O valued listener, harken unto this weary traveler! I return ashore from my distant voyages, sailing the seas of art and film to bring you only the finest, rarest cinematic treasures. But to be clear: none of this culture has been appropriated. That would be problematic.
This installment of your Festival Report is, admittedly and apologetically, about a month overdue. However, the message at its core remains as vital as ever: get your ass to more festivals, folks. Go out and seek small, esoteric showcases from different communities and subcultures. Enjoy the change in perspective. Tell your friends. Buy the t-shirt.
The important detail is to not come away acting like an expert on someone else’s identity. Hopefully that’s evident in my conduct for this episode. My intent is to be more Anthony Bourdain, and less Christopher Columbus.
Sound off in the comments if any of the films described pique your interest!
Feature films cited.
• Freedom Way (2024, dir. Afolabi Olalekan)
• Mwezé (2019, dir. David-Pierre Fila)
• Identity Pieces (1998, dir. Mwezé Ngangura)
• Memories of Love Returned (2025, dir. Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine)
• Tree of Authenticity (2025, dir. Sammy Baloji)
Short films cited.
• Teta, aka Grandma (2024, dir. Ahmed Samir)
• Nwa (Black) (2024. dir. Hans Augustave)
• Sister Salad Days (2024, dir. Adesola Thomas)
• Where Are You From? (2025, dir. Devin Powell)
• Green Bay (2024, dir. Shawn Antoine II)
• Run Like We (2024, dir. Rhys Aaron Lewis)
• Blinded By the Lights (2025, dir. Francis Y. Brown)
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