New York, NY
USA
Seventh Annual Family Day Celebration
Sunday, September 7
A Taste of the Motherland in New York
African Film Festival, Inc. brings African culture and traditions to Governors Island
The rain date for the event will be Sunday, September 14. For more information, visit www.africanfilmny.org.
NEW YORK (August 18, 2014)—New Yorkers can indulge in a day of African tradition and culture on Sunday, September 7 as African Film Festival, Inc. presents its seventh annual Family Day Celebration on Governors Island. The family-friendly event offers dance classes taught by world-renowned instructors, selected short films, Double Dutch, needle arts, storytelling, and some of the finest West African and Jamaican cuisine.
The free activities begin at 11 a.m. with Zumba and Horton dance taught by the Ailey School graduate Karen Arceneaux, followed by an Afro- Brazilian dance class at 12:15 p.m. instructed by Rio de Janeiro native Quiena Ribeiro with the Grupo Ribeiro. Later in the afternoon, there will be a Senegalese Sabar dance class with Babacar M’baye & percussionists Sing Sing Rhythym at 2 p.m., followed by a Guinean Dance Class at 3:30 p.m. with dance instructor Maguette Camara and master drummers Les Merveilles de Guinée. Harlem Needle Arts founder Michelle Bishop will demonstrate a needle arts workshop from 12 p.m. to 2 pm. Esteemedauthor and broadcaster Malika Lee Whitney will present a storytelling and Double Dutch workshop from 3:30–4:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase fromLa Galette Café with Chef Ndickou Lam and Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights.
Selected short African films will screen from 1–5 p.m. and include Wooden Hands, by Kaouther Ben Hania; Soko Sonko (The Market King), by Ekwa Msangi-Omari ; Beleh, by Christa Eka Assam; Kuhani, by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine; and Boneshaker, by Frances Bodomo. This compilation of films addresses issues of gender and equality with humor and candor as seen through the eyes of an emerging generation of filmmakers from across the Continent and Diaspora.
Events will take place on Colonels’ Row, with the exception of short film screenings held at the Commanding Officer’s Headquarters. All events will occur 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 Governors Island Ferry, located in the Battery Maritime Building, to the Island—for a $2 round trip fee for adults and children over 12 ($1 for senior citizens)—and follow the signs to the festivities.
About African Film Festival, Inc.
For more than 20 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 by its 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. (To learn more, visit 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 U.S. 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)
