By Ogova Ondego
Published August 22, 2015
Some 60 films are expected to be shown to an estimated 2, 500 people at six venues in three districts of northern Mozambique during the second edition of a four-day festival.
The organisers of Mossuril Film Festival that has been renamed Festival Fim do Caminho in 2015 say the aims of the event that is scheduled for August 28-31, are “to develop film culture and create opportunities in media for local youth while boosting domestic tourism.”
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Consequently, the 2nd Festival Fim do Caminho that is held on the theme, “Assisting the reelâ€, shall serve films, a literary forum, art exhibitions and live music.
Berlin (Germany)-based Interfilm, one of Europe’s largest short film festivals, “contributes the key section of this year’s programme, with the aim to ‘entertain’ and ‘inspire’,” organisers Teran Foundation, Africa Leisure Development and Mozambican National Film Institute (INAC) say.
“Recent productions from all over the world, including a special focus on African shorts, will be presented in programmes for children, youth and adults,” says Interfilm’s Sarah Dombrink of the tailor-made selection for Fim do Caminho. Additional Fim do Caminho 2015 sections include a programme of Mozambican films, presented by the national film institute INAC and the European Film Cycle, supported by 14 EU embassies in Mozambique.
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Besides film screenings, Fim do Caminho shall present the Kuphaluxa Forum: Discussions with Young Mozambican Writers. The Portuguese poet Camoes lived for a while in Mossuril District in the 16th century; Rita Hayworth came four centuries later and one of this year’s exhibitions features photos of the American star’s 1949 honeymoon on Mozambique Island with Prince Aga Khan. In 2015 four young Mozambican writers are expected to share a stage with Joao Ribeiro, director of LAST FLIGHT OF THE FLAMINGO and this year’s guest of honour, as they explore the synergies between literature and film.
Lino Mukurruza, a writer participating in this year’s forum, says he hopes the festival can become a ‘school’ for the community.
“For me this festival is about giving a voice to those that don’t have one,” says Mukurruza.
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Paolino Naissone, an 18-year old secondary school student from Mossuril and a Fim do Caminho technician in his free time, says, “The festival will give young people the chance to think in a dignified way.”
Festival Fim do Caminho, says José Capote, a spokesperson for the Embassy of Norway, the main sponsor of the event, is “to support communities with limited access to art and film culture.”
