Wilmetta Toliver-Diallo, a lover of movies and a student of Africa, had a vision to introduce St. Louis audiences to films from Africa. The goal, she said, was to showcase the hidden talents of African filmmakers and the diversity of the continent’s nations and cultures.
Some 200 films later, the African Film Festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary with award-winning movies, a master class from leading producer Ekwa Msangi and an appearance by actor Ntobeko Sishi, star of the movie, “Laundry.” The festival will feature 12 films and runs from March 27-29 in Brown Hall at Washington University in St. Louis. Admission is free.
“Film is the perfect way to learn about the past, think about contemporary issues and open up your visual imagination to the diversity of Africa: the cultures, religions, languages, urban life, rural life,” said Toliver-Diallo, senior assistant dean in Arts & Sciences and a lecturer in African and African-American studies, who stages the annual event with the African Student Association. Here, Toliver-Diallo shares more about the festival’s mission and its upcoming lineup.