Fiesta

Sarah Maldoror’s unofficial carnival trilogy captures carnival traditions of Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau, and explores the building of post-independence societies in those countries. France-Cape Verde 1979. Director Sarah Maldoror. 34min. Digital 4K (restoration). With English subtitles France-Guinea-Bissau 1980. Director Sarah Maldoror. 18min. Digital 4K (restoration). With English subtitles France-Cape Verde 1979. Director Sarah Maldoror. 28min. Digital 4K (restoration). With English subtitles Total film programme running time 80min On the volcanic Cape Verdean island of Fogo, a legendary story is told every May Day. It gives rise to courtly jousts and horse races much enjoyed by locals. The annual carnival is a major event in Guinea-Bissau’s capital since the country gained independence in 1974. It is a means of collectively constructing an imaginary world that reversed the relations of colonial domination. Carnaval dans le sahel captures preparations for a festival and parade in Mindelo, São Vicente, in Cape Verde. With no accompanying commentary, the film offers culture as a way of reappropriating history, constructing the foundation of national liberation and as a means of resisting colonial domination. Restored in 4K with the support of Centre national du cinéma et de l'image. See other screenings of Fiesta.