N - The Madness of Reason with Ben Okri

In the launch event for the University of Sheffield's Festival of Arts and Humanities, author Ben Okri introduces the 2014 film, N - The Madness of Reason, for which he wrote the script. A twisting poetic narrative, N takes in Raymond Borremans’ journey through Africa to complete an encyclopaedia for the continent. Only reaching the letter N by the time of his death, his spirit drifts between past and present, helped by an African woman who tries to lead him towards his destiny. In Okri’s own words, ‘The film is not a straight line - it is a river with twists and bends.’

Hovering between dream and reality, this magical film plays on the confrontation between Western mind and African spirituality.

The screening is hosted by Professor Julia Dobson, and followed by a short Q&A session and a book signing. Books will be available to purchase from Rhyme and Reason on the night.

A joint event between The Showroom, Off the Shelf Festival of Words and the Festival of Arts and Humanities. For more details of other Festival events, see www.sheffield.ac.uk/festivalah