Frontline female filmmaker and festival director of the African Cultural Film Festival (AFRICUFF), Emem Isong-Misodi, has launched the maiden edition of the festival in Houston, Texas. The 4-day event, scheduled from October 26 to October 29, will feature film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, networking, and an award ceremony.
Emem Isong-Misodi, the festival’s founder and director, aims to celebrate African films, short films, and documentaries, showcasing the cultural and artistic richness of the black race to a global audience. The festival also intends to encourage the exchange of ideas and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity.
Over 50 films, including feature-length movies, short films, and documentaries, have been submitted to the festival. Winners in various categories will be decided by a jury chaired by film journalist and creative industry expert, Dr. Shaibu Husseini.
Other jury members include filmmaker Obi Emelonye, writer Bola Aduwo, President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Dr. Victor Okhai, and journalist and former Commissioner of Culture in Lagos State, Steve Ayorinde.
Emem Isong-Misodi, currently based in the United States, initiated the festival out of her passion for promoting and preserving Black cultures and traditions. AFRICUFF also aims to spotlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of Africa, as well as films from other parts of the world rich in cultural content.
Organizing committee members and advisors for the four-day festival include Dr. Cathy Archibong, Ijeoma Onah, Bode Ojo, Teejay Hakeem Olaleye, and Divine Ighovie, among others.
IMAGE: Wikipedia
