The Faculty of Philosophy and Letters at the University of Alicante (UA) will host the seminar 'African cinema and the invention of Africa on screen: from colonial images to African self-representation' on 9 November. The event will be led by academic Samba Gadjigo and is part of the Shakara Fáyé 2026 – First African Film Showcase in Alicante, which runs from 7 to 14 November across various locations in Alicante, Elche, and San Vicente del Raspeig.
Samba Gadjigo, a Senegalese academic, writer, and filmmaker, is regarded as a leading authority on the life and work of Ousmane Sembène, often referred to as the 'Father of African Cinema'. He is a professor of Francophone Studies and Literature at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, USA, and the author of Sembène's official biography. Gadjigo also co-directed the documentary Sembène!, which opened the Shakara Fáyé festival and was nominated for awards at prestigious events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance, and Hot Docs.
Gadjigo's work focuses on recovering African historical memory, education, and self-representation through audiovisual language. Under the theme 'An intercultural eclipse', the Shakara Fáyé festival aims to provide insights into contemporary African cinema and its diasporas, with a programme designed to broaden perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and create spaces for dialogue through film and culture.
The film showcase features 11 films, eight discussions with ten invited speakers, three educational activities, theatre, and live music, involving over 20 organisations. Events will take place at venues including the Contemporary Art Museum of Alicante (MACA), the University of Alicante, the Miguel Hernández University of Elche, the Higher School of Art and Design of Alicante (EASDA), and various educational and social centres.
The showcase is organised by Solidaridad Internacional País Valencià as part of the project 'Global Origins: Transformative Education from Sub-Saharan Africa', funded by the Generalitat Valenciana. The executive production and programming are managed by Tren al Sur - Cultural Association, with financial support from the Culture Department of the Alicante City Council and the backing of the universities of Alicante and Miguel Hernández de Elche.
