Beyond Nollywood - What My Eyes Have Seen, My Mouth Cannot Speak of

The term Beyond Nollywood refers to a new cinematic language emerging from Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. It describes genres such art house, documentary, animation and experimental films which have a distinct filmmaking aesthetic in contrast to the more traditional and commercial Nollywood. A crop of bold Nigerian filmmakers have developed a new filmmaking aesthetic that promises to act as a bridge between West Africa and the rest of the world. As things stand Beyond Nollywood is poised to become one of the most significant film forms to emerge from the African continent.

In Nigeria the term “Wetin My Eye Don See, My Mouth Never Fit Narrate Am” which translates as “What My Eyes Have Seen, My Mouth Cannot Speak of” is used to describe a situation so troubling or filled with complexity that the person who witnessed it would struggle to describe it.
In this special presentation of short films titled What My Eyes Have Seen, My Mouth Cannot Speak of, festival audiences will catch glimpses of feminine joy and pain from a unique West African perspective; learning how women from this part of the world bear the challenges of everyday adversity to achieve remarkable triumph.

Screened:
THU 26/10, 21:00 SLOTTS
SUN 29/10, 13:00 SLOTTS

Curator: Nadia Denton

BORN AGAIN

Nwa is tormented by her inability to have children.

United Kingdom, Cyprus 2020 / 11:00 / Director: Candice Onyeama

BORN

A young woman attempts to terminate the life growing within her.

Nigeria 2016 / 8:00 / Director: Michael Omonua

DEAR FATHER

A young woman addresses her absent father.

Nigeria 2017 / 3:00 / Director: Wana Udobang

BLACK BARBIE

A young black woman lightens her skin to conform to societal pressure.

Ghana 2016 / 4:00 / Director: Comfort Arthur

BURKINA BABES

A photo essay tribute to the strength and diversity of the African woman.

Nigeria 2022 / 7:00 / Director: Kagho Crowther Idhebor

MRS BOLANLE BENSON

60-year-old Bolanle Benson has a secret rendezvous with her lover.

United Kingdom 2015 / 3:00 / Director: Sade Adeniran

INSIDE LIFE

When the illegitimate Chiamaka can no longer be provided for by her mother, she is dropped off on the doorstep of her married father’s house. Her demonic stepmother Adaobi proceeds to make her life a living hell.

Nigeria 2022 / 41:00 / Director: Clarence A. Peters

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