Annual African Film Festival returns to NYC on Nov. 29

The 32nd annual African Diaspora International Film Festival returns to New York City  (ADIFF-NY) from Nov. 29 to Dec. 15.

The festival will present its traditional selection of award winning independent narratives and documentaries from across the globe, many of which are directed by women and spotlighting historic figures with Caribbean roots.

Some of these include “Breaking Boundaries” (2024), directed by Dina Burlis. The film is about Nastasya Generalova, the daughter of an African-American father and a Russian mother. Throughout the film, the audience will follow Generalova as she pursues her goal of becoming a member of the USA artistic gymnastics team.

According to the film description, “She faces financial obstacles, racial discrimination, and the inherent difficulties of this incredibly demanding sport with courage and determination.”

The film “Ain’t No Back to a Merry Go Round” (2024) was directed by Ilana Trachtman. This is the story of a multiracial organized movement that led to the desegregation of Glen Echo Amusement Park in Maryland.

The film “Locked Out” (2023) was directed by Kate Davis and Luchina Fisher. This film will highlight how owning a home is increasingly out of reach for people of color.

In addition, it will highlight how: “In Detroit, a group of Black women fight against scammers, evictions, and traditional banks to help make the American Dream of owning a home-the cornerstone of generational wealth – reality for all,” the film description stated.

Historically, ADIFF curates programs around different themes that place a high level of reflection at the forefront, using films as a backdrop. One of those programs this year centers on Caribbean Leaders.

Films in this program include the Errol Barrow docudrama, “Barrow: Freedom Fighter” (2016), directed by Marcia Weekes. This film, as stated in its description, “tells the story about the courage of one man who relentlessly preached a gospel of economic self-reliance and self respect to the people of his native country Barbados and beyond.”

Another film in this program is the documentary “Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work” (2001), directed by Cheikh Djemaï. It reflects on the political activist born in Martinique, who devoted his life to the liberation struggle of the Algerian people and who became, through his commitment, his fight, and his writings, one of the figures of the anti-colonialist struggle.

Directed by Jessica Chaney, the film “I AM” (2023) tackles the issue of mental health in the African-American community with candid and revealing interviews with five Black women who speak about their journey with Anxiety Disorder.

Angela, Grae, Angel, Santyria, and Chloe tell their stories about their challenges with Anxiety Disorder and the remarkable ways they cope as they face unique cultural and societal issues.

For more information about the 32nd Annual African Diaspora International Film Festival, those interested can send emails to pr@nyadiff.org, or they can visit the festival website: www.nyadiff.org.

To stay updated on ADIFF-NY and its work, those interested can also follow the team on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram.