The International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) has revealed its 2024 lineup. Of the over 250 titles to be shown at the festival, African countries are credited with producing just 8 projects.
Speaking at the event announcing the lineup, IDFA’s artistic director Orwa Nyrabia commented on the paucity of projects from the continent. “Regrettably,” he said, adding that African documentaries selected for this edition are not as many as “we hoped for”.
The African countries credited with production are Benin, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Senegal. The films are listed below.
The Battle for Laikipia, directed by Daphne Matziaraki and Peter Murimi (Kenya, United States, Greece)
The film explores the complex struggles for land and conservation in Kenya’s Laikipia region.
Dahomey, directed by Mati Diop (France, Senegal, Benin)
The Berlinale Golden Bear winner follows the return of 26 artefacts from Europe to Africa.
didy, directed by Gaël Kamilindi and François Xavier Destors (Switzerland, France, Rwanda)
This project follows filmmaker Gaël Kamilindi’s emotional journey to uncover his mother’s story, exploring identity, family, and love in Rwanda.
Machine Boys, directed by Karimah Ashadu (Nigeria, Italy, Germany)
Playing in the Paradocs section, this project started out as a video installation. Nigeria’s city of Lagos is the backdrop for Karimah Ashadu’s Machine Boys. Motorbike culture is the subject, as young riders defy bans and danger to earn a living.
The Nights Still Smell of Gunpowder, directed by Inadelso Cossa (Mozambique, France, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Norway)
Mozambique’s tumultuous history is reflected in Inadelso Cossa’s The Nights Still Smell of Gunpowder, exploring the lingering effects of conflict on communities.
Rising Up at Night, directed by Nelson Makengo (Belgium, Germany, Burkina Faso, Qatar, Democratic Republic of the Congo)
Nelson Makengo’s Rising Up at Night captures the resilience and determination of Congolese youth fighting for a better future amidst adversity in their country.
With Grace, directed by Julia Dahr and Dina Mwende (Norway, Kenya)
Kenyan-Norwegian collaboration in the film, With Grace, directed by Julia Dahr and Dina Mwende, follows 13-year-old Grace’s journey as her family navigates drought, storm, and climate change in rural Kenya.
Dollhouse by Mika’il, the Muezzin (South Africa)
This South African project is listed under the IDFA DocLab Competition for Immersive Non-Fiction. According to its synopsis, “DOLLHOUSE for Queer Imaginaries is a digital community built on the idea of safe spaces for queer people. This social VR project invites participants to reflect in playful ways about what home means to them.”
The 2024 IDFA will open with Piotr Winiewicz’s About a Hero film. Winiewicz’s film is one of 13 slated for International Competition. The 37th edition of the festival will run from November 14-24 in the Dutch capital.
