DANCING WITH THE SUDANESE

The new generation of African refugees are talented young men and women who are taking Australia by storm. And the 2000-strong Sudanese community in South Australia is putting up a show; making its presence felt, in more ways than one. About 240 performers from 13 different Sudanese tribal groups, including the Dinkas and the Acholis, will perform at the Festival Theatre tonight. The show will feature well-groomed male and female Sudanese dancers, colourful costumes, tribal songs and dance, and the mesmerizing drum rhythms of the Sudan.

IMAGES OF AFRICA

The Adelaide Film Festival 2005, in South Australia, opens with two outstanding feature films on African-related themes: the “Hollow City” by Maria Joao Ganga; and “Moolaade` ”, a feel-good Senegalese film by Ousmane Sembene.

To start with, the “Hollow City” is a story of a 12 year-old little boy named N’dala who is orphaned by the civil war in Angola and brought to the capital, Luanda, by a nun. It is a powerful portrayal of the harsh reality of survival in Angola’s uncertain political landscape.

In his feature film, Moolaade`, Ousmane Sembene, the 82 year-old father of the Senegalese cinema, directly confronts the scourge of female genital mutilation; focusing on two emotionally-charged concepts in contemporary popular discourse - asylum and female circumcision.

The highlight of this year’s film festival is the Australian premiere of Moolaade` and the Hollow City; a sentimental journey through African culture and history.

AFRICAN DRUMMING DOWN UNDER

There is always something new in the African community in Australia. The Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia in association with the African Communities Council presents a night of African drumming and dancing at the Festival Theatre here (on the 26th February 2005). For the first time since arrival, members of the Acholi community in South Australia will showcase their best dancers from southern Sudan. A big “DO” for the emerging community!

A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC, ARTS AND DANCE

African artists will showcase their creativity and talents in one of the most significant events on the South Australian arts calendar, WOMAdelaide - a three-day world music, arts and dance festival (March 4-6).

WOMAdelaide is a global multicultural event that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds.

This year’s festival in Adelaide city, South Australia, has attracted a number of African groups; including Alpha Blondy (Cote D’Ivoire), Daara J (Senegal), Jali Buba Kuyateh (The Gambia), and Vusi Mahlasela (South Africa).