The New York African Film Festival has been pleased to partner with the Columbia University Institute of African Studies since the 15th New York African Festival in 2008. Each year, the Institute hosts a panel of African filmmakers selected by Festival Director Mahen Bonetti. The panel provides a focal point for each festival, with past themes highlighting a variety of themes, such as South African democracy and grassroots filmmaking in Africa.
Past panels have featured celebrated female filmmakers from the African diaspora, including Wanuri Kahiu, Jihan El Tahri, and Ngozi Onwurah, in addition to Awam Amkpa and former New York Film Festival Director Richard Peña. Professor Mamadou Diouf of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs has served as a panel moderator several times, as has Michelle Materre, Assistant Professor in Media Studies at The New School, and a film industry professional.
