Explore the 2019 programme below, either by browsing the separate sections, or looking at the timetable view.
Student showcases films made by the new generation of ethnographic filmmakers, often as part of doctoral projects
RAI/Basil Wright features the films competing for the top prizes at this year’s festival
Material Culture focuses on films with something to say about the way we engage with our material world
Intangible Culture explores worlds of music, dance, performance, and ritual
Special Interest explores a range of fascinating topics, including programmes with a special director or thematic focus
Shorts is new for 2019, and celebrates the best in short-form ethnographic filmmaking as a cauldron of innovation
The work of pioneering Senegalese filmmaker and ethnologist Safi Faye is the subject of our Special Focus at the 16th RAI Film Festival. Mossane is one of her greatest achievements, and we present this special screening in collaboration with University of the West of England and the Arnolfini Centre for contemporary Arts.
In this powerful drama, a 14 year old girl in a rural Serer village girl finds herself torn between potential husbands. Mossane is an extraordinary beauty. She is in love with Fara, a young student, but she has been betrothed to another. She dislikes her rich fiancée, Diogoye, but he sends money and gifts to the villagers. Unable to follow her dreams and bound by tradition, Mossane takes action and tragedy ensues. Safi Faye’s beautifully shot film tells a universal story of love and loss, whilst offering rich insight into village life and Serer spirituality.
This screening will be followed by a discussion of Faye’s work and legacy. We are delighted to be welcoming acclaimed filmmaker Jenn Nkiru along with researchers Estrella Sendra (University of Southampton) and Lizelle Bischoff (University of Glasgow), in a conversation chaired by curator and writer Elizabeth Chege.
Location(s) depicted
Senegal
Language(s) of film subjects
