Maona Art forges exciting collaboration with Showroom Cinema to bring African Cinema to Sheffield
In an exciting venture towards cultural enrichment, Maona Art is proud to collaborate and work with Showroom Cinema to launch an exclusive African Cinema Programme, bringing the captivating narratives and vibrant storytelling of the continent to Sheffield. Maona Art was launched due to a personal passion and commitment to providing a platform for the rich tapestry of African Cinema to be shown.
The carefully curated programme will feature a range of films spanning across genres and regions, offering an authentic glimpse into the rich heritage of African cinema. The programme in 2024 kicks off with Buladó (28 February), winner of the Golden Calf award for Best Feature at the Netherlands Film Festival. The plot follows young, headstrong Kenza, who lives on a junkyard in the countryside of Curaçao with her father and grandfather, where she is torn between rational thinking and mystical tradition.
In March, Maona Art is supporting We Are Parable release Banel and Adama (general release 15 March), which comes to Showroom’s screens with a Q&A with filmmaker Ramata-Toulaye Sy on 12 March. Taking place shortly after International Women’s Day, this coming-of-age Senegalese romantic drama explores the nuanced challenges of a woman’s place within society, and the intricate layers of community, as well as subtly highlighting the urgency of environmental challenges. Our programme within the first quarter of 2024 will continue with Omen (date TBC), a film by Congolese director Baloji. Baloji, known for his cinematographic mastery and evocative visuals, is an exciting director to follow and his cinematic artistry to not be missed. This will be a highly anticipated release by Aya Films.
The collaboration with Showroom cinema will see Maona Art curate six films per year with an exciting opportunity of also showcasing one film from the African Heritage Project (AFHP). Spearheaded by director Martin Scorsese, the AFHP is currently in the process of restoring these cinematic treasures from the continent of Africa so many can rediscover the cultural heritage embedded within each frame.
We look forward to creating an engaging and enlightening experience where one can explore the captivating narratives that emerge from the heart of Africa, as well as celebrate the universal language of storytelling.
Website: www.maona.art
Instagram: @maona.art
Tickets for the upcoming films curated by Maona Art at Showroom Cinema will be on sale at African Cinema.
Article by Tatenda Jamera, Founder and Curator for Maona Art.
