Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Longest-running African film festival in the United States continues in February

Photos and story by Abe Proctor

Not even a global pandemic can stop the Cascade Festival of African Films (CFAF). The beloved celebration of African cinema at Portland Community College returns in 2021 for its 31st annual run from Feb. 5 through March 10. For the first time in its history, the film festival will be presented in an entirely online format at www.africanfilmfestival.org.

“While we can’t gather in person this year, I know that the beauty and power of these films will bring us together even in virtual space,” said CFAF Director Tracy Francis.

The Cascade Festival of African Films, which is free and open to the public, is the longest-running African film festival in the United States. CFAF celebrates “Africa through African lenses” with a curated collection of 25 films by African directors from more than 15 nations. It features live interviews with filmmakers, community conversations, a virtual marketplace of local vendors and more. Each CFAF film will open for viewing on a specific date and remain available for viewing anytime until the following Wednesday or until the maximum number of views has been reached.

“Obviously, films are meant to be enjoyed in a theater, and our festival is meant to bring fans of African film together from across our region, but I think this year’s unique circumstances will make this a festival to remember,” Francis added. “People will be able to watch from the safety of their own homes, and our online format will be able to reach fans of African cinema anywhere in the world.”

The festival kicks off with an opening night virtual gala on Friday, Feb. 5, featuring musical performances and other festivities. The opening night film, “You Will Die At Twenty,” is a visually stunning masterpiece from Sudan, reminding the audience of the beauty of community and the meaning of life.

And, for the first time ever, CFAF will close out its run with a drive-in screening of “Farewell Amor” at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 6. Attendees will be able to enjoy the throwback fun of a drive-in movie while remaining socially distant within their own vehicles. The drive-in location is yet to be determined. Details will be announced at the festival’s website.

CFAF offers something for everyone, including: “The Ghost and the House of Truth,” a thriller from Nigeria by festival favorite Akin Amotoso; the epic historical drama “Hero,” highlighting the pan-African movement; “When We’re Born,” an uplifting musical from Egypt; and an imaginative surreal journey from Angola, “Air Conditioner.”

Visit the festival website for a full calendar of films and director appearances, as well as detailed instructions on how to view the content online.

The Cascade Festival of African Films arose from humble beginnings when four PCC faculty members came together over a shared love of Africa and African cinema. In 1991, the first CFAF drew approximately 400 people for its inaugural run. Today, sustained by a small staff and an army of dedicated volunteers, the festival has grown to span five weeks a year and regularly attracts in excess of 5,000 attendees.

Highlights:

• Opening Night Ceremony – 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5. The virtual kick-off to the festival will feature live performances and more!
• Live Q & As –  At 9 p.m. during the festival (Thursdays through Saturdays), organizers will host live online Q&As with the film directors and other experts. Q&As will be recorded and available for viewing later on the website, as well.
• Let’s DISCUSS! Community Chat – In Zoom rooms at 7 p.m. on Mondays throughout the festival, organizers will host casual conversations on the week’s films. Chats are also accessible by phone (pre-register each week at www.africanfilmfestival.org).
• Family Film Fest – 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20. Enjoy a family-friendly animated film and activities.
  

  ‘You Will Die At Twenty.’

• Closing Night Drive-In Movie – 7 p.m., Saturday, March 6. Limited free registration is first-come, first-served. The location will be sent 24 hours before the event to those who have registered at www.africanfilmfestival.org. The film will also be available for at-home streaming.
• African Virtual Marketplace – Film festival attendees can support local vendors by shopping at the CFAF virtual marketplace at the film festival website.
• Dinner and a Movie –  In addition, attendees can peruse CFAF’s African and Black-owned restaurant guide to find great take-out options to enjoy at home while watching the films.