Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Series “FilmAfrica” Showing May 24th – May 27th as Cinematic Companion to “DanceAfrica,” Which Opens May 17th and Also Runs Through the 27th
BAM looks to be continuing its run of uniquely compelling programming.
From the BAM website: “After more than 30 years, DanceAfrica is BAM’s longest running program and one of America’s largest and most vibrant celebrations of African and African-American dance, music, and culture. Created in 1977 to heighten awareness of African culture, the festival has evolved into a high-spirited celebration that brings the entire community together.
Under the artistic direction of Founding Elder Chuck Davis, DanceAfrica features performances by traditional and contemporary dance companies from Africa and its diaspora at the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House. This week-long spring festival traditionally offers five dance and music performances; master classes; and the one-and-only DanceAfrica outdoor bazaar, a global marketplace for African, African-American, and Caribbean arts, crafts, and food featuring over 200 vendors and attracting up to 30,000 visitors per year. Students of BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble also perform.”
BAM will also be showcasing a prominent selection of recent African films in “FilmAfrica” which is described on their website as “a diverse mix of fiction and documentary, this popular annual series—a cinematic companion to BAM’s DanceAfrica celebration—presents highlights from the New York African Film Festival, including the best new films from Kenya, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa and beyond.”
BAMcinematek is responsible for the film series, and their programming tends to be first-rate. They recently finished a great William Friedkin 70s retrospective, and are in the middle of a fascinating series entitled “Booed at Cannes,” with choices ranging from Bresson to Cronenberg (all of which are 35mm film prints). I would advise keeping an eye on their line-up in general because it can sneak up on you.
Tickets are available at the box office or online.
