Returning the Colonial Gaze

—
A scene from Jean Rouch's Petit à petit

With a focus on Francophone African and French cinema, we present work by bold filmmakers that reverses the ‘colonial gaze’ and interrogates the former occupying nation from new perspectives.

This five-part season focuses on the relationship between French and Francophone African cinema and includes work by Moroccan, Mauritanian, Senegalese and Nigerien directors from the 50s through to the 70s. 

After years of simply being represented or 'spoken for' by Western directors, these African filmmakers asserted the right to represent themselves and reclaimed control of their own images. Their 'coming to voice' was a disruption, and an act of liberation.

This season is part of our 2018 season The Art of Change, which explores how the arts respond to, reflect and potentially effect change in the social and political landscape.

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Screen Notes: Returning the Colonial Gaze

We spoke to our cinema curator Tamara Anderson to guide you through the films that make up this innovative and provocative season, Returning the Colonial Gaze and share our recommendations of what else you should be watching. 

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