Haitian and Caribbean films spotlighted at African Diaspora Film Festival in NYC

NEW YORK CITY–NYC film buffs, take note: The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) is returning for its 32nd year, running Nov. 29 to Dec. 15, 2024. Expect a packed schedule of in-person and virtual screenings showcasing 65 films from 32 countries. The festival celebrates stories from across the African diaspora, with a special focus this year on Caribbean cinema.

Screenings will take place at venues including the Teachers College at Columbia University, The Forum, and Cinema Village, with select virtual showings for those who prefer to stream. 

Our take on what to watch

1. Caribbean stories taking center stage

Highlighting the rich culture, history, and current affairs of the Caribbean, the festival features:

• Kidnapping Inc. (Haiti, 2024): A Sundance-selected dark comedy thriller by Bruno Mourral, this film takes a satirical dive into Haiti’s political chaos through the misadventures of two amateur kidnappers.
• Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work: Explore the legacy of the Martinique-born revolutionary thinker whose work inspired liberation movements across the globe.
• Sugar Cane Malice: This powerful documentary investigates the exploitation of Haitian workers on Dominican sugar plantations, exposing the deep social and economic divides in the region.
• Maryse Condé: The Freedom to Write and René Maran: The First Goncourt Noir: Celebrate the lives of literary icons who redefined Francophone literature.

2. Global Perspectives on Black Experiences

Unearth diverse stories of resistance, identity, and community from across the Caribbean diaspora, offering nuanced views into often overlooked histories.

• Walter Rodney: What They Don’t Want You to Know: A thought-provoking look at the life of the Guyanese activist and historian.
• Mother Suriname – Mama Sranan: A heartwarming documentary from Suriname and the Netherlands that weaves family history with cultural resilience.
• The Invisible Color: Black Cubans in Miami: A compelling look at the little-known Black Cuban exile community in Florida.

What Else to Know?

This year’s ADIFF balances entertainment with education. 

“The festival’s goal is to challenge stereotypes and expand perceptions of Black experiences globally,” the event’s organizer said in a statement. 

You can expect Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and chances to meet filmmakers whose works are reshaping the cultural conversation.

How to Attend

Catch these films (and more) at the Teachers College, The Forum at Columbia, or Cinema Village. Too busy to head out? Check out the virtual program as well.

Tickets start at $15 per screening, with multi-pass packages available for hardcore cinephiles.

• Dates: November 29 – December 15, 2024
• Locations: Teachers College, Columbia University; Cinema Village; virtual screenings
• Tickets: nyadiff.org

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