Ark, 2025-06-25
“Expect powerful films and thoughtful conversations at this year’s festival.”
CinemAfrica celebrates African cinema. Since 1998, the annual film festival has brought stories from the African continent and diaspora to Swedish screens. Meet the people behind it – Mam Foon and Soban Moallim – who are based at A house Börshuset.
Hi Mam and Soban! Your festival has been around for 27 years – do you have any special memories?
– Celebrating 25 years and opening the festival at the Skandia cinema was great. And to be able to pay tribute to two black pioneers in Afro-Swedish film – we will never forget that.
When is this year’s festival and what can we expect?
– This year’s festival takes place October 2-5. Expect powerful films, thoughtful conversations and visiting filmmakers from Angola and Gambia.
This year you are also organizing a Mini Festival. Tell us about it?
– It’s our debut festival for children aged 6-12. Representation in all art forms is important from an early age – this is our way of contributing.
You are at the intersection of culture, representation and activism – what is the most rewarding part of that work?
– Creating space for African cultures through film, conversation and music. It pays off big time – every time.
If CinemAfrica were a movie genre – what would it be, and why?
– A documentary! Because we work with reality, representation and perspectives that need to be made visible.
What’s the best thing about working in Börshuset?
– Our office (of course!) but also the atmosphere – there’s something special about the people here.
Go-to lunch place here in Slaktis?
– We usually go to Börshuset, there are always good options from several suppliers.
If you could organize a cinema somewhere in Börshuset – on the roof, in the parking lot, maybe in Börssalen – which film would you show and why?
– In Börssalen, no doubt. We were going to show Goodbye Julia by Mohammed Kordofani. A movie about friendship, understanding and empathy – exactly what we want to create more of.
What is the talk of the town right now?
– This year’s festival, of course!