Films Upstairs:
7.15pm FILM 1 : The Day I Will Never Forget (92mins)
The day i will never forget is a gripping feature documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Kim Longinotto (Divorce Iranian Style and Runaway) that examines the practice of female genital mutilation in Kenya and the pioneering African women who are bravely reversing the tradition. In this epic work, women speak candidly about the practice and explain its cultural significance within Kenyan society. From gripping testimonials by young women who share the painful aftermath of their trauma to interviews with elderly matriarchs who stubbornly stand behind the practice, Longinotto paints a complex portrait of the current polemics and conflicts that have allowed this procedure to exist well into modern times.
8.55pm FILM 2: Embalu (25mins)
Embalu (Dir. Topi Lyambila) is a showcase of traditional circumcision and its impact on the practicing communities, more specifically Communal Health. Circumcision has lost its significance while others feel it has actually gained in significance especially following the latest study on its contribution to the fight against genital infection, including HIV. What are the chances of its survival or eradication? What impact will this have on the practicing communities? Embalu profiles the Bukusu traditional circumcision, through discussions with academics and subject experts from the community; we throw a light on the purported significance of this revered African tradition.
9.20pm FILM 3: Africa Must Unite! (20mins)
Africa Must Unite! is a film of events at the World Social Forum in Nairobi, Jan 07. The African Liberation Support Campaign, based in London, mobilised resources for young people from the poorest district of Kenya to attend the Forum. This enabled grass roots Pan-Africanist activists from across the continent to meet for the first time with veterans of the Kenyan Mau Mau struggle for liberation. Filmed by local activists, Africa Must Unite captures the enduring spirit of the Mau Mau freedom fighters."
9.40pm Q&A with Journalist/Filmmaker Topi Lyambila (www.kenyalondonnews.co.uk) with Kilombo (www.kilombo.org.uk), a representative from Emmanuel Jal’s charity Gua (www.guaafricaonline.com) and Kofi from ALISC.
Music Downstairs:
10.15pm: Live Performance from Ben Adolwa
Born and raised in Kenya, Ben Adolwa learned the homemade bamboo flute, followed by the Clarinet and Saxophone at school. As a teenager as part of the Hodi Boys Band, his mentor Gofrey Ngao taught him respect for his profession and introduced him to Jazz. He has toured the world alongside a variety of celebrated African bands including The Ivory band, Kenya Bluestars, Nairobi Matata and The Flames. Ben uses modern instruments to express his traditional African identity.
11.15pm: DJ Dubwise http://www.djdubwise.com/ - www.myspace.com/djdubwise
THE KALABASH PEN AMNESTY: As Lauren from Kalabash will be on the Lake of Stars road trip, we are collecting all the pens / pencils / old notebooks you have lying around to take to schools in South Africa, Mozambique and Malawi. We will be collecting at KALABASH KENYA – please rummage generously!
kalabash movement is a free event but we do ask for donations to support artists and filmakers
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