Ubuntu: a Zulu word translated as humanity that has become a global philosophical principle: “I am because we are.”
Eight unique films from different global contexts will be screened as part of the series. The two-week film series (Monday-Thursday) includes a daily film screening followed by discussions with local and African experts who will explore global evocations of the concept of Ubuntu. The closing in-person screening and panel discussion is on April 3 at TBD.
All events are free and open to the public. Online registration is required to access the zoom events. Registration links below.
The film series is co-sponsored by the MSU Library, the African Studies Center, the Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities Program, Film Studies, and the Institute for Ubuntu Thought and Practice. For more information contact Erik Ponder, the African Studies librarian: ponderer@msu.edu
Community Music-Making & Meaning-Making (Ndere Troupe, Uganda: 20 minutes)
Discussant: Dr. Upenyu Majee (Michigan)
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Nor Any Drop to Drink (Directed by Cedric Taylor, USA 2018: 124 minutes)
Discussant: Dr. Cedric Taylor (Michigan)
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Usiliye (Directed by Dickson Mwape, Zambia 2023: 23 minutes)
Discussant: Wilkins Sikazwe (Zambia)
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Neria (Directed by Godwin Maruwu, Zimbabwe 1991: 103 minutes)
Discussant: Ethel Kabwato (Zimbabwe)
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Sleep Dealer (Directed by Alex Rivera, USA 2008: 90 minutes)
Discussant: Dr. Sheila Contreras (Michigan)
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Thomas Sankara: The Upright Man (Directed by Robin Shuffield, France 2006: 52 minutes)
Discussant: Ndumiso Dladla (South Africa)
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Migrations of Islam
Discussant: Dr. Salah Hassan (Michigan)
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Finding Ubuntu
The final screening will be hybrid screening and panel discussion.
International House Rm 201 @ 5:30-7:30pm.
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