Marginalised Memories

In the majority of African countries, historical memory is a pressing issue, yet it is too often solely framed in the words of ‘powerful’ voices. For the generation that made the transition between pre- and post- independence, the relationship with memory is undeniably linked to colonialism. Due to the often politicised structure of social life in African countries, stories about people, places, languages, religion, and socio-cultural customs are frequently silenced. As a result, memory becomes permanently marginalised. A void in knowledge about the many layers that make up our countries' histories is forms when younger generations are isolated from ‘unpleasant’ subjects.

Marginalised Memories, the 2025 programme at the Goethe Institut Angola which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Angola's independence, emerged from a need to seek out and listen to the stories of those who have been marginalised for different reasons. The program brings together five African stories featuring people, places and voices that are seldom heard. From Angola to Benin, Kenya to South Sudan and South Africa, each celebrates marginalised memories, places and people.

It is against this backdrop that we invite audiences from the cities of Luanda (Cine São Paulo), São Tomé (CACAU), Salvador (Casa de Angola na Bahia ) and Berlin (SİNEMA TRANSTOPIA) to join us in sharing a part of African memory. (NS)