Arts writer
THE AfriDocs series is screening stories pulled straight from the headlines. This month’s features attempt to uncover the reality behind many of the news events we take at face value, with a showcase of diverse activists and their stories of bravery and on-going struggle for justice and human rights.
David Fedele’s The Land Between(Moroco, 2014) will be aired on Thursday. It gives insight into the desperate lives of sub-Saharan migrants living in the mountains of northern Morocco. For most, their dream is to enter Europe by jumping a highly-militarized barrier into Melilla, a Spanish enclave on the African continent. It won Best Film – Naples Human Rights Film Festival, 2014.
This is paired with Idrissa Guiro’s Barcelona or Die(Senegal, 2008). It hones in on a fisherman’s village, Thiaroye, where people first organized illegal boat departures from Senegal. A Prix Louis Marcorelles – Cinéma du Réel 2008 winner
Real life thriller, CITIZENFOUR screens on November 19 (USA, 2014). It gives audiences unprecedented access to film-maker Laura Poitras and journalist Glenn Greenwald’s encounters with Edward Snowden in Hong Kong, as he hands over classified documents providing evidence of mass indiscriminate and illegal invasions of privacy by the National Security Agency (NSA). A Best Documentary Feature – Academy Awards 2015 winner.
In the Shadow of the Sun is up on November 26 (Harry Freeland, 2012). In Tanzania witchdoctors still propagate the belief that the body parts of albino people will bring wealth and good fortune. Against the background of a series of brutal murders, two albino men fight for their rights: Josephat has spent most of his life campaigning against anti-albino discrimination and confronting communities with their murderous deeds, and 15 year-old Vedastus is smart and creative, but his poor eyesight is an obstacle to academic progress. Now he is desperately hoping for a new chance at a special school.
Harry Freeland’s film reveals a story of deep-rooted superstition, suffering and incredible strength. It won a Media Award Best Documentary – One World 2013.
It pairs with The Man in Me(Lesotho, 2015) Here Sheriff, a transgender person, discloses his orientation to his grandmother and a local pastor. Sheriff is asking questions while challenging traditional and religious norms.
This is followed by Sketchaz and Her Friends(Lesotho, 2015). Rethabile/”Sketchaz”, whom everyone thinks is gay, is a confident young woman. She shows her vulnerability when she takes the decision to disclose her bisexuality to her friends.
l AfriDocs screens every Thursday at 7.55pm on DStv Channel 190, www.afridocs.net or www.facebook. com/AfriDocs. Follow AfriDocs on twitter: @Afri_Docs