WATCH VIDEO: NY African Film Festival Luminaries

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.

What's The 411's Kizzy Cox interviewed NYAFF Founder Mahen Bonetti; 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); on the question of Ousmane Sembène's impact on African filmmaking. The legendary dancer, choreographer, actress, and mentor, Carmen de Lavallade spoke about the importance of the New York African Film Festival as it takes us beyond the familiar and exposes us to African culture through its filmmakers.

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH FRANCES BODOMO

What's The 411's Kizzy Cox talked with African filmmaker Frances Bodomo, director of the film, Boneshaker at the 20th Anniversary of the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF).

The Ghanaian-born Ms. Bodomo talks about how the experience of living in Hong Kong, Norway, and California has influenced her life and thus, her new film Boneshaker. She also talks about working with Academy Award-winning actress Quvenzhané Wallis and how Senegalese director Ousmane Sembène, the Father of African Cinema, shaped her views on filmmaking.

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 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: NYAFF Founder Mahen Bonetti; Samba Gadjigo, Professor of French at Mount Holyoke College and Ousmane Sembène's biographer; African Filmmaker Abderrahmane Sissako (Life On Earth and October); and the legendary dancer, choreographer, actress, and mentor, Carmen de Lavallade.

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).

WATCH VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH SAMBA GADJIGO

What's The 411's Kizzy Cox chats with Samba Gadjigo, Professor of French at Mount Holyoke College and Ousmane Sembène's biographer, at the 20th Anniversary of the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF).

Gadjigo reflects on Sembène's influence on his life and 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, the Father of African Cinema.

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: NYAFF Founder Mahen Bonetti; African Filmmakers Abderrahmane Sissako (Life On Earth and October) and Frances Bodomo (Boneshaker); and the legendary dancer, choreographer, actress, and mentor, Carmen de Lavallade.