Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0281 - Contemporary African Cinema

Seven countries, seven films, seven filmmakers, one continent; Africa. The films will be our main text. We will read and analyze them. Most of the films deal with contemporary themes of post-colonial urban life but some like Mother's Day from Tsitsi Dangaremba are inspired by ancient myths. We will address the historical and political contexts in which the films were made. Finally we will look at the cinepolitical situation, the financing and distribution structures, as they pertain to the specific films. Like this we will win an introduction to Contemporary Africa Cinema. We will speak to the filmmakers and learn about their specific styles and their chosen emphasis. Films: 1. Viva Riva (2010) by Djo Tunda Wa Munga CONGO 2. Indochina: Traces of a Mother (2011) by Idrissou Mora-Kpai REPUBLIC DU BENIN 3. Gray Matter (2011) by Kivu Ruhorahoza RWANDA __ 4. Kare kare zvako: Mother's Day (2005) by Tsitsi Dangaremba ZIMBABWE 5. Man on Ground (2012) by Akin Omotoso SOUTH AFRICA __ 6. Une Feuille Dans Le Vent (2013) by Jean-Marie Teno CAMEROON 7. Soeur Oyo (2014) by Monique Mbkea Phoba CONGO (to be confirmed) or Half of a Yellow Sun (2013) by Biyi Bandele NIGERIA

Multiple Cultural Perspectives Independent Work Students are expected to spend an additional 8 hours in work and preparation outside of class time.