15 years later

Panel Discussion

The new South Africa is 15 years old this year. This year the New York African Film Festival presented a set of films that break with the triumphalism and celebration of the past, and opts instead for introspection, asking uncomfortable questions (xenophobia, family violence, disappointment with the ruling African National Congress, among others) or that unpack new South African identities. These include director Jihan El-Tahri’s “Behind the Rainbow,” Michael Raeburn’s “Triomf,” the gangster film “Jerusalema” and a series of short films made by Filmmakers Against Xenophobia. Tonight’s panel continues in this vain. Panelists will address among other things the significance of the upcoming elections, the prospects of a Jacob Zuma-led administration, and the impact of events in South Africa for politics elsewhere.

With Panelists:

Hlonipha Mokoena (Anthropology, Columbia University)

Jihan El Tahri, Director of “Behind the Rainbow.”

Jon Jeter, journalist and author of “Flat Broke In The Free Market: How Globalization Fleeced Working People.”

Michael Raeburn, Director of “Triomf.”

Moderated by Sean Jacobs

An excerpt from Jihan El Tahri’s film, ‘Behind the Rainbow’ will precede the discussion.

6:00pm – 8:00pm

Lindsay Rogers Room, 707 International Affairs Building, Columbia University, 420 West 118th Street