Symbolic Narratives/African Cinema: Audiences, Theory and the Moving Image

In the unique conference 'Africa and the History of Cinematic Ideas' which took place in London in 1995 film-makers, cultural theorists and critics gathered to debate a range of issues that both united and divided them.

The event provided a unique and unprecedented forum for debate between the different African cinematic communities (including North African film-makers). Views were exchanged on topics ranging from the problems of production, exhibition and distribution to questions of 'modernity', 'post-colonial' theory and the (arguably increasing) presence of western cultural imperialism.

The papers and the responses to the papers edited by critic and programmer June Givanni are presented in full and Imruh Bakari's introduction places the material in the context of previous and subsequent debate.

Contributors include John Akomfrah, Ferid Boughedir, Teshome Gabriel, Jim Pines, Ella Shohat, Ousmane Sembene, Clyde Taylor, Ngugi Wa Thiong'o and Sylvia Wynter whose ground-breaking keynote address provides the framework for much of the debate that follows. The paper and responses to the papers, edited by critic and programmer June Givanni, are presented in full. An introduction by Imruh Bakari places the material in the context of previous and subsequent debate.