Welcome to the 33rd Festival
As the longest-running African film festival in the U.S., we are grateful for the chance to gather in community with you and celebrate “Africa through African lenses” with a curated collection of 20 films by African Directors from over 16 nations, live interviews with filmmakers, community conversations and more!
We once again have the opportunity to come back together with our hybrid festival format. In-person events will be held at the Hollywood Theatre and Portland Community College Moriarty Auditorium. With a few exceptions, most of the film screenings will take place online and in-person. As we are all aware circumstances can shift rapidly, we encourage you to continue to check our website for any updates regarding the in-person events and to familiarize yourself with the safety protocols.
This year’s festival focuses on the theme of Beauty and Complexities: the human experience; from overcoming adversities, finding acceptance, healing trauma, and celebrating the journey. Our opening night (multiple award-winning film)The Blue Caftan is a stunning, deeply moving film about the lives of those who can’t be who they want to be, love who they want to love, and lead the life they want to live. Moroccan filmmaker Maryam Touzani builds a story that navigates what love can mean in complex circumstances. We feel that these films, which not only connect the African continent and the diaspora experience, also remind us that we are not alone in this human journey of change, healing, growth, loving, and celebrating our identities.
Whether you join us online or in-person we can’t wait to see you soon!
Enjoy the Festival!
Aviva McClure, Eugenie Jolivett Fontana, and the entire CFAF Committee