More than 20 films featured from 14 Countries
The Cascade Festival of African Films, the longest-running African film festival in the U.S., is celebrating its 35th anniversary at Portland Community College with a lineup of more than 20 films from 14 countries.
The free and volunteer-run film festival raised its curtain at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, at the Hollywood Theatre and runs through March 1 at PCC's Cascade Campus in celebration of Black History Month.
"As always, our popular programming remains free and open to the public, ensuring accessibility for all," said Festival Director Eugenie Jolivett Fontana. "This festival is so loved by the community because it shows Africa through African lenses. It's the stories from African people and its diaspora that make this festival so unique."
She and Assistant Festival Director Brook Ramirez, along with the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes, were ready to welcome attendees to that year's celebration. The grand opening featured a live musical performance followed by the screening of Everybody Loves Touda by Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch. This film explored themes of determination and dignity amidst societal barriers and concluded with an engaging Q&A session. Doors opened at 6 p.m., and seating was first come, first served.
This year's theme, "Legacy," emphasized the enduring cultural contributions and adversities of Africa through its art, photography, and storytelling, according to Jolivett Fontana. One highlight on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Hollywood Theatre was the showcase of Xalé (The Childhood Wounds), a film by acclaimed Senegalese director Moussa Sène Absa, who attended in person for an intimate Q&A. The festival honored Absa's artistry with a retrospective featuring two additional films from the guest director's repertoire.
The festival offers something for everyone, including documentaries on Thursdays, such as Far from the Nile, which celebrates unity as 12 musicians travel through seven countries along the Nile River, using music to bridge borders. Families can enjoy the Family Film Fest & Activities on Saturday, Feb. 22, featuring a special coming-of-age film alongside kid-friendly activities. Women Filmmaker Week spotlights African women directors and their powerful storytelling.
Additionally, a collaboration with the Multnomah County Library provides a CFAF-curated list of African films available through Kanopy. Marketplace Day, held from 2–6 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, invites attendees to explore African and Black-owned vendor booths featuring crafts, art, and more at the Moriarty Auditorium on the Cascade Campus.
The festival also features an advance screening of "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl" by Zambian director Rungano Nyoni on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Tomorrow Theater. The closing night on March 1 will feature "Under the Fig Trees" by Tunisian filmmaker Erige Sehiri.
During the festival, PCC is honoring the legacies of founding member Linda Elegant and long-time supporter Bob Holmström. "Their vision and dedication laid the foundation for CFAF's mission of education, inclusion and community that continues into its 35th year," Jolivett Fontana added.