Films and Events
Animation Workshop
Dates 30 August and 31 Aug 2025
WHERE: University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Leaders are born out of many circumstances, including the need to grow up fast. Siya Kolisi had no other choice in the harsh challenges of his upbringing. Trials and tribulations gave way to a leader, and fittingly, the first Black captain of the South Africa national rugby union team. Hear from the man himself alongside family, friends, teammates, and more, as they weave together the grand tale of just who and what makes the Springboks legend so incomparable.
I Do Not Come To You By Chance
Rating: MA 15+
2023
Country: Nigeria
Thursday 04 September 8:30 PM
Based on Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani's best seller I Do Not Come to You by Chance, the film tells the story of Kingsley, a first-born son, who struggles to provide for his beloved family when his ailing father's income dwindles. Possessed of a fine mind but poorly connected in the Nigerian job market, Kingsley takes a job working for his notorious uncle, Cash Daddy, the larger-than- life mastermind of a thousand email scams. As Kingsley falls reluctantly under his mentor's spell, he discovers his own innate flair for the art of the confidence trick.
Fannon
Rating: MA 15+
Year of Production: 2022
Country: Algeria, Mauritius
Thursday 04 September 8:30 PM
Frantz Fanon has just been appointed Chief Medical Officer at the psychiatric hospital in Blida, Algeria. Very soon, his innovative methods and humanistic approach to treating Algerian patients draw the ire of his colleagues and the hospital director.
As tensions between the French army and the FLN escalate, Fanon is increasingly seen as a traitor. Alongside his wife, Josie, he is swept into a vortex of violence that ultimately leads them to take up the struggle for Algeria’s independence.
Industry Networking
Event
WHERE: Arts & Cultural Exchange, 8 Victoria Rd, Parramatta
Friday 19 July, 7PM
This industry-focused session explores how African-Australian filmmakers can access support and distribution opportunities. Featuring filmmakers, industry leaders, and an AFTRS representative, the forum highlights pathways into the screen sector and strategies for sustainable engagement. Part of AFFA 2025’s commitment to inclusive storytelling and industry development.
Samia
Rating: MA 15+
Year of Production: 2023
Country: Switzerland & Kenya
Saturday 6 September 9:30 AM
Samia defies taboos by racing through the streets of Mogadishu, in a society where a woman is not supposed to run. Her passion will one day take her to the Olympic Games.
The story is based on the novel NON DIRMI CHE HAI PAURA, telling about the life story of Samia Yusuf Omar, who came from the poorest of backgrounds and made it to the Olympic Games in Beijing.
Animations Program: Stories From Motherland
Rating: MA 15+
Saturday 6 September 11:30 AM
Step into the vibrant world of African animation with “Stories from the Motherland’’, a captivating collection of short films that celebrate the depth, diversity, and imagination of the continent. From mystical folktales to futuristic visions, these stories bring Africa’s rich heritage and bold creative voices to life through stunning visuals and heartfelt narratives. Curated for all ages, this screening invites you on a journey across landscapes, cultures, and dreams — a tribute to Africa’s storytelling power and its rising animation talent.
Sudan, Remember Us
Rating: MA 15+
2024
Saturday 6 September, 2:00 PM
They are young Sudanese yearning for freedom. This film is a cinematic chorus, the collective portrait of a generation fighting for freedom with their words, poems and chants. Faced with a corrupted army and a paramilitary militia responsible of war crimes in Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile, they could have lost heart before starting. Without the dream guiding them, the power of imagination and the might of poetic discourse, they would not have overthrown the former regime. The film relates the uneven struggle that pitted the voices of the revolution against the fire of the militia.
Nteregu
2025
Rating: MA 15+
Saturday 6 September, 5:00 PM
WHERE: Riverside Theatres Parramatta
Nteregu" is a documentary film about the music of Guinea-Bissau. The film explores the evolution of Guinean music, tracing its roots from traditional instruments and rhythms to its modern forms, including those found in Europe. It highlights the role of music in preserving cultural identity and passing down traditions through generations.
The Heart is a Muscle
Rating: MA 15+
Year of Production: 2023
Country: Senegal and Mali
Saturday 6 September, 7:45 PM
In Cape Town a group of friends are having a barbecue. The day is disrupted when Ryan’s son goes missing. Taking place over one weekend, this sparks a series of incidents which puts a strain on Ryan, his friendships and his marriage.
Nawi: Dear Future Me
2024
Rating: MA 15+
Country: Kenya
Sunday 7 September, 11:30 AM
Sold for livestock by her own father, a young girl escapes her impending marriage and embarks on a journey to reclaim her dream of joining high school.
Nawi‘s aspirations of attending high school are shattered when she learns that her father Eree plans to marry her off to a stranger.
Despite her family‘s necessity for the bride wealth – symbolized by a substantial amount of livestock – Nawi refuses to succumb to this arranged child marriage.
Ngano Shorts: Short Films Program
Rating: MA 15+
Sunday 7 September, 2 PM
WHERE: Arts & Cultural Exchange, 8 Victoria Rd, Parramatta
Free
Africa Film Fest Australia presents a program of short films.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A session.
The Fisherman
2024
Rating: MA 15+
Country: Ghana
Sunday 7 September, 5 PM
A traditional Ghanaian fisherman forced into retirement teams up with a bougie talking fish and his quirky associates on a whimsical adventure to Accra, chasing their dream of owning a boat while learning to navigate the modern world.
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