Exploring Human Rights and the Urgency for Empathy at African Diaspora International Film Festival NYC ’24
By Roger Costa
FATHER AND SOLDIER
Known for his versatile role choices and unique charisma, beloved actor Omar Sy gives another example of his ability to create gripping and complex characters in this outstanding father/son tragic drama set in the French colony of Senegal during World War I. He plays a protective, hero-type father who goes to war only to stay close to his son who’s enlisted against his will. Armed with powerful sound and editing resources, director Mathieu Vadepied delivers an action-packed war-drama fueled by astonishing and compelling battle scenes. He perfectly balances the dramatic elements and sensitivity of the family story to the prompty violence and suspense of the war field. Gorgeously shot and perfectly period-recreated, the result is marvelous and richly entertaining.
AMAL
Maroccan/Belgian Director Jawal Rhalib’s searing drama tackles religious intolerance, racism and multiculturalism revolving around the lives of a teacher and her students as they investigate the power of freedom of speech, unchaining a series of hard truths and revelations as well as dangerous reactions.
Addressing the horrors of social trauma and the conflicts among communities facing adversities over traditions, the film is a shocking canvas on the fragility and faults of human justice. Actress Lubna Azabal is the heart and soul of the film, luminous and exceeding in naturalism and strength. She takes control of every frame, devouring her role with passion and commitment rarely seen on screen. Achingly affecting and unforgettable, it’s an alarming portrait of our troubled times and the challenges the young generation must go through.
POWER ALLEY (LEVANTE)
Anchored by a courageous and utterly confident performance by newcomer Ayomi Domenica Dias, this strong and efficient drama observes the moral dilemmas confronting a 17-year promising athlete who sees her future uncertain when she becomes pregnant. Director Lillah Halla crafts an intriguing, protest-like, very humane and sometimes terrifying look at themes such as societal standards, patriarchy, manipulation and extremism, proving accuracy in her universal approach and announcing herself as a major voice in world cinema. It is an immersive and relatable groundbreaking exploration on the impact of the main character’s decisions, and the importance of her relationship with friends, school folks, and mostly her lovely, supportive father. The director also vividly captures the sense of being young and free, despite the constant obstacles, showcasing the bravery and determination of those in the battle for human rights. One of the boldest films to Premiere at Cannes (where it competed for both the Queer Palm and the Golden Camera Prize) and winner of the Top Prizes at both Havana Film Festival and Palm Springs it is an emotionally-charged journey of a young girl coming to terms with identity and self-realization. And Ayomi Dias deserves an award for her impactful performance.
(Screens Thursday, December 5th at 7pm Gala Presentation with Director in Attendance. Opens Friday, December 6th for a week-run with multiple showtimes at Cinema Village, 22 East 12th Street, Manhattan, NYC).
(The 2024 NYC African Diaspora International Film Festival runs November 29-December 15 with in-person screenings, live events and Gala presentations in multiple venues in NYC. Go to https://nyadiff.org/ for details and program.)
