ZIMBABWEAN film expert Keith Shiri, a renowned authority on African cinema, is the Lead Curator of the Film Africa Festival being held in London on 25 October – 3 November.
With a lifetime dedicated to promoting the continent’s rich cultural heritage through film, Shiri’s passion for storytelling and cultural preservation continues to inspire audiences.
Growing up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Shiri faced restrictions on access to literature, shaping his perspective on representation and narratives in film. His interest in storytelling through film began at an early age, despite parental expectations to excel in traditional academic subjects.
Shiri’s experience deepened after moving to the UK, where he explored African literature and cinema. Visits to London’s museums further fuelled his passion for art and culture.
“Africa’s stories need to be told, and film is a powerful tool for education and cultural preservation,” Shiri emphasised. “Cinema shapes worldviews and cultural perceptions, much like influential brands do.”
Shiri’s experience working at the Africa Centre in Covent Garden, showcasing African art, music, and culture, laid the groundwork for his future endeavours. Attending FESPACO in 1989 inspired him to create “Africa at the Pictures,” introducing African films to London audiences.
However, Shiri acknowledges the challenges African filmmakers face, including limited resources and infrastructure. Undeterred, he advocates for Zimbabwe’s potential as a film hub, proposing a film festival in Victoria Falls to leverage its scenic beauty.
As lead curator for Film Africa 24, Shiri presents a diverse programme of 70 films reflecting African cinema’s history and current relevance. The festival features an opening film addressing artifact repatriation, echoing Africa’s historical narrative. A symposium on restoring African cinema is also planned.
“Film Africa 24 is an exciting opportunity to share African stories, challenge stereotypes, and promote cultural exchange,” Shiri said.
“African stories and cultural heritage must be preserved and celebrated for future generations,” Shiri stressed. “It’s crucial we document our history and narratives to ensure their legacy endures.”
Shiri said the Film Africa Festival, running from 25 October to 3 November in London, promises to be an exciting showcase of African cinema. For ten exciting days, Film Africa will transform London into a bustling hub of African cinema, with screenings taking place at some of the city’s most prestigious venues. Bringing together visionary filmmakers from over 20 African countries and the diaspora, from Morocco to Madagascar, Sierra Leone to Senegal.
He added that opening the festival on Gala night (25 Oct) is the film Dahomey (2024, France/Senegal/Benin) directed by Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop, which won the Golden Bear at the 2024 Berlinale. Closing the festival for its UK premiere (3 Nov) is Black Tea (2024, France/Mauritania/Luxembourg/Taiwan/Ivory Coast), another Berlinale finalist. Black Tea is a poignant romantic drama by acclaimed Mauritanian director Abderrahmane Sissako.