Contact: Trae Mohammed: (267) 303-2975, Caribkid263@aol.com
A Celebration of Film, Culture, and History for all to see!
An Afro-Brazilian Film Festival to break ethnic stereotype and barriers
The Sankofa Association of Roxborough is hosting an Afro-Brazilian
Film Festival--bound to attract Philadelphians from all walks of life. The festival will last over ten hours complete with local vendors and food as well as films relating to
Afro-Brazilian culture. The Philadelphia chapter of the International Capoeira Angola Foundation is scheduled to demonstrate Capoeira, a Brazilian Martial Art with African roots.
Five films are being screened, each one a specific genre, including the award winning capoeira themed action adventure Besouro, with stunts directed by Huan Chiu-Ku (Kill Bill, The Matrix) . There is at least one movie of interest for everyone.
“We were looking for a way to demonstrate the connections that Americans have with people from all over the Americas” says Angela Mohammed, founder of the Sankofa Association of Roxborough. “When people think of Black(s) and Slavery, they only think about the United States. We are never taught that Africans helped shape all of the Americas, this is important because it could help bridge gaps between many ethnic communities here in Philadelphia.”
As of the year 2000, “The City of Neighborhoods” boasts a black population of about 44 percent and a Latino population of 12.5 percent. This includes people from the United States, Caribbean islands, Central and South America, and West Africa. To varying degrees each of these regions has been a point on the Transatlantic Slave trade. Brazil, having received nearly 30 percent of all Africans during this trade, as opposed to 5 percent received by the United States; definitely demonstrates the connections to which Mrs. Mohammed was referring. The metropolitan area could benefit from seeing, feeling, and
tasting those connections. Although the film festival centers on black identity it is not just for people of African descent, it can also attract foodies, music and film lovers, art enthusiasts, students and the passerby. “Everybody is welcome to learn and share the experience” Mrs. Mohammed reaffirms. The film festival coincides with Brazil’s June Festivals, the country’s second largest celebration, after Rio’s Carnival. It is also the weekend before the annual Philadelphia Odunde festival which attracts thousands every year.
Movie Times (subject to change) :
Ile Aiye 1:00 pm
David Byrne
Documentary
An impressionistic documentary on Candomble, the African derived spirit cult of Bahia Brazil. Ile Aiye explores the way in which Candomble has influenced the daily life and culture of Brazil. Art, Music, Food, Dance, Theater, and more has been influenced by the worship of the Orixa, a spirit pantheon rivaling that of the Ancient Greeks, originating manly from Yorubaland West Africa.This film is a great introduction to many of the elements found in subsequent films, Afro-Brazilian contributions, and Brazilian Pop culture
Quilombo 2:00 pm
Carlos Diegues
Historical Epic
This Historical saga is a stirring fusion of folklore, political impact, dynamic storytelling, realized in vibrant tropical colors and set to the pulling beat of a rhythmic musical score. Set in 17th century Brazil, groups of runaway slaves escaped to mountainous jungle strongholds, where they formed self-governing communities known as Quilombos. This film is based off the true story of Brazil's most famous and longest lasting Quilombo, Palmares. Led by the Legendary Ganga Zumba and his protegee Zumbi, they kept Portuguese and Dutch forces at bay for decades.
Orfeu Negro 4:15 pm
Marcel Camus
Melodrama
1960 Academy Award winner, Orfeu Negro retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice against the madness of Rio De Janeiro's Carnival. Orpheus is a heart-breaker who falls madly in love with Eurydice. Eurydice has fled her home to escape death who stalks her. In Greek Mythology Orpheus' talent is so great he can make rocks dance and the sun rise with his music. Is he powerful enough to keep Eurydice from impending doom and an eternity in the underworld? With an all black cast, this film was to Brazil what Carmen Jones was to the United States. This is also the film that introduced the infectious Bossa Nova sound to the world.
The International Capoeira Angola Foundation 6:30 pm
Come participate in a Capoeira Roda, as we anticipate the Blockbuster presentation BESOURO.
Besouro 7:00pm
Joao Daniel Tinkhomiroff
Action
Based off the life of the Legendary Capoeira fighter, Besouro spins a fantastic tale of a young black Brazilian man in search of his mission. Less than 30 years after the Brazilian abolition of slavery, the black population working the sugarcane plantations is still treated as chattel. Things Turn for the worst when Besouro's teacher and community leader is murdered. Besouro must now step up and utilize what he has been training for his entire life. Seemingly untouchable Besouro becomes a beacon of hope in the struggle for his people! The Fight scenes are directed by Huan-Chiu Ku, action director for the Matrix and Kill Bill and the actors are real capoeiristas. Finally a Black Superhero! This is a MUST SEE FILM!!
City of Men 9:25pm
Fernando Meirelles
Action/Drama
The Follow up to the Academy Award nominated and critically acclaimed City of God, City of Men returns to the Brazilian favelas to tell an inspiring tale of friendship and family on the gritty streets of Rio de Janeiro. In a culture dictated by violence and run by street gangs, best friends Acerola and Laranjinha struggle with an underlying issue that affects many black families across the globe, Fatherhood. Laranjinha searches for the father he never met, while Acerola struggles with being a father at a young age. On their journeys, amidst a rival gang war, they are both forced to confront a shocking secret from their collective past, a secret that could potentially tear their friendship apart.
The Sankofa Association of Roxborough is a nonprofit community organization whose mission is to promote the education, culture, and history of Africa and the African-American. Founded in 2005, the organization has held many events including Health Screenings, Annual Kwanzaa and Juneteenth celebrations. This will be its first film festival.
Admission is FREE