KALW’s African Night: Free African Cinema Event (SF)

You’re invited to an engaging presentation on African cinema. Telling captivating stories through film, from traditions to contemporary human rights issues.

Join us as we discuss the unique perspectives and narratives of the African continent and celebrating the vibrant cinematic culture of Africa.

HOST: EMMANUEL NADO (KALW AFRICAMIX)SERGE NDJEMBA(SN PRODUCTIONS)

Emmanuel Nado is at the forefront of promoting African music and culture in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is from Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa, a country which for many years has been the crossroad of African popular music. As a journalist, promoter and radio producer, Nado is an active force in the African music scene in the U.S. Nado produces and hosts Africa Mix.

Serge Ndjemba is a seasoned educator and multimedia producer with 15 years’ experience. He creates and collaborates to show and tell stories that empower people.

Chike Nwoffiah is a Nigerian filmmaker and arts consultant who serves as founder & executive director of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival. He was listed as one of the “Top Ten Most Influential African Americans” in the San Francisco Bay Area by City Flight Magazine in 2000.

Films to be screened include:

1.) Will The Sun Rise?
Narrative Short / 13 minutes
Directors: Monia Khalid Ahmed Hassan, Mohmmad Jodh
Country: Sudan

When war erupts in Sudan, Mona is trapped alone in her apartment as chaos consumes the city. Surrounded by gunfire and aircraft, she clings to her diary to preserve her sanity. Alone and abandoned, her desperate fight for survival becomes a haunting meditation on war, memory, and fragile hope.
(Official Selection of SVAFF 2025).

2.) I am Congo
Documentary Short / 23 minutes
Directors: David M’Boussou & Juan Ignacio Davila
Country: Congo Brazzaville

From Brazzaville to the heart of the Congo Basin, the film takes us to meet characters such as the famous Congolese fighters, wrestlers, artists and musicians, sinners, and of course youth. I am Congo is a real visual experience,aesthetic and poetic journey through a country that full of talent, singularities of these everyday heroes.
(Official Selection of SVAFF 2018).

3.) The General’s Son
Narrative Short / 20 minutes
Director: Angela Onuora
Country: Canada / Nigeria

The General’s son follows a corrupt military dictator in his twilight years, desperate to redeem his murderous son, Aida. Haunted by guilt and driven by legacy, he hatches a plan that unravels into betrayal and revelation. What begins as redemption becomes reckoning, as father and son confront the monsters within.
(Official Selection of SVAFF 2025).

4.) The Boy and The Jazz
Animation / 3 minutes
Director: Flavio dos Santos
Country: Brazil

Animated short that tells the story of a boy in love with music who, upon seeing the window of a musical instrument store, decides he wants a trumpet to become a jazz musician. When he realizes that the price of the instrument is higher than he can afford, he feels frustrated, but then he starts looking for ways to achieve his goals.
(Official Selection of SVAFF 2021).

Your RSVP includes admission to Open Decks: Community Art in Motion, a collaborative art exhibition and cultural program featuring original art by 100 Bay Area artists on skateboard decks. Open Decks is on view from July 24 – September 19, 2025.

There is a $10 – $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.