Caribbean films among 78 ADIFF docs, features from 37 nations
“I Don’t Call it Ghetto” a fi lm by by Miquel Galofre (Trinidad
and Tobago) which follows mother of three, Onika James,
who has had a life fi lled with obstacles and heartache.
https://nyadiff21.eventive.org/
Caribbean Life, December 10-16, 2021 11
Long before critical race theory
inserted itself into a national
conversation politicians weaponized
to decide education curricular
and win/lose favor with
American voters, Diarah N’Daw
Spech and her husband Reinaldo
Barroso-Spech informed
— perhaps a clueless segment
of the society—by launching
a platform that magnified and
amplified dialogue relevant to
a diverse, global community
ignored by commercial medium.
Together, the couple introduced
the African Diaspora
International Film Festival
(ADIFF). Their intent was to
annually dispense a rich repository
of international films made
by diasporans throughout the
world.
Initially, modestly presented
the substantive series offered
independent films — documentaries
and features — from Third
World directors.
Dedicated to maintaining the
initial mission, 29 years later,
ADIFF now competes with Sundance
and the Toronto Film Festival
by offering first run and
limited showcases of some of the
most revealing productions.
Throughout 17 days of celluloid
enlightenment, 38 world,
US and New York premieres are
slated to compile the treasure
trove of 78 films that should
be mandatory consumption to
politicians, teachers, school-age
youngsters and their handlers.
Until Dec. 12, the films will be
available virtually and in theaters
to attract a wide cross-section
of eager audiences of African
American, Caribbean, African,
Latino and European ethnic
backgrounds.
ADIFF organizers claim their
aim is to encourage individuals
“who share a common interest
for thought provoking, well
crafted, intelligent and entertaining
stories about the human
experience of people of color.”
For the 2021 showcases, the
forward-thinking couple chose
12 films from the Caribbean
they believe represent “a variety
of modes and genres” and also
explore the “already complex
issues specific to those living in
these communities.”
ADIFF stages festivals here in
New York, Chicago, Washington
DC, and Paris, France.
Anyone who missed seeing
Jimmy Cliff’s cinematic debut
in Perry Henzell’s classic urban
tale from Jamaica, will be able to
experience the nostalgic reprise.
The cult attraction has played
and replayed at numerous film
festivals however, ADIFF has
included the popular Caribbean
trailblazer so that music lovers
can again revel with Ivan as
he traverses from shanty-town
country bumpkin to city slicker
and rude boy.
Considered the most popular
Caribbean film in the USA, “The
Harder They Come” is billed
with others from the region to
provide “an eclectic selection of
recent and less recent films that
are engaging and entertaining.
Others from Barbados, Curacao,
Cuba, Trinidad & Tobago,
Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique and.
Panama are prominently featured.
Sugar Cane Alley by Euzhan
Palcy, Ava and Gabriel by Felix
de Rooy, Maluala by Sergio Giral,
Haitian Corner by Raoul Peck
and other titles have enhanced
the cultural landscape of cities
in different continents.
3 Leaves by Eléonore Coyette
(Haiti) follows Esther, a 6 yearold
who lives her carefree life
as a little girl until her father
abuses her. The film tells three
women’s stories that explore the
roots of identity, resistance and
sisterhood.
Catch You On The Inside!
Inside Life
By Vinette K. Pryce
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