You Should Know: African Diaspora International Film Festival

(Image courtesy of www.nyadiff.org)

The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) was started in 1993 by Reinaldo Barroso-Spech and his wife, Diarah N’Daw-Spech. 

(Watch an ABCNews interview with Diarah N’Daw-Spech here). 

Very passionate about education, the couple set out to create a place where films from around the world depicting the African or African diaspora experience could be premiered for the general public. The film festival lasts 18 days and provides exposure for independent films which would otherwise probably never really see the light of day.

In a very competitive industry where screenwriters and producers the world over struggle to make their voices heard through their art with hopes of maybe one day making it to the big leagues, it is unfortunate that there are precious few mainstream films that chronicle the black experience, African or otherwise. Therefore, it a great source of comfort that organizations like ADIFF are working to try and bring a little equity of subject matter to the film industry.

We are still a long way from equality of representation in every aspect (of life) but it is always nice to know that progress is being made. One of the challenges with endeavors such like this is always getting the word out. I have lived in New York for several years and I only became aware of this organization this year…what’s worse, I was informed of it by a friend who lives in Lagos. It’s amazing how information moves around in backward loops sometimes. So in writing this post, I am in turn doing my part by passing on the good word and helping to raise awareness.

(Image courtersy of www.nyadiff.org)

Let’s get into the exciting news: This year’s African Diaspora International Film Festival 2013 will be holding at various venues in Manhattan (and one venue in Queens) from 29 November 2013 to 15 December 2013. Tickets and passes that provide unlimited access to all films as well as panel discussions with directors and other stakeholders are on sale now for the modest sum of $175 which is a really great value. Tickets for individual/double features can also be purchased through the ADIFF website (you will be linked to an outside vendor before you can complete the transaction online).

In upcoming posts, I will be reviewing my top picks from ADIFF 2013. This is not an easy task as there are so many good films to choose from so stay tuned. In the meantime, do make plans to attend a screening or two and maybe I'll see you there.

XOXO,

Starlight.