Nashen Moodley, a well-known African programmer, was set the difficult task of selecting just six films for the African category at this year's Dubai International Film Festival.
And according to him each is a miracle in its own right. Speaking at the festival he said: "What a job! I must have watched more than 20 films and had to select just six. With major funding difficulties still hampering the world of filmmaking in Africa there are certainly not as many films being made in the country as we would all like. But the battle continues and we are still producing amazing quality feature films about the people of Africa.
"All the films showing in the In Honour of Africa category at DIFF bear witness to the makers' talents and tenacity. They explore the many difficulties that the African continent and its people face and tell the stories of real people with both compassion and verve."
Working couple
Employing diverse styles and approaches, the films look at the exploitation of Africa by Western nations and organisations, corruption, the effects of civil war, economic disparity and migration and displacement.
Abderrahmane Sissako's Bamako has stirred anticipation among the industry and media.
Simultaneously angry and tender, it voices the strident criticism of World Bank and International Monetary Fund policies in Africa.
Abderrahmane directed the film along with his wife Maji-da Abdi who also stars in the film.
Maji-da took time out of her busy schedule to tell the DIFF Daily about life in the African film industry as a working couple.
She said: "It's amazing really, we hardly ever see each other. People often comment that we must get sick of each other but we are so busy that sometimes our paths never even cross and we have to put special time aside for us — as a married couple.
From the heart
"The best way to describe our film Bamako is that it comes straight from the heart. That is the main reason I wanted a small part in the film. It helps you feel the script even more if you are in the set.
"It's been an emotional rollercoaster for us. There is even a part in the film where I am in a bride's gown in a courtyard where my husband used to play when he was growing up."
Nashen added: "The film shows the strength of Africa and its people.
"The films are serious and deal with important issues but they also carry moments of humour and fun.
"I believe there is absolutely nothing wrong with using the powerful media of cinema to convey important messages to the rest of the world.
"DIFF has it right for me. Bridging cultures, meeting minds is a wonderful slogan and one which is very apt for the African film category. The films have been selected because they are the best of the best but still ask people to face up to what is happening out there in a world which is so far away from the reality for most."
Nahsen describes the difficulty he faces when selecting the films.
He said: "It feels almost impossible at the very beginning because they are all very good. In the end it has to come down the films which captivate me the most. That is very important."
Maji-da praised the work of the DIFF team. She said: "The Dubai International Film Festival is a wonderful event and we are very encouraged by its work. I have spoken to many Arab women in the film industry and I think as a new festival it is great to see so many people with such passion here in the Middle East."
