Storytellers hone skills at film festival

By Joan Kabugu

“Luxor African Film Festival is one of the sons of the January 25, 2010, revolution …it was created out of its glow…and here it is fighting to survive rough waves hitting cinema, culture and identity…but we are steadfast…and a strong Egypt will reemerge from the crisis” —Sayed Fouad El-Genary, festival president.

From March 15 to March 24, another feat was achieved.

The second edition of Luxor African Film Festival brought together young African storytellers from all corners.

As part of the festival, the filmmakers were set to have an all-encompassing workshop that would horn their skills in the world of cinema.

The continent was well covered – from North Africa was Algeria and Morocco; from the South was South Africa and Zimbabwe; West of Africa, there was Ghana and Nigeria; East Africa was not left behind and had Uganda and Kenya.

Additionally, there were young filmmakers from Sudan, Ethiopia and Rwanda proving to the world that Africa is truly a melting pot of rich stories. There was also a delegation from Egypt.

The programme was made in a way that aspiring young minds would learn from seasoned minds such as Haile Gerima, a revolutionary filmmaker from Ethiopia, based in Washington DC.

Known for his epic and intense films Sankofa and Teza, he shared his vast experience in directing and scriptwriting as well as a few tidbits on collaborative marketing and distribution.

He was also keen to point out that with the diversity in African stories, collaborating with each others across borders would be a great business tactic to African cinema.

Filmakers

The young filmmakers had a chance to listen to each other’s stories, review each other’s works and get feedback from Haile Gerima and amongst themselves.

Additionally they collaborated amongst each other and produced a couple of short films during the 10 days.

Instantly meeting, working together and artistically making sense of each other’s stories was no mean feat. Definitely a surreal feeling amongst peers and more so a vintage point where they were able to share some of their goals, plans, challenges and hopes alike as presented by their stories.

The Pan-African spirit

The pan-African spirit was resident in Luxor and gave way to an analysis of the status of cinema in most African countries. Gerima encouraged, inspired and also shared secrets to being brilliant storytellers. He pointed out mistakes that would go a long way in improving the art of storytelling for the emerging filmmakers.

He emphasised on the need to connect individual stories with individual personalities since in many instances soulful art is drawn from within.

Writing stories from the point of passion and personal connection is the first step to discovering masterpieces.

He said that although all good art is imperfect, it is mandatory that filmmakers learn from previous mistakes and not repeat them again.

Gerima also challenged the young filmmakers to empower themselves with knowledge about the filming. Alongside a small team he had with him, they engaged the young filmmakers in specific areas including lighting, production design, editing as well as cinematography.

The film festival opened with the film War Witch a Congolese war story that follows the life of Komona, who is initiated as a child soldier at the age of 12 and her introduction to teenage life comes with rather harsh realities.

Other films showcased were Arjourd Hui from Senegal, Elelwani from South Africa, Coming forth by day from Egypt and Nairobi Half Life from Kenya and this was but a tip of the cinematic experience that Luxor had to offer.