ERÖFFNUNG - 21. Afrika Film Festival Köln

In the organizer's words:

FILMS, INTERNATIONAL GUESTS AND LIVE MUSIC

The festival will be opened by Liz Gomis, the patron of the 21st Africa Film Festival Cologne. The international festival guests coming to Cologne for the opening will be welcomed by the Tanzanian musician Seghito. Following the opening, there will be a drink in the foyer of the Filmforum, sponsored by KIOSK - Arts Exchange e.V. and other cooperation partners.

CINEMATIC KICK-OFF

ALAZAR
D: Beza Hailu Lemma; Ethiopia/FR/CA 2024; OmeU; DCP; 35 min.

In present-day Ethiopia, the exodus of a farming community is thrown into disarray when the patriarch of a prominent family disappears from his grave. Tessema, his son, begins to question the church's divine explanation, forcing him to conduct his own investigation. ALAZAR celebrated its world premiere as part of the Semaine De la Critique at the Cannes Film Festival 2024.

LIVE MUSIC

Annette Ngongi, known on stage as Seghito, is a celebrated Tanzanian Afro-jazz, soul and blues singer from Dar es Salaam. Seghito began her musical journey at the age of 17
at the Tanzanian House of Talent (THT) and quickly rose to fame. She performed alongside top Tanzanian artists and co-founded the groundbreaking jazz and rock band The No Strings Attached Band. With her versatile repertoire, which includes energetic dance music as well as soulful, reflective pieces, Seghito has thrilled audiences across Africa and Europe and established herself as a dynamic and inspiring artist.

FILMS, INTERNATIONAL GUESTS AND LIVE MUSIC

The festival will be opened by Liz Gomis, the patroness of the 21st African Film Festival Cologne. The international festival guests that will be in Cologne for the opening will be welcomed with music from Seghito. The opening will be followed by drinks in the foyer of the Filmforum, sponsored by KIOSK - Arts Exchange e.V. and further co-operation partners.

CINEASTIC KICK OFF

ALAZAR
D: Beza Hailu Lemma; Ethiopia/FR/CA 2024; OmeU; DCP; 35 min.

In contemporary Ethiopia, a farming community's exodus is disrupted when the patriarch of a prominent family disappears from his grave. Tessema, his son, begins to question the church's divine explanation, forcing him to launch his own investigation. ALAZAR premiered at the Semaine De la Critique (Critics' Week) during the Cannes Film Festival 2024.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE FESTIVAL

Annette Ngongi, known on stage as Seghito, is a celebrated Tanzanian Afro Jazz, soul, and blues vocalist based in Dar es Salaam. Beginning her musical journey at 17 at the Tanzanian House of Talent (THT), Seghito quickly rose to prominence, performing alongside top Tanzanian artists and co-founding the pioneering jazz and rock band, The No Strings Attached Band. With a versatile repertoire that includes both high-energy dance music and soulful, reflective pieces, Seghito has captivated audiences across Africa and Europe, establishing herself as a dynamic and inspiring performer.