African Arts And Culture Festival Returns To Governors Island
African Film Festival Inc.’s Third Annual ‘Family Day Celebration’
Heads to New York on Saturday, August 7

New Yorkers seeking to immerse themselves in African arts and culture can take a short trek to beautiful Governors Island on Saturday, August 7 for African Film Festival Inc.’s third annual Family Day Celebration. The event, which runs from noon to 5 pm, will include free short films from emerging African directors, African and Afro-Brazilian dance classes, Double Dutch, storytelling and needle arts—as well as affordable fine African cuisine.

“We are happy to once again be back on scenic Governors Island for ‘Family Day Celebration,’ with an array of African-themed activities that New Yorkers of all ages can enjoy,” said African Film Festival Inc. Director Mahen Bonetti. “From film and dance to food and more, there really is something that everyone can enjoy.”

World-renowned dance instructors Quenia Ribeiro (Brazil), Babacar M’Baye (Senegal) and Youssouf Koumbassa (Guinea) will lead Afro-Brazilian, Senegalese sabar and Guinean dance classes at 12:15, 2 and 3:30 pm respectively. They will be accompanied by Afro Brazilian Drummers, Sing Sing Rhythm and Les Merveilles de Guinea, all master drummers.  Michelle Bishop, founder of Harlem Needle Arts, will lead participants in making an African-inspired quilt from 12 to 2 p.m.  From 3:30 to 4:30 pm attendees can be captivated by storyteller Malika Leigh Whitney or join in with jumping wonders Double Dutch Dreamz.

Selected short films—A History of Independence by Daouda Coulibaly, Guew Bi - Sabar Dances of Senegal by Francoise Bouffault, Pumzi by Wanuri Kahiu, and others—from across the African Diaspora will be screened at Pershing Hall. African-inspired cuisine from the restaurants Les Ambassades, with Chef Jules Niasse, and The Seasoned Pot, with Chef Charmain Sithappah, will be available for purchase.