By Milcah Tanimu
The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) has long been a platform for showcasing African and diaspora cinema in the United States, honoring the diverse voices and narratives of the continent and its diaspora. Founded in 1993, the festival’s 31st edition, themed “Convergence of Time,” explores the intersection of historical and contemporary roles portrayed by African and diaspora artists in the world of film.
Kicking off the festival on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Walter Reade Theatre at Lincoln Centre is the opening night film, “Over the Bridge,” directed by Tolu Ajayi. The film follows the journey of Folarin Marinho, portrayed by Ozzy Agu, an investment banker grappling with alcoholism and intermittent panic attacks. “Over the Bridge” garnered significant attention at the AMVCA, receiving 12 nominations across various categories, including Best Picture and Best Lead Actress.
Kenneth Gyang’s “This Is Lagos” presents the story of Stevo, played by Gabriel Afolayan, a promising rapper confronting the consequences of his criminal past after a botched heist. The film earned nominations in four categories at the 2024 AMVCA, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor.
Meanwhile, “Dynamite,” directed by Uche Aguh, explores the tumultuous marriage of musician Kiki to her manager/husband, intertwined with her passionate affair with a new bassist. This musical romance captivates audiences with its intricate storytelling and emotional depth.
Closing the festival on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 8:15 pm is the Bollywood film “Dilli Dark,” featuring Nollywood actor Michael Okeke. Directed by Dibakar Das Roy, the film promises to provide a compelling conclusion to the festival, offering viewers a unique perspective on storytelling and cinema.
As NYAFF continues to celebrate African and diaspora filmmaking, “Over the Bridge,” “This Is Lagos,” “Dynamite,” and “Dilli Dark” stand out as poignant examples of the rich and diverse storytelling emerging from the African continent and beyond.