Directed by Moustapha Alassane                            Sunday, November 5, 12:30 pm                                Free—First come, first served

In Shaki, as he observes the coronation of the Shaki King in the Oyo State of Western Niger, Alassane reflects on the intermingling of Aborisha, Islamic and Christian religious traditions (1973, 16 mm, 25 minutes). In Toula, or the Water Genie (Toula ou le genie des eaux), clashes between technology and faith occur. In the film, a water diviner requires the sacrifice of a young girl to bring an end to a devastating drought (1973, 16 mm, 76 minutes).

Moustapha Alassane: Father of African Cinema

This touring series organized by Amelie Garrin Davet of the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in the United States, features animation and live-action films created by one of the pioneering Nigerien filmmaker Moustapha Alassane. Alassane’s career spanned four decades, and his work reflects the political climate of his time, often critiquing both European colonialism and local corruption. This series is but a sample of his diverse output, which ranged from animation and narrative films to ethnographic works, and reflected the influence of such filmmakers as Jean Rouch and Norman McLaren.

This tour premiered at MoMA in May with stops at Wexner Center for the Arts and International House in Philadelphia. All films are 16mm in French with English subtitles.

Organized by the Cultural Services of the French Embassy in New York with support from the Cinémathèque Afrique of the Institut Français, and The Museum of Modern Art, New York.