Drawing inspiration from African philosophies, history and ideas of liberation, a unique film festival in Manchester is seeking to offer a fresh perspective on cinema by bringing together films, poetry, dance and discussions exploring the experiences of communities across the African diaspora.
Titled ‘See My World’, the festival will be held at the Contact Theatre in Manchester on November 21. The day-long event will showcase independent filmmakers and creative practitioners from across the African diaspora in northern England, with a focus on pan-African thought, cultural identity and the role of art in challenging historical narratives.
The initiative is part of the year-round cultural programme of See My World, which promotes pan-African arts, culture and creative expression. It also seeks to build on Manchester’s historical association with the pan-African movement, particularly the 1945 Pan-African Congress held in the city. The historic gathering brought together prominent leaders and thinkers from across the world who shared a vision of freedom, equality and liberation from colonial rule.
The festival’s organisers are drawing inspiration from the writings of prominent Kenyan intellectuals John Mbiti and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, whose works challenged colonial interpretations of African societies and emphasised the importance of cultural identity, indigenous knowledge and community.
Mbiti, an Anglican theologian who died in 2019, explored African religious traditions and philosophical understandings of time. His concept of ‘Sasa na Zamani’ examines the relationship between the present and the past, highlighting how historical experiences influence contemporary life and shape the future.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who died last year, was widely recognised for his criticism of colonialism and its impact on African languages and cultural identities. In his influential 1986 book ‘Decolonising the Mind’, he argued that colonial powers used language as an instrument of cultural domination. In a significant departure from conventional literary practices, he abandoned English as his language of writing and chose Gikuyu, a Bantu language predominantly spoken in Kenya.
According to Tunde Adekoya, chief executive officer and artistic director of See My World, the festival aims to create a space where different philosophical ideas can be explored through creative expression. He said the programme would bring together films from across the African diaspora and other communities, including exclusive premieres of documentaries produced by the organisation.
The festival will feature films of up to 30 minutes across different genres. Independent filmmakers have been invited to submit their work without paying any screening fees, an effort aimed at reducing financial barriers and encouraging wider participation.
Two documentaries produced by See My World will also be among the highlights. ‘Homage’ is a cinematic tribute to dance, exploring cultural identity through contemporary performances, archival footage and portraits of dance artists in Manchester. The film traces themes of migration, memory, loss, joy and resistance through the language of movement.
Another production, ‘Poetic Justice’, examines the connections between pan-African intellectual traditions and Manchester’s poetry community, bringing together ideas and creative voices from different generations.
The organisers are also seeking to move away from conventional film festival formats, placing greater emphasis on accessibility and community participation. The programme will include exhibitions, performances, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, workshops and conversations with filmmakers about their creative processes.
Adekoya said the broader objective was to challenge cultural structures that have historically excluded certain communities and ensure that stories deserving wider recognition receive a platform. He added that engaging with African literature and philosophical traditions had encouraged the organisation to reconsider how communities understand their identities and place in the world.
The festival will be held from 2 pm to 11 pm on Saturday, November 21, at the Contact Theatre on Oxford Road in Manchester.
