Introduction to the British Urban Film Festival
The British Urban Film Festival (Buff) has organized a committed Africa season, which will showcase up to 20 African films across Great Britain every year. This decision comes after the British Film Institute (BFI) decided to pause its long-standing African Odysseys series.
The Africa Season
The season will begin on July 25th with the world premiere of "Turnip" at Odeon Greenwich. The film, directed by Emmy-nominated BBC journalist Peter Macjo, explores the complexity of African participation in the transatlantic slave trade and examines the involvement of a Nigerian family in slavery during the colonial era. The Africa season will feature a curated selection of contemporary and classic African films, along with Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and networking events.
Background on African Odysseys
The BFI’s African Odysseys series was a 17-year-old strand that aimed to bring African diaspora content to the BFI Southbank. However, the series was put on hold in March after the programmer and co-founder, David Somerset, left the organization. The BFI stated that it was unable to continue the series due to difficulties in finding a common approach to management.
Reaction from the BFI and Buff
Ben Roberts, CEO of the BFI, stated that the organization would reserve a place in its monthly program for African Odysseys. Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, founder and co-chair of Buff, expressed his commitment to taking on the responsibility of showcasing African films, saying, "For 20 years, Buff has been at the forefront of black British and African stories. The decision by the BFI to end African Odysseys is a significant loss, but Buff is proud to take on this renewed obligation."
The Future of African Film in the UK
The Buff’s Africa season is a significant step towards ensuring that African films continue to be showcased in the UK. With its commitment to showcasing up to 20 African films every year, Buff is helping to fill the gap left by the BFI’s African Odysseys series. The season promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking celebration of African cinema, and a great opportunity for audiences to engage with diverse stories and perspectives.
