Since 1994, AFF’s Youth Matinee Program has brought together New York City middle and high school students to a special matinee program during the annual New York African Film Festival. An age-appropriate selection of one feature length or two to three short films is screened with themes relevant to African history, geography, politics, and culture. AFF provides the participating teachers with materials for student orientation before the screenings, and then facilitates a discussion afterward with the filmmakers. Discussion topics after the film often include how African folklore and traditional storytelling techniques were used in films, the relationship of traditional African values to contemporary African and Western culture, as well as the similarities and differences between African and American culture. The programming continues back in the classroom, where teachers will frequently ask students to write critical essays. Occasionally, AFF will ask students to fill out a questionnaire to aid in the evaluation of the program

Three individuals enter atemple to summon theYoruba Orishas through ritual, music, and dance. As colonial influence reshapesspiritual practice these traditions begin to shift. Over time, the rituals are alteredand Westernized, losing their original form. What once connected them to divinebegins to fade.

Departing

Mamadou and Junior wouldhave everything it takes tobe the best friends in theworld if only their two grandfathers, a famous photographer and a novelist whoused to be good friends, got along again. But because of an unfinished film theywanted to make together, they broke off their relationship, and their two familieshold a bitter grudge. But Junior has an idea: what if he and Mamadou found theirfilm and finished it themselves...

Back To The Theater Vox

It's a hot day, as is often the case in Ouagadougou. It's also a very special day for this group of women. A long-awaited getaway, a moment of discovery and a break from the hustle and bustle of the world and their lives. (Language: mooré)

Le Grand Calao

Nwanne M Nwaanyi is a visual journey tracing the intangible roots two sisters share, tethered by something far stronger than blood and deeper than soil. They meet again at the first place they ever called home, the womb, to cry out the songs of their mother’s mother, a tune known only to an Igbo woman.

Nwanne M Nwaanyi

2026 Virtual Youth Matinee Program

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(A·​wu·​jo): A Yoruba word meaning ‘community’ or ‘social gathering’—in Krio, it refers to a ceremonial feast. You’ve arrived at Cinema Awujo, a place to enjoy and commune with our curated selection of African and diaspora cinema. Tune in to Cinema Awujo for online film screenings, and stay up to date on discussions around the screenings during our Awujo Talks!

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.