By Beti Ellerson
Exploring the extraordinary contributions of women filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora, Beti Ellerson's engaging debut intersperses interviews with such acclaimed women directors as Assia Djebar, Safi Faye, Sarah Maldoror, Anne Mungai, Fanta Regina Nacro and Ngozi Onwurah with footage from their seminal work. With power and nuance, Ellerson also confronts the thorny question of cultural authenticity by revisiting the legendary 1991 FESPACO (Pan-African Festival of Cinema and Television of Ouagadougou), in which diasporian women were asked to leave a meeting intended for African woman only. This film is both a valuable anthology and a fitting homage to the pioneers and new talents of African cinema.
Reviews
~ "A superb instructional toolĄof great use for teachers of African Cinema, African History, African Politics and also Women's Studies."- Dr. Gloria Emeagwali, Professor of History/African Studies, Central Connecticut State University
~ "FascinatingĄan excellent addition to collections on film and women's and African studies."- Danna Bell-Russel, Library Journal
~ "An incredible reclamation and exploration of African women's lives and histories by African women filmmakers."
Jacqueline Bobo
Women's Studies and Black Studies, UC Santa Barbara
Notes
~ African Studies Association Conference
~ African Cinema Conference
~ Athens International Studies Film and Video Festival
~ Pan-African Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO)
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