Africa film society presents the 9th edition of classics in the park: a celebration of African cinema

Africa Film Society proudly presents the 9th edition of Classics in the Park, an annual open-air film experience that brings together audiences to celebrate Africa’s cinematic heritage.

Taking place on March 8 and 9, 2025, this year’s lineup features two iconic classics and a specially curated selection of short films that highlight the future of African storytelling.

Since its inception in 2016, Classics in the Park has been dedicated to reintroducing timeless African films to new generations of audiences, ensuring that the continent’s rich cinematic legacy remains vibrant and influential. The festival, founded by filmmaker Blitz Bazawule (The Color Purple, The Burial of Kojo), continues to be a space for appreciation, reflection, and artistic discovery.

A Lineup Rooted in Legacy & Innovation
This year’s selection includes the legendary cult classic Rockers and the avant-garde masterpiece Touki Bouki, alongside a diverse mix of short films—an hour’s worth each evening—curated from an impressive pool of over 50 submissions from Africa and the Diaspora.

The Africa Film Society programming team commented that the shorts, though very diverse, all “reflect passion for people, poetry, and the planet. Expect documentaries that explore fading oceans and lost lakes, cinematic meditations on ancestors, gods, and grief, and breathtaking visual dreamscapes that remind us to fly free.”

This year’s selection also boasts vibrant animations with stunning soundtracks, biting satire, and folklore-inspired myths captured in striking black and white. The abundance of impressive entries has inspired Africa Film Society to extend the festival experience beyond the park, with additional screenings at its newly opened Africa Film Society space in the near future.

A Space for Representation & Reflection
For Blitz Bazawule, the festival remains an important cultural pillar:
“Classics in the Park continues to bring people together after nine years of its inception. That is the power of cinema and representation. As we continue to program the best films under African skies, we are eternally grateful to the community and volunteers that have made it all possible.”

As always, Classics in the Park is free and open to all, creating a communal space where film lovers, storytellers, and dreamers can gather under the stars to experience the magic of African cinema.

Join us March 8-9, 2025 for two unforgettable nights of storytelling, culture, and cinematic excellence.

For more information, visit https://africafilmsociety.com/ or follow Africa Film Society on social media at @africafilmsociety.

About Africa Film Society
Founded in 2016 by Blitz Bazawule, Africa Film Society is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving Africa’s cinematic heritage, nurturing emerging talent, and cultivating audiences for African films. Through screenings, workshops, and community engagement, the organisation continues to champion the power of African storytelling.

The post Africa film society presents the 9th edition of classics in the park: a celebration of African cinema appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story