A landmark of African cinemas turns 60. In 1966, Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembène’s La Noire de… / Black Girl made history as the first feature-length film by a Black African director. Nearly sixty years later, this three-day film series and international symposium will reflect on the film’s legacy and celebrate early African filmmaking. Screenings and conversations will feature filmmakers, scholars, curators, programmers, artists and activists. Convened by Dr Doyle Calhoun (MMLL) with the support of CRASSH, Cambridge Film & Screen, and the Society for French Studies.

A note about content: The film La Noire de… includes depictions of racism, specifically anti-Blackness, and suicide. This event will also involve discussion of racism, anti-Blackness, and suicide, as well as the contexts of slavery, colonial history, neocolonisation, and empire. Please use your discretion and take care as you watch, listen, and participate. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can find additional resources via the NHS and Black Minds Matter UK.

For information and to register, visit the event page.

Image design by Michael Kelly
Featured image: Still from Sembène’s Black Girl (The Criterion Collection)