Babacar M’BayeAfrican Film Festival Inc.’s “Family Day Celebration” heads to Governors Island on Sunday, September 25 after Hurricane Irene forced its postponement on August 28. The culture and vitality of the African continent will be on display as the event returns for the fourth year in a row with entertainment and cultural activities for visitors of all ages. The event, which will run from 12 pm to 5 pm, will offer free short films showcasing talent of the African Diaspora; fun activities like African dance classes, Double Dutch and storytelling; and affordable African cuisine.
“This year we hope that New Yorkers of all backgrounds will take the opportunity to join us on Governors Island to celebrate African tradition, community and spirit in the unique setting that is New York City,” said African Film Festival, Inc. Founder Mahen Bonetti. “Though African culture will be spotlighted, the entire day is designed to help us show attendees the commonalities we all share no matter where we come from.”
The event will let New Yorkers leave the hectic pace of summer in the city and experience the exotic via a short trip to downtown Manhattan. Beginning at noon, instruction on needle art and its African roots will be available for those seeking to give their fingers a workout, while at 3:30pm children and adults can test their fitness and agility with fun games designed around the ever-popular activity of Double Dutch. Attendees wishing to learn more about African rhythms can take part in Afro-Brazilian, Senegalese Sabar and Guinean dance classes led by world-renowned instructors Quenia Ribero (Brazil), Babacar M’Baye (Senegal) and Mamady Sano (Guinea) at 12:15, 2 and 3:30pm, respectively. Musical accompaniment for the classes will be provided by acclaimed master percussionists Afro Brazilian Drummers, Sing Sing Rhythm and Les Merveilles de Guinea.
Cinematic entertainment will be provided from 1pm until 5pm with screenings of short films including Mwansa the Great (Zambia), Bongo Barbershop (U.S.A.) and Lezare (Ethiopia) at Pershing Hall on Governors Island. Visitors looking to sample some of the culinary delights of Africa can purchase food provided by the restaurant The Seasoned Pot (Chef Charmain Sithappah).
All events (with the exception of the film screenings at Pershing Hall) will take place at Colonels’ Row on Governors Island, a family and tourist destination located off the southern tip of Manhattan across from the Financial District. To get to Governors Island, take the 1 to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the R to Whitehall Street. Then take the free Governors Island Ferry, located in the Battery Maritime Building, Slip # 7, to the Island and follow the signs to the festivities.
About African Film Festival, Inc.
For over twenty years, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) has bridged the divide between post-colonial Africa and the American public through the medium of film. AFF's unique place in the international arts community is distinguished not only by leadership in festival management but also by a comprehensive approach to the advocacy of African film and culture. AFF established the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in 1993 with Film Society of Lincoln Center. The New York African Film Festival is presented annually at the Walter Reade Theater by African Film Festival, Inc. and Film Society of Lincoln Center, in association with Brooklyn Academy of Music. AFF also produces a series of local, national and international programs throughout the year. More information on AFF can be found at www.africanfilmny.org.
About Governors Island
Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor, is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise. For almost two centuries, Governors Island was home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Today, The Trust for Governors Island oversees 150 acres of the Island. Its mission is to bring Governors Island back to life and to make the Island a cherished destination. Governors Island has partnered with dozens of organizations to bring an unprecedented number of concerts, activities, programs, festivals, and more to the Island. To learn more, visit www.govisland.com.
Photo Courtesy Of: Valarie Fullarton
“This year we hope that New Yorkers of all backgrounds will take the opportunity to join us on Governors Island to celebrate African tradition, community and spirit in the unique setting that is New York City,” said African Film Festival, Inc. Founder Mahen Bonetti. “Though African culture will be spotlighted, the entire day is designed to help us show attendees the commonalities we all share no matter where we come from.”
The event will let New Yorkers leave the hectic pace of summer in the city and experience the exotic via a short trip to downtown Manhattan. Beginning at noon, instruction on needle art and its African roots will be available for those seeking to give their fingers a workout, while at 3:30pm children and adults can test their fitness and agility with fun games designed around the ever-popular activity of Double Dutch. Attendees wishing to learn more about African rhythms can take part in Afro-Brazilian, Senegalese Sabar and Guinean dance classes led by world-renowned instructors Quenia Ribero (Brazil), Babacar M’Baye (Senegal) and Mamady Sano (Guinea) at 12:15, 2 and 3:30pm, respectively. Musical accompaniment for the classes will be provided by acclaimed master percussionists Afro Brazilian Drummers, Sing Sing Rhythm and Les Merveilles de Guinea.
Cinematic entertainment will be provided from 1pm until 5pm with screenings of short films including Mwansa the Great (Zambia), Bongo Barbershop (U.S.A.) and Lezare (Ethiopia) at Pershing Hall on Governors Island. Visitors looking to sample some of the culinary delights of Africa can purchase food provided by the restaurant The Seasoned Pot (Chef Charmain Sithappah).
All events (with the exception of the film screenings at Pershing Hall) will take place at Colonels’ Row on Governors Island, a family and tourist destination located off the southern tip of Manhattan across from the Financial District. To get to Governors Island, take the 1 to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the R to Whitehall Street. Then take the free Governors Island Ferry, located in the Battery Maritime Building, Slip # 7, to the Island and follow the signs to the festivities.
About African Film Festival, Inc.
For over twenty years, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) has bridged the divide between post-colonial Africa and the American public through the medium of film. AFF's unique place in the international arts community is distinguished not only by leadership in festival management but also by a comprehensive approach to the advocacy of African film and culture. AFF established the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in 1993 with Film Society of Lincoln Center. The New York African Film Festival is presented annually at the Walter Reade Theater by African Film Festival, Inc. and Film Society of Lincoln Center, in association with Brooklyn Academy of Music. AFF also produces a series of local, national and international programs throughout the year. More information on AFF can be found at www.africanfilmny.org.
About Governors Island
Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor, is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise. For almost two centuries, Governors Island was home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Today, The Trust for Governors Island oversees 150 acres of the Island. Its mission is to bring Governors Island back to life and to make the Island a cherished destination. Governors Island has partnered with dozens of organizations to bring an unprecedented number of concerts, activities, programs, festivals, and more to the Island. To learn more, visit www.govisland.com.
Photo Courtesy Of: Valarie Fullarton
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