On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the film series “African Perspectives,” AfricAvenir celebrates African Cinema throughout 2016. On June 8, at the FNCC, AfricAvenir presents the Namibian premiere of the Angolan documentary “Tango Negro: The African Roots of Tango,” directed by Angolan filmmaker, Dom Pedro (Angola, 2013, 93min).
NOTE: For those in the USA, you can buy the film via ArtMattan online here.
The film details the dance’s early cultural significance as a depiction of the social life of captured African slaves and provides an expansive compilation of musical performances and interviews from tango enthusiasts and historians alike in Latin America and Europe, including the renowned Argentinean pianist Juan Carlos, providing novel insight into the depth of tango’s sub-Saharan African musical influence, a presence that has crossed oceans and endured the tides of forced bondage.
“Tango Negro, The African Roots of Tango” explores the expression of Tango’s African-ness and the contribution of African cultures in the creation of the tango. Tango was a reflection of the social life of the enslaved that were taken to South America – including Argentina and Uruguay – mostly from central Africa, particularly from the former Kongo Kingdom. Director Pedro reveals the depth of the footprints of African music on the tango through this rich movie.
For more information about the film, visit: http://www.tangonegrofilm.com/.
For our readers in Namibia, the film screens on June 8, a Wednesday, at 18h30, at the Franco Namibian Cultural Centre, Robert Mugabe Ave. 118, Windhoek
Entrance fee: 40,- N$
