Africa is not a country

As part of LIAAF, the Picture House is proud to be presenting a diverse film programme – ranging from Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, a family-friendly anthology of animations inspired by the African histories and cultures; to the complex documentary Amchilini, which vibrantly captures the difficult tensions between tradition and progress in a small village in Chad. At this special screening of Amchilini, we will also be inviting audiences to discuss the film while watching. You can browse all the films we're showing as part of the festival here.

However, setting film aside for one moment, one of the reasons we love LIAAF so much is because of the way it brings together lots of different parts of African culture into one big uplifting celebration. Incorporating food, our people, history, all these different parts that collectively represent a community.

You can see the full LIAAF programme here but we thought we’d take a moment to highlight three of the events we’re particularly looking forward to as part of the festival.

Esther’s Revenge

Heart Centre • Sat 06 Jul, 18:00

Esther’s Revenge is an award-winning play coming to Leeds from the Lagos Fringe Festival. A powerful production, the play delves into themes of resilience and justice and promises an unforgettable theatrical experience.

His Story of the World

Digital Art Exhibition • From Wed 10 Jul

A digital exhibition and workshop centred on “HIS STORY OF THE WORLD, L’histoire du Monde” a new creation myth by the cultural pioneers Steven and Gerald Vreden, the founders of First Noble Institute.

Leeds is just the latest stop (after Carnegie Hall, New York) for this remarkable exhibition which explores Afro-Caribbean mythology through the lens of speculative arts.

Literature Day

Leeds City Museum • Thu 11 Jul, 10:00 - 17:00

Organised in conjunction with Peepal Tree Press and the Inscribe writer development programme, the LIAAF Literature Day will include a combination of readings, presentations and discussion sessions on the theme of Africa is Not a Country . The event will include writers Suely Correira, Nana-Essi Casely-Hayford, Taiwo Ogunyinka, and Dr Gbolade.

We were lucky enough to attend the press launch for LIAAF last month and a few weeks on, the words of the festival Chair, John Ebo, are still ringing in our ears.

“We bring joy and hope. Africa Matters, Africans Matter.”

LIAAF is a joyful festival and that’s one of the reasons we love working with the team who bring it together. The programme is full of complex ideas and themes, but LIAAF wants to guide us through with warmth and so much knowledge and creativity. If you don’t have this festival on your radar yet, take a look at the programme before it’s too late and we look forward to seeing you there!