Reel to Reality Film Festival 2023 Curated Sessions
The second day of our festival at The Bioscope Independent Cinema kicked off with Session 3, 4 and 5 featuring African Diaspora gems and a highly informative panel discussion hosted by Eddie Ramohlale from SA Film Chronicles.
Session Three
Cognito Ergo Sum (I Think Therefore I Am) Directed by Nhlakanipho Mashinini | South Africa
A man is said to have murdered his best friend but has no recollection of ever doing so. He is haunted by nightmares and dreams of the incident. He checks himself into a psychologist to help him remember.
Mother's Cry Directed by Josh Bridge | United Kingdom
Based on a true story. A young boy questions the definition of a perfect marriage after witnessing his mother go through an abusive relationship. His introspective journey uncovers some uncomfortable truth that challenges his view of what a loving family is.
Mbokk Directed by Geraldo Malaval | France
Mbokk is a short film, showcasing the family dynamic and its importance.
Familiar Traces Directed by Izzy Mana | United Kingdom
Familiar Traces is a fashion film narrative which explores the internal pressure that second-generation Black British youth face from a young age, using fashion as the main context.
Session Four
Eating Pawpaw on the Seashore Directed by Rae Whiltshire | Guyana
A coming-of-age film about two queer Guyanese boys, who are navigating their feelings in a homophobic society.
Baba Ghor Directed by Selim Harbi | India/Germany
786 years ago, the first Africans came to India. Mubarak Al Nubi aka Baba Ghor came from the Nubian region, after a dream he had, he commissioned himself to spread Islam. An epic journey where reality and fiction melt into an incredible story. Living in northern India, the Siddi community is estimated at around 50k. From Missionaries to Slaves, their status changed several times as the political Indian environment evolved. Today, almost absent from the official Indian narrative, those Afro-Indians are an alive testimony of an untold chapter of History.
Equilibrium Directed by Paballo Mokwena | South Africa
Retha Regale is a young and passionate visual fanatic, and the camera she uses tends to allow her to switch visual perceptions and even her entire personality.
STORY Directed by Mohamed Bouhari | Morocco
Every night, a fisherman tells his son about his heroic adventures at the bottom of the sea. One day the child discovers the truth.
Session Five
The sun on the river Directed by Adedolapo Abimbola | Nigeria
This short film reveals details about the deities of Yorubaland and the sacredness of the Oshun goddess. From spiritual trance display to mystical dance activities, thundering sounds of drums, beautiful hairstyles, white clothing, men, women, children, more women, incantations and prayers, the Oshun goddess is honoured in the beautiful town of Osogbo, in western Nigeria.
The whole world is here. To celebrate the water goddess of fertility, and to renew the contract between humans and the divine: Osun offers grace to the community; in return, the community honours her in her Sacred Grove in Osogbo.
Dear Life Directed by Destinee Danielle Easley | United States of America
Matti and Kalea experience multiple losses together as a couple. Kalea thinks Matti’s grieving process should emulate her own and Matti thinks Kalea’s process should emulate his. There is no clear-cut way to grieve but as a couple will they support one another in their grief or will they abandon each other in their time of need?
Jeddi Directed by Hamza Atifi | Morocco
The sadness of a little child who sees his grandfather on his deathbed, confused, he clings to an endemic legend.
The Golden Generation Directed by Kieran Kenlock | Netherlands
This documentary focuses on the incredible African diasporic community of creatives in Amsterdam that make the city so special and inspires the next generation to tap into their creativity.
Shumba Directed by Nigel Wurayayi | South Africa
Centred around the themes of betrayal, loyalty, and loss. Shumba follows the story of a powerful woman who has lost everything and was blinded on her last mission with the army. Now, years later, having honed her other senses to the point where she can easily navigate the world without her sight, she is offered the opportunity to get back what she lost, but the journey proves to be harder than she was led to believe. She must overcome PTSD, Moral Dilemmas, and Betrayal in this 24-Minute Action Drama.
