Daily Highlights: Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) 2024— Where Cinema Meets Culture
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- Oct 25, 2024
- 5 min read
From L to R Sahndra Fon Dufe Okeowo, Ashaalessandraimages and Tejiri
Let me hit you with a dad joke: “What did ‘black excellence’ say to a black woman? It said, ‘I recognize you.’” That’s exactly what this picture represents to me — a triad of black excellence! Featuring the comms ladies from SVAFF 2024, Asha, la luxe photographer extraordinaire, and Tejiri Adjekpiyede , the literal content queen. These two were just a few of the many talented African creatives that flooded Silicon Valley last week, backing 85 films from across Africa. All this brilliance, gathered by the one and only Chike Nwoffiah, marks 15 years of magic!
Each day at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) 2024 was a masterclass in cultural expression, where art, identity, and storytelling converged in a dynamic celebration of African cinema. From the very start, the festival buzzed with an electric energy, drawing an eclectic crowd eager to engage with a curated selection of films that went beyond entertainment. This wasn’t just a film festival; it was an immersive experience, where every screening offered a window into the soul of Africa told by filmmakers with a vision to shape narratives and shift perspectives.
TUESDAY | Day 1: Arrival and Pre-Festival Excitement
Tuesday marked the start of this extraordinary journey as filmmakers and creatives touched down in California. The day started with anticipation as we prepared for the main festival days ahead. The day was low-key, filled with reunions and new connections as attendees gathered, sharing stories and buzzing with excitement. The evening welcomed us with a soft introduction to Silicon Valley, where creativity and African storytelling met under the California sky.
WEDNESDAY | Day 2: Industry Day at YouTube
Wednesday was all about Industry Day, and it did not disappoint. We began at YouTube’s headquarters, hosted by Black executives who shared invaluable insights into the intersection of African storytelling and digital platforms.
Thursday | Day 3: Panel Day — African Women in Cinema and the Business of Film
Day 3 was a cultural feast, blending cinema with other art forms. Workshops and panels filled the day, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with industry experts, explore filmmaking techniques, and discuss the evolving role of African cinema on the global stage. The day’s highlight was the African Women in Cinema panel, which I had the honor of moderating. The room buzzed with energy as we discussed the challenges and triumphs of women in film. Nisha Kalema from Uganda and Stana Roumillac from French Guiana shared their incredible journeys, while industry icon Ngozi Onwurah gave a masterclass on the importance of women supporting each other.
The day also featured panels like “The Business of Film” and “Decolonizing the Gaze,” each offering deep reflections on the role of African cinema in reshaping global narratives. By evening, the festival had officially begun, with attendees fully immersed in discussions that set the tone for the rest of the event.
Friday | Day 4: Children’s Program, Google HQ, and Opening Night
Friday was a busy and memorable day, starting with the Children’s Program, which brought middle school students into the festival’s cinematic world. It was a heartwarming experience to see the power of African films in shaping young minds. In the afternoon, a select group of us visited Google HQ in Mountain View, where we were greeted with African pride as we explored the company’s inclusive creator initiatives. I was honored to pin Cameroon on their visitor wall — a first for my country in that space (allegedly, according to the wall)!
The evening ended with the Opening Ceremony, featuring a red carpet where filmmakers and attendees, decked out in stunning African attire, mingled and celebrated the festival’s start. We watched “Makula”, the opening film by Nisha Kalema, and soaked in the magic of her storytelling. The night closed with spirited conversations and networking, as attendees bonded over their shared love of African cinema.
Saturday | Day 5: Films, Fashion, and Cultural Celebration
Saturday was a whirlwind, filled with film screenings that transported us across Africa. From hard-hitting documentaries to laugh-out-loud comedies, the diversity of films was remarkable. Conversations spilled into the hallways as attendees discussed the future of African cinema. The African Market buzzed outside, where festival-goers explored handcrafted goods from across the continent.
One of the day’s highlights was the vibrant Fashion Show, showcasing designs from top African designers like Picasso (whose designs RMD wore), Sulet Noir (whose designs I wore) and Bamba’s new designs. The audience was dazzled as models walked the runway, including an adorable moment when a filmmaker’s son stole the show. It was a true celebration of African creativity, blending film and fashion in a way that only SVAFF could.
Sunday | Day 6: Icon Awards and Closing Night
Sunday marked the final day, and it was a grand affair. The day began with the Icon Awards, honoring African cinema legends including Souleymane Cissé, John Kani, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), and Julie Dash, along with young trailblazer Ozie Nzeribe. The awards were a celebration of African excellence, with speeches that left the audience deeply inspired. John Kani’s words on the power of African theater and film sparked spontaneous applause, while Souleymane Cissé’s quiet wisdom held the room in awe.
The festival closed with a heartfelt party where attendees celebrated the end of an unforgettable week. As we danced and laughed, there was a sense that this wasn’t just the end of the festival — it was the start of something bigger for African cinema. We left with new connections, fresh ideas, and a shared passion for the future of African storytelling.
Day 7: Reflecting and Looking Forward
Monday was a quieter day of reflection. As the festival wound down, we took the time to thank Chike Nwoffiah, the visionary behind SVAFF. His leadership and dedication to African cinema have made the festival what it is today — a powerful platform for cultural exchange. As we packed our bags and prepared to leave, we carried with us not just memories but a renewed sense of purpose for the future of African storytelling.
Before I close, I must give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made SVAFF 2024 such an unforgettable experience. First and foremost, a huge thank you to Chike C. Nwoffiah, the visionary Founder & Executive Director, for his tireless dedication and unwavering passion for African cinema. Your leadership has built a platform that not only showcases African storytelling but elevates it on the global stage. Thank you to the incredible board who continually push the boundaries of what this festival stands for — a celebration of culture, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling.
This festival has always stood for something bigger than just films; it stands for representation, authenticity, and community. It is a space where African voices can shine, where stories that need to be told find their home. Films like “Ngoungoure: Queen for 30 Minutes” by Aissatou Njayou, “Makula” by Nisha Kalema, and “Memories of Love Returned” remind us of the depth and richness of our heritage, our history, and our future.
I must also thank the incredible SVAFF team for their dedication and hustle behind the scenes. Working with such brilliant minds has been an honor, and I’d like to give a special shoutout to the powerhouse women I had the pleasure of collaborating with: Tejiri Adjekpiyede as Digital Media Director, the phenomenal MALIZ, and the ever-talented Ijeoma. Ladies, you are the true definition of excellence, and this festival wouldn’t have been the same without your hard work and creativity.
Thank you to all the sponsors, partners, filmmakers, and attendees. Your belief in this festival and its mission means everything. Together, we’ve created magic, and this is only the beginning.
Let’s keep pushing boundaries, telling our stories, and inspiring future generations through the power of African cinema. It’s been an absolute honor. Until next time!
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