International Education Week Films: African Cinema

explores the conflict between modern individualism and traditional communities in today's Africa through the eyes of two young Waikiriki women from the Niger delta. Director Ngozi Onwurah -- herself an Anglo-Nigerian -- turns a wry but sympathetic eye on the cross-cultural confusions.

In the Durban South Basin, Themba, a boy in his early adolescence, lives with his father near to the local oil refinery. He’s secretly in love with Khanya, who has been his best friend for years. Khanya has a new boyfriend, KG, a truck driver who promises her a safe future. The more their relationship grows, the more Themba must fight to get her back, until he goes one step too far. Premiered at Cannes Directors' Fortnight and selected at Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.

As the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth approaches, the Rainbow Nation seems to be in disarray. More than half the population live below the poverty line. The ANC is rife with corruption. White people still hold the wealth, leaving the black majority with little hope for social advancement.

But while economic power is largely still in the hands of the white elites, black middle and upper classes have emerged. The effect on the poorly educated white working class has been disastrous. Around 80 slums have appeared which look just like the black townships but consist solely of white communities.

Hatred between communities, racially-motivated violence… is the Rainbow Nation under threat?

Take a glimpse on contemporary sub-Saharan Africa through the eyes of upcoming filmmakers in this short film collection. The finest of African art-house dramas from Cannes and Toronto International Film Festival.