The Africa Film Festival, organised by the Korea-Africa Foundation, showcases the vibrant cinema from the African continent to audiences in Korea. Now in its seventh year, the festival is running until June 15 across three cities: Seoul, Busan, and Jeonju marking its first appearance in the latter. The event debuted in 2019 and aims to dismantle negative stereotypes about Africa and highlight its diverse cultural narratives through the cinematic arts.
In his opening remarks, Kim Young-chae, president of the Korea-Africa Foundation, emphasised the festival’s role in fostering cultural exchange. “This festival is not just about watching films but about building strong bridges between Korea and Africa and shaping a future based on mutual respect and understanding,” he stated. The festival opened with a film from Egypt to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Korea, illustrating the event’s commitment to celebrating cultural ties.
Moroccan Ambassador to Korea, Chafik Rachadi, noted that the festival transcends mere entertainment, serving as a platform for powerful storytelling and reinforcing Korea’s engagement with Africa. This year’s lineup features 15 films from various African countries, carefully selected with input from the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea. The films encompass genres such as drama, documentary, thriller, and comedy, offering insight into contemporary African issues.
The opening film, “Photocopy” (2017) from Egypt, follows a retiree who discovers romance and purpose while operating a copy shop. The film’s director, Tamer Ashry, participated in post-screening discussions in Seoul and Busan, engaging with audiences about the film’s themes. Alongside Ashry, Tanzanian filmmaker Seko Shamte, whose award-winning film “Binti” was featured, also attended the festival.
This year’s selections explore themes of tradition versus modernity, women’s resilience, national identity, and the complexities of belonging. They provide Korean audiences a unique opportunity to interact directly with African filmmakers through discussions and Q&A sessions.
