AFRICA RETURNS TO GOVERNORS ISLAND

African Film Festival Inc.’s Second Annual ‘Family Day Celebration’ to Transform Governors Island into an African Arts and Culture Festival on Saturday, August 8

NEW YORK— This summer, New Yorkers can take their families on a virtual journey to Africa by taking a free, seven-minute, ferry ride to Governors Island. African Film Festival Inc.’s “Family Day Celebration” returns for the second year with a jamboree of family friendly African film, dance, music and culture on Saturday, August 8. The event, which runs from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., will be held at Governors Island, a burgeoning family and tourist destination located off the southern tip of Manhattan, across from the Financial District. “Family Day” offers a series of free events and activities throughout the day—along with affordable fine African cuisine.

“‘Family Day’ brings together all of our constituencies at beautiful Governors Island to celebrate the rites of summer with activities and programs that encourage a sense of community, interaction and, of course, our common humanity,” said African Film Festival Inc. Founder Mahen Bonetti.

Attendees will be able to participate in lively African and Afro-Brazilian dance classes from world-renown dance instructors like West Africa’s Babacar M’Baye and Mamady Sano or Brazil’s Quenia Ribeiro; listen to master drummers like West Africa’s Sing Sing Rhythm and Les Merveilles de Guinea and Brazil’s Afro Brazilian Drummers; be captivated by storyteller Malika Leigh Whitney; join in with jumping wonders Double Dutch Dreamz; and help create an African-inspired quilt with Harlem Needle Arts Founder Michelle Bishop.

Acclaimed short films from Africa and the African Diaspora—Bronx Princess, Coming of Age, Area Boys, Nora and Ghetto Film School’s Live, Joseph!—will be featured inside Pershing Hall. Tasty cuisine from the African restaurants Les Ambassades, with Chef Jules Niasse, and The Seasoned Pot, with Chef Charmain Sithappah, will be available at affordable prices.

All events take place at Colonels Row on Governors Island, with the exception of film screenings, which will be held at Pershing Hall. Governors Island can be reached by a free ferry from Lower Manhattan. Take the 1 to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the R to

Whitehall Street

. Take the Governors Island Ferry, located in the Battery Maritime Building, Slip # 7, to the Island and follow the signs to the festivities.

About the African Film Festival, Inc.:
For almost twenty years, African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF) has bridged the divide between post-colonial Africa and the American public through the medium of film. AFF’s unique place in the international arts community is distinguished not only by leadership in festival management but by its comprehensive approach to the advocacy of African film and culture. AFF established the New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in 1993 with The Film Society of Lincoln Center. The New York African Film Festival is presented annually at the Walter Reade Theater by African Film Festival, Inc. and the Film Society of Lincoln Center. AFF also produces a series of local, national and international programs, throughout the year. (To learn more, visit www.africanfilmny.org)

About Governors Island:

Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor, is only 800 yards from Lower Manhattan. It is a world unto itself, unique and full of promise. For almost two centuries, Governors Island was home to the US Army and Coast Guard. Today, the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation (GIPEC) oversees 150 acres of the Island. Its mission is to bring Governors Island back to life and to make the Island a cherished destination. Governors Island has partnered with dozens of organizations to bring an unprecedented number of concerts, activities, programs, festivals, and more to the Island. (To learn more, visit www.govisland.com)