Beyond Borders

Nyame Mma
Joe Wackle, Ghana, 2024, 30 min. Éwé with English subtitles

All I know
Obinna Robert Onyeri, Nigeria, 2022, 16 min. English

Confirmation
Nana Duffuor Ghana, 2023, 12 min. Akan, English with English subtitles

The Archive: Queer Nigerians                
Simisolaoluwa Akande, UK, Nigeria, 2023, 25 min. English, Yoruba with English subtitles

I Was Never Really Here
Gabriel Bihina Arrahnio, Germany, 2023, 23 min. English, German with English subtitles

Introduced by guest curator Gabriel Bihina Arrahnio
                    
In 2021, we launched this new section to spotlight cinematic works from beyond the SWANA region. This year, we are thrilled to invite Cameroonian-German filmmaker Gabriel Bihina Arrahnio to curate the program, with a special focus on contemporary queer cinema from Central Africa. Additionally, he will present his beautifully crafted and award-winning film, I Was Never Really Here, as part of the program.

As guest curator Gabriel Bihina Arrahnio states, “Given the recent surge of anti-LGBTQIA+ laws in several African countries, it is more crucial than ever to highlight and celebrate African queer cinema. These films not only provide visibility for marginalized voices but also challenge oppressive narratives by sharing authentic stories of love, identity, and resilience. In the face of increasing discrimination, queer cinema becomes a powerful tool for resistance, fostering empathy, and promoting understanding.”