entering the hitherto unexplored continent of Africa.
Now as before, the works of American and European filmmakers tend to shape our picture of Africa. Yet a domestic film scene has become established in some African countries for a number of years. Nigeria, for example, is in the meantime one of the largest film nations in the world and, in an allusion to other major film industries, is called “Nollywood”. What is going on in other African countries though? What issues preoccupy African filmmakers? And what are the prospects for African film? sehsüchte 2008 hopes to answer these questions when it turns its Focus toward Africa.
We rarely get to see films made in Africa here though. Until now, African films have been underrepresented at the festival too. That is why sehsüchte has made tracking down these hidden treasures and presenting them in all their variety to audiences its goal in 2008.
Friday, April 25
| 3 p.m. Thalia 2 |
Fokus 1: Fated? Chill Pill Experimental | Nigeria | 4’ |
A brief glimpse into an unemployed young man’s living situation where frustration leads to foolish behavior. In the end, he’s worse off than before. A few minutes of observation make clear that one can’t always blame others. Sometimes one contributes to one’s own misery.
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Hawass El Omq Depth Wish Feature | Egypt | 15' |
A young artist’s first exhibition ends for her with a shock. An important critic proclaims that her work lacks “depth”. Devastated by this news, the painter sets off on a search for depth. The film is based on a story by Patrick Süsskind. | |
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Qui Voodoo Documentary | Nigeria | 30' |
Theophane is a modern African man from the Republic of Benin. The journalist doesn’t consider himself to be spiritual until suddenly confronted by an unexpected situation: A seer advises him to appease the gods of his ancestors or else he would soon face a precarious future. His dilemma is a metaphor for the modern African’s spiritual conflict. | |
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Mama Put Feature | Nigeria | 30' |
Angela is a young single mother who sells meals on the streets of Lagos, Nigeria. She struggles daily to makes sure her children are well off. When a band of robbers descends on her family one day, her struggle for survival intensifies. She makes many sacrifices to protect her family and is confronted with difficult moral questions. | |
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Mummy Lagos Experimental | Nigeria | 4' |
Why do Nigerians play soccer so well? Mummy Lagos has the answer. She sells food and knows its properties. Nigerian cuisine and above all its ingredients are unique. To prove her theory, Mummy Lagos lists some top international soccer players who have already profited from its said properties. | |
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Commando Feature | South Africa | 17' |
The Boer War in South Africa: The young Boer Deneys has already been at war for two long years. His luck abandons him when the British kill two of his best friends. Deneys is thrown into a serious crisis. However, a fateful encounter with a British officer provides him answers to many questions. His enemy’s compassion restores his belief in humanity… | |
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Falling in Line Animation | Nigeria | 2' |
Order and monotony prevail day in and day out in the world of ants. Yet one stands out from the rest in this ant colony. It has independent thoughts and decides to be innovative. True to the motto “work smart and not hard!” This film is not entered in the competition. | |
| 5 p.m. Thalia 3 |
Focus Africa Panel Discussion: “Emerging Talents and the Future of African Cinema” In addition to the films shown, the panel discussion will closely examine the distinctive features of African cinema to perhaps leave us with a new perspective to start the next Focus films. What is African cinema? The invited experts will address this question together with aspiring talents from the African film industry. Our guests from Nigeria will illuminate the “Nollywood” phenomenon and filmmakers from other countries will divulge their views so that, in the end, we will be able to venture an opinion about the future of African cinema. |
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| 7 p.m. Thalia 2 |
Fokus II: Spirit The Power of the Spirits Documentary | Uganda | 17’ 30’’ |
In Uganda, where the majority of people live in remote areas without access to healthcare, many sick people visit healers. Such services are very much in demand even in the capital Kampala where there are hospitals on every corner. This film provides insight into the secrets of traditional healers in Uganda. You’ll be surprised at what all one can make from an egg…
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Well of Fate: Mists of Misfortune Fiction | Nigeria | 87’ |
To win back his wife’s freedom, the hunter Jäger Abija sets off on a dangerous journey. Together with three companions, he must free the Kingdom of Ilu Le from a curse from the past. Giants, gods and other supernatural apparitions evoke Nigeria’s ancient folklore. Only the gods of fate know the real reason this quest remains a secret.
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| ab 10 p.m. Thalia Foyer |
Fokus-Party -
Dazaa Dazaa – that’s mystical, eclectic Rasta - singers, dancers and drummers in one. Together with other musicians, Dazaa Dazaa makes the traditions, culture and customs of Igbo-Nigeria in Africa come to life through song, drums and percussion. They will make you feel delirious and remember how everything began. Above all, this live band and the DJ afterward are splendidly and unforgettably entertaining and will bring you a little bit closer to the attitude toward life and the culture on the Dark Continent.
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