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African film festival puts on Family Film Day
Photos and story by James Hill
At the Cascade Festival of African Films, there is something for everyone.
On Saturday, Feb. 20, there will be plenty for children and the family. Hosted by Baba Wagué Diakité, the film festival’s Family Film Day will feature two films that will appeal to the kids and provide plenty of thoughtful cultural entertainment. All films will be shown at the McMenamins Kennedy School Theater (5736 N.E. 33rd Ave.) and are free and open to the public.
A scene from 'Obara and the Merchants.'
“Obara and the Merchants,” USA, 8 minutes. 2 p.m.
Hosted by Baba Wagué Diakité, this short film is based on a traditional story from the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It tells the tale of a powerful hunter named Obara who lives in a town suffering from a terrible famine. When Obara is finally able to find food, a group of hungry merchants appears. Will Obara share, or keep his food to himself?
“Princess of the Sun,” France, 77 minutes, 2:30 p.m.
Set in ancient Egypt, the movie tells the story of 14-year-old Princess Akhesa, the feisty and determined future bride of young King Tutankhamun. She and King Tut overcome all kinds of tests and ordeals en route to discovering an extraordinary destiny that will unite them forever.
'Princess of the Sun' is set in Egypt.
The Cascade Festival of African Films honors the art and craft of filmmaking from that continent. The movies imported for the festival draw capacity crowds every year and are shown Thursdays through Sundays at various North Portland locations through February and early March.
For more information, visit: www.africanfilmfestival.org
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »