Activists criticised EU and Africa in Wiesenburg

Activists criticised EU, Africa, in Wiesenburg

Longinotto’s Documentary film, “the day I will never forget” was among the films screened inside closed tent to support presentations made by Cagintua e.V. during the just concluded ecotopia 2010 in Wiesenburg Germany.

“This is the best place to present your case before the activists” said one of the participants while supporting the claims that the culture of “FGM” (Female Genital Mutilation) is one of the reasons why many African women continue to flee from the continent. (more…)

Shailja Patel

Shailja Patel: Poetry, Spoken Word, Resistance

They are met with standing ovations across the globe: The spoken-word performances by Shailja Patel are a moving appeal to a new generation of Africans to challenge conventions and social structures, and to advocate democracy. In co-operation with AfricAvenir International e.V., the Haus der Kulturen der Welt presents an evening with the award-winning Kenyan performer activist. Sat. Nov. 7, 7.30 p.m.

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Girls and Young Women in Africa: Forerunners of Social Change

Director Statement by Kim Longinotto on DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET

The women and girls in this film are the forerunners of change. We can see with Simalo, who runs away from her old life, that she’s not going to be able to fit back into her community; she’s already an outsider. But she’s the first girl in her village to have made a stand and she has become a role model for other girls, so her bravery has had a huge impact already. (more…)

About Kim Longinotto

Kim Longinotto’s films have won countless awards and have been shown at major film festivals around the world.  Loginotto is an acclaimed, respected and highly admired documentary filmmaker who uses the camera to bring faraway places up close.  She merges into the world of those she portrays, almost to the point of disappearing. You find yourself asking: how did she ever get that on film?  Wouldn’t having a stranger around (a stranger with a camera, no less) cause her subjects to fall silent? Perhaps Longinotto can document such intimate moments because she somehow melts into the scenery. (more…)