Critics Circle

Notes Unbound  is a platform for up-and-coming African and Black diaspora film critics and journalists from around the globe to deepen their knowledge of African cinema. Africa in Motion recognises the lack of Black voices in the arts and creative industries and this initiative is closely linked to films and events that occur during the festival. The critics selected are invited to share their impressions and insights through their articles for the Africa in Motion website.

Download the AiM 2020 Festival schedule here (PDF)

Urban Memories

28th November 2020

By Sharon Thomas for our Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

Produced by Geração 80, the Angolan Air Conditioner (2020) is director Fradique’s first fiction feature. The film weaves a dream-like narrative following a few moments in the life of Matacedo (José Kiteculo), an ex-veteran turned security guard.

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Roger: An Artist's Way

26th November 2020

By Adam Murray for Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

Those who are familiar with 2012’s The Creators: Documentary (Laura Gamse & Jaques De Villiers, S. A. 2012) will be aware of the film’s cinematographer Bernard Myburgh.

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Processing Histories Through Art

23rd November 2020

An interview with ‘Our Lady of the Nile’ Actress Malaika Uwamahoro by Sharon Thomas for Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

Last week I had the honour of reaching out to Malaika Uwamahoro, a multi-faceted artist from Rwanda, who stars as Immaculée in the magnificent and highly thought-provoking film Our Lady of...

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African Cinema: The Continents' Best Ambassador to the World

23rd November 2020

By Rasha Hosny for Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

For many years, the stereotypical image regarding African cinema, formulated from films produced by old colonial countries that occupied and colonized the African countries had not only imposed their political hegemony but also a cultural dominance for many decades.

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On the Absence of Waiting

23rd November 2020

By Yas Ismail for Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

Katy Léna Ndiaye's intimate and thought provoking film Awaiting For Men (En Attendant les Hommes) is a reminder that although cinemas are closed, we thankfully still have access to films which showcase different cultures, and allow us to hear`stories which would otherwise...

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Interview with 'Poppie Nongena' Director Christiaan Olwagen

12th November 2020

Interview with Christiaan Olwagen, director of Poppie Nongena, by Rasha Hosny for Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

At the time you made this film, was it a decision to make a film based on a novel, or was it just a coincidence, and why this novel?

CO: I've always maintained that certain...

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Black Horror, Redemption, Empathy and Catharsis: A Global Horror Renaissance

10th November 2020

By Adam Murray for Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

We are currently experiencing what could be described as a ‘Horror Renaissance’ in film and television, as well as a growing interest in horror literature, comic book and video game culture and all things ‘uncanny’ globally.

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Different Contexts, Same Radicalism

9th November 2020

By Rasha Hosny for Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

The world is currently witnessing waves of anger, violence and extremism, and there is no longer a difference between what is happening in developed countries such as France and what is happening in a number of developing countries.

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Five Symptoms in Need of a Cure

6th November 2020

By Sharon Thomas for our Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

Psy • cho • sis 

A psychological disorder characterised by delusions, hallucinations, and false beliefs that maintain in the face of overwhelmingly contradictory evidence.

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On grief and the transcendental nature of the human spirit

2nd November 2020

By Yas Ismail for Africa in Motion's Notes Unbound

This Is Not a Burial, It's a Resurrection from Lesotho born Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese is a tender and striking film, which illustrates the all-encompassing nature of grief and the strength of a woman who tries to preserve her village and its deceased....

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