Carmen de Lavallade Attends New York African Film Festival

VIDEO INTERVIEW: CARMEN DE LAVALLADE

What's The 411 reporter, Kizzy Cox, had a great time talking with the legendary dancer, choreographer, actress, and dance mentor, Carmen de Lavallade at the 20th Anniversary of the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF).

Ms. De Lavallade, a legend in her own right, was grateful for the invitation to attend the New York African Film Festival as it gave her an opportunity to experience another aspect of Black culture, African cinema.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center (FSLC) and African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) teamed up once again for the 20th New York African Film Festival (NYAFF), presented under the banner theme LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD: 20 YEARS OF THE NEW YORK AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL.

This year's lineup will pay homage to master Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène.

Opening Night includes a screening of Guelwaar, Sembène's powerful and politically charged 1990s film that cemented his reputation as the Father of African Cinema and opened the very first NYAFF—and the first generation of African filmmakers, while passing the baton to a new generation of African visual storytellers.

Some of the VIPS in attendance were: Mahen Bonetti, Founder and Executive Director, New York African Film Festival; Samba Gadjigo, Professor of French at Mount Holyoke College and Ousmane Sembène's biographer; African Filmmakers Abderrahmane Sissako (Life On Earth and October), and Frances Bodomo (Boneshaker).