FESTIVALERÖFFNUNG

Films, international guests and live music

The festival will be opened by Liz Gomis, the patroness of the 21th African Film Festival Cologne. The international festival guests that will be in Cologne for the opening will be welcomed with music from Seghito.
The opening will be followed by drinks in the foyer of the Filmforum, sponsored by KIOSK - Arts Exchange e.V. and further co-operation partners.

Cineastic kick off

ALAZAR
R: Beza Hailu Lemma; Äthiopien/F/Kanada 2024; DCP; 35 min.

In contemporary Ethiopia, a farming community's exodus is disrupted when the patriarch of a prominent family disappears from his grave. Tessema, his son, begins to question the church's divine explanation, forcing him to launch his own investigation. ALAZAR premiered at the Semaine De la Critique (Critics’ Week) during the Cannes Film Festival 2024.

Live music at the festival

Seghito

Annette Ngongi, known on stage as Seghito, is a celebrated Tanzanian Afro Jazz, soul, and blues vocalist based in Dar es Salaam. Beginning her musical journey at 17 at the Tanzanian House of Talent (THT), Seghito quickly rose to prominence, performing alongside top Tanzanian artists and co-founding the pioneering Jazz and Rock band, The No Strings Attached Band. With a versatile repertoire that includes both high-energy dance music and soulful, reflective pieces, Seghito has captivated audiences across Africa and Europe, establishing herself as a dynamic and inspiring performer.