AFI Fest is the longest-running film festival in Los Angeles, and this year has added a new section, African Voices, featuring new films from Africa, as well as films from the African Diaspora.

Thursday, November 09, 2006
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
ArcLight Hollywood
6360 Sunset Boulevard at Ivar
Los Angeles, CA 90095

DAYS OF GLORY  --  Algeria, Belgium, France, Morocco, 2006, 120 min
In French/Arabic with English subtitles

The UCLA African Studies Center is a community sponsor for Days of Glory

Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:30 PM
Friday, Nov. 10, 1:30 PM

Days of Glory -- In chronicling the heroism of Africans who fought for France during World War II, Days of Glory takes its place in the canon of essential wartime drama.  Featuring a spectacular multi-national cast in this must see of the Festival!

Algeria's official submission to the Academy Awards, DAYS OF GLORY has emerged as one of the most notable films of 2006, this World War II film tells the tale of a group of African soldiers who join the French in their fight against the Nazis. Although they passionately battle to defend the motherland, a place they've never been, they face inequality and daily humiliation within the French army. These heroes that history forgot won battles throughout Europe before finding themselves alone to defend a small village against a German battalion.

Along with winning two top honors at Cannes Film Festival this year, including the Best Actor (ensemble) prize and the Francois Chalais prize, DAYS OF GLORY sparked a political firestorm that resulted in France's decision to raise pensions for over 80,000 veterans. In 2007, as a result of this film, deserving soldiers and widows will finally be paid the same as their French counterparts. This political achievement speaks to the pure power and impact of this moving epic, which will inspire you to remember those who courageously sacrificed their lives.

Days of Glory and the films listed below are being shown as part of the African Voices section of AFI FEST 2006.  AFI FEST 2006 is proud to announce the first annual section dedicated to the best new films from Africa, as well as films from the modern African Diaspora.

Please come out and support these films on Africa -- we want African Voices to be a section at the AFI FEST each and every year!!

Other representative films this year:  http://www.afi.com/onscreen/afifest/2006/

BAB'AZIZ --  Tunisia, France, Iran, Switzerland, 2006, 98 min
In Arabic, Farsi with English subtitles  --  North American Premiere
DIR: Nacer Khemir; SCR: Nacer Khemir with the participation of Tonino Guerra
Cast: Parviz Shahinkhou, Maryam Hamid, Nessim Kahloul, Mohamed Grayaa, Golshifteh Faahani, Hossein Panahi

Sat., Nov. 11, 6:45 PM
Sun., Nov. 12, 12:30 PM
--  Few films grip and transport you into the world of imagination as effectively as BAB'AZIZ.  The story tells the whimsical tale of Bab'Aziz, a wise, noble man on a journey with his lively and spirited granddaughter, Ishtar. In search of a legendary gathering in an unknown location, the unlikely pair travels to this rare fete with the faith of knowing that “those who are invited will find their way.” Along the way, they meet a variety of fellow travelers, each on their own journeys with their own stories to tell. Meanwhile the film's colorful imagery takes you along on a magical world of self-discovery.
--  Beautifully directed by Tunisian writer, painter and storyteller, Nacer Khemir, these stories within stories breathe life into the rich landscape of a cinematic voyage that concludes with an unexpected twist.

HOMECOMING -- South Africa, 2006, 90 min, Color
In English, Sotho with English subtitles -- North American Premiere
DIR: Norman Maake
Cast: Tony Kgoroge, Siyabonga Twala, Eric Miyeni, Ntathe Moshesh, Bonnie Henna

Fri, Nov 10, 7:30 PM
Sat, Nov 11, 1:30 PM
--  Based on the successful South African miniseries, HOMECOMING is centered on the lives of three veterans of the armed branch of the African National Congress (ANC). 
--  After years of exile, three friends return home to post-apartheid South Africa and are surprised to discover that “home” is not the same, and integrating back into South African society will not be easy. Determined to reclaim their lives, they pursue individual paths while maintaining their inseparable friendship. As they each make valiant attempts to regain a sense of normalcy, they are confronted with a shocking revelation that challenges the bonds of their relationship.

The story is inspired by the real life experiences of acclaimed filmmaker and writer, Zola Maseko, who also wrote the film's screenplay.
____________________

Also at AFI:
FAIR TRADE  --  Plays in Shorts Program Two  --  Germany, Morocco, 2006, 15 min, Color
In German, French with English subtitles  --  North American Premiere

Thurs., Nov. 9, 7:15 PM
Fri., Nov 10, 4:00 PM
--  The shortest distance and at the same time the most obvious gap between the so-called Third World Countries and Europe is the Straits of Gibraltar. This is one of the many stories that happen there.

General Information about AFI  -- 
AFI FEST is the longest-running film festival in Los Angeles and one of the most influential film festivals in North America. Celebrating 20 years in 2006, the Festival emerged from FILMEX, LA's first film festival, still celebrated for the exceptional range of films it brought to light. Spanning 10 days each November, AFI FEST features a rich slate of films from emerging filmmakers, nightly red-carpet gala premieres and global showcases of the latest work from the great film masters. AFI FEST continues to connect audiences to the best in contemporary cinema, all right in the heart of Hollywood.

AFI FEST provides a significant US platform for both national and international cinema as the awards season kick-off event. Since 2004, films recognized internationally with nominations and awards include: WALK THE LINE, TRANSAMERICA, TSOTSI, SOPHIE SCHOLL, THE SEA INSIDE, HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS, HOTEL RWANDA, A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT and BAD EDUCATION.

FILM PROGRAMS:  International Competitions of Features, Documentaries & Shorts; World Cinema; Latin Cinema Series; Asian New Classics; African Voices; American Directions; Tribute and Retrospective; Galas and Special Screenings.
 
OFFICIAL THEATER:  AFI FEST employs multiple screens at the state-of-the-art ArcLight Cinema complex on Sunset Boulevard and the adjoining famed Cinerama Dome for gala premieres. Easy parking, an on-site Box Office, a casual chic Cinema Lounge where Festival attendees meet and interact, frequent receptions and special events complete the centralized, AFI FEST village atmosphere. Visit ArcLight Hollywood at 6360 Sunset Boulevard at Ivar, adjacent to and including the Cinerama Dome, www.arclightcinemas.com

Always check schedule to confirm dates/times!!

Tickets:  www.AFI.com

Parking & Transportation:  http://www.afi.com/onscreen/afifest/2006/parktrans.aspx

Cost : Tickets cost $12 for regular screenings; $8 for weekday matinees. For tickets, info, call 1-866-AFIFEST or visit www.AFI.com

www.AFI.com

Sponsor(s): African Studies Center, AFI. Check the website for complete list of sponsors and community sponsors.