On the evening of Sunday, October 13th, 2024, Silicon Valley hosted a celebration unlike any other. The 15th anniversary of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) culminated with the Icon Awards, a night that honored not just individual filmmakers but the enduring spirit of African cinema itself. The Montgomery Theater in San Jose buzzed with anticipation as the audience gathered to witness a pivotal moment in African storytelling.
The evening brought together four pioneers of African and African-American cinema: John Kani, Souleymane Cissé, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), and Julie Dash. These icons were honored not just for their contributions to film but for reshaping narratives about African identity, history, and culture on the global stage. The golden awards, specially crafted in Uganda, were more than mere tokens—they were symbols of lives dedicated to elevating African stories.
The significance of seeing these four legends together on stage for the first time wasn’t lost on anyone. Hosted by SVAFF founder Chike Nwoffiah, the fireside chat that followed was a powerful reminder of the unity African filmmakers share, even across borders. Attendees, dressed in vibrant batik, toghu, and other traditional fabrics, clung to every word from these luminaries—aware that they were witnessing a conversation and a transmission of legacy.
John Kani: Preserving African Narratives
John Kani’s reputation as an actor, playwright, and director spans beyond the African continent. International audiences may know him as King T’Chaka in Black Panther or the voice of Rafiki in The Lion King, but his roots run deeper. In apartheid-era South Africa, his work as a playwright, particularly with Sizwe Banzi is Dead and The Island, became a voice for the oppressed. For this, he was awarded a Tony Award in 1975.
During the fireside chat, Kani urged the next generation of African filmmakers to preserve their stories for future generations, drawing on his lifelong fight against the erasure of African narratives. His words struck a chord, especially in the context of the festival’s mission to highlight African identities and representation.
Souleymane Cissé: A Living Legend
At 84 years old, Souleymane Cissé is a living embodiment of the golden age of African cinema. Born in Mali, Cissé is often spoken of in the same breath as the late greats—Ousmane Sembène, Djibril Diop Mambéty, Med Hondo—whose groundbreaking films shaped post-colonial African cinema. His 1987 masterpiece Yeelen won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, the first African film to achieve such recognition.
Cissé spoke with a quiet authority, reminding the audience that understanding the struggles of past generations was key to building the future. “Watch our films,” he said, a simple directive that challenged young filmmakers to learn from history. Cissé is one of the last of his generation, and his presence was a poignant reminder of the weight carried by these pioneers.
Richard Mofe-Damijo: A Nigerian Trailblazer
RMD, as he is fondly known, has been a household name in Nigerian entertainment for over three decades. Rising to fame in the 80s with the soap opera Ripples, he quickly became a leading figure in Nollywood. His 1997 film Out of Bounds solidified his place in African cinema history, and since then, he has worn many hats—actor, producer, philanthropist, and even Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, Nigeria.
RMD’s presence at the event felt like a bridge between the old and the new. As he spoke about the importance of festivals like SVAFF, he also emphasized the need for filmmakers in the diaspora to connect with the African film scene. “Visit,” he urged. His offer to facilitate connections underscored his role as not just a film icon but a mentor to younger generations.
Julie Dash: Bridging the Diaspora
Julie Dash’s impact on African American cinema is undeniable. Her 1991 film Daughters of the Dust was the first feature film by an African American woman to receive a wide theatrical release in the U.S., a groundbreaking achievement that has since become a cornerstone of cinematic history.
Dash spoke about meeting Cissé in Paris years ago, where their mutual admiration for each other’s work forged a bond that transcended geography. Her reflections underscored the importance of global collaboration among filmmakers of African descent. Dash’s presence at the festival highlighted SVAFF’s unique position as a cultural bridge between African and African American filmmakers.
A New Generation Emerges: Ozie Nzeribe
At just 21, Nigerian Actor and future Filmmaker Ozie Nzeribe represents the future of African and American cinema. His award for Trailblazer of the Year marks him as a star to watch, and his work challenges conventional narratives by bringing fresh, bold perspectives to the screen. His latest film, Rock the Boat 2, and hit TV series Swagger, garnered international attention for daring storytelling and two Emmy considerations. Nzeribe’s recognition at the festival is a testament to SVAFF’s role in nurturing young talent. His credits also include Tubi’s The Stepmother 3, Showtime’s Shameless, Hulu’s Little Fires Everywhere, Jamie Foxx’s Netflix special Dad Stop Embarrassing Me, and more.
A Moment of Unity and Pride
One of the evening’s most visually striking moments was the flag ceremony. Filmmakers from 38 African countries proudly waved their national flags, from Morocco in the North to Cameroon in Central Africa. The sea of colors was a powerful reminder of the diversity within African cinema and of the unity that SVAFF fosters in celebrating that diversity.
Outside, the aroma of jollof rice and plantains wafted through the air as guests enjoyed a feast of West African delicacies between red-carpet photo ops. This cultural immersion, from the flags to the food, gave the night a sense of pride that went beyond the screen—it was a celebration of the African diaspora in all its forms.
Honoring Excellence
The night also saw Nisha Kalema take home Best Narrative Feature for her Ugandan film Makula, and Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine win Best Documentary Feature for Memories of Love Returned, a film exploring the life of legendary Ugandan photographer Kibaate Aloysius Ssalongo. Both films were stunning reminders of the breadth of talent in Africa’s growing film industries beyond South Africa and Nollywood.
The night belonged not only to the trailblazers of tomorrow but also to established visionaries like Ngozi Onwurah, an award-winning seasoned director whose film ‘Neighborhood Alert’ captivated the audience. Alongside her, Laurino Gourio’s ‘Trails of Doubt’ from Madagascar earned a prestigious Golden Award, while Jade Bryan, the first Black Deaf female filmmaker, was honored for her socially impactful film ‘What Somalia Wants.’
A Festival Like No Other
SVAFF’s 15th edition was more than just a film festival. It was a week-long celebration of African art featuring cutting-edge panels on identity, film screenings, and fashion shows. Industry Day gave filmmakers a rare opportunity to visit tech giants like Google and Adobe, strengthening the bridge between African cinema and Silicon Valley’s global tech influence.
As the lights dimmed on this milestone edition, Chike Nwoffiah’s words rang true: “African cinema is not just about telling stories; it’s about reshaping the narrative for future generations.” SVAFF has long been at the forefront of that movement, and with its 15th anniversary, it reaffirmed its commitment to providing a platform for African filmmakers to shine.
Sahndra Fon Dufe Okeowo
Outreach & Strategic Engagement Director
Silicon Valley African Film Festival
+1 (408) 886-0049
sahndra@svaff.org