Manthia Diawara: African Film - New Forms of Aesthetics and Politics

Editors: Doris Hegner & Bernd M. Scherer
German
Translated by Herwig Engelmann
320 pages, numerous color and black and white illustrations
Prestel Verlag, Berlin 2010
ISBN: 978-3791343433
Price: € 24,95

Out of print, possibly available in antiquarian bookshops. Book on zvab.com

Manthia Diawara brings readers up to date on the exciting developments which have taken place in contemporary African cinema since the 1990s. This book explores new cinematic languages and modes of production, the film industry, and the trend away from nationalism and social realism towards an autonomous and confident style. Contributions by filmmakers as well as profiles of 31 African directors and their films provide valuable insight into recent trends in African cinema. The emancipating turn from conventional Hollywood style story-telling makes these films all the more captivating.

Manthia Diawara, born 1953 in Mali, is Professor of Comparative Literature and Film as well as Director of the Institute of African American Affairs at New York University. He is also the author of numerous books and is an accomplished documentary filmmaker.

The volume comes with a limited edition DVD, “Filmmakers in Conversation”.