Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with African Cinema Classics, Visions Film Society, and Art in the Garden City, successfully hosted a special Easter Weekend Film Screening on Saturday, 4 April, at the multipurpose hall of the Alliance Française, Port Harcourt.
The screenings were well attended, with a diverse audience comprising film enthusiasts, students, and members of the cultural community in Port Harcourt. Both films elicited thoughtful reactions and engagement from attendees, reinforcing the power of cinema as a tool for storytelling and cultural dialogue
The common denominator between both movies is the intimate portrayal of childhood through the lens of resilience and emotional depth.
The discussion and review session was the highlight of the event, offering an engaging space where diverse perspectives on the same subject come to life.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, providing a meaningful platform for artistic expression and cultural exchange. It further reaffirmed Alliance Française Port Harcourt’s commitment to promoting quality cinema and fostering intellectual and creative engagement within the community.
The first screening, La Petite Vendeuse de Soleil (1999), directed by Djibril Diop Mambéty, tells the inspiring story of Sili, a young girl in Dakar who defies societal norms by taking on a job traditionally reserved for boys. Despite physical limitations and the harsh realities of street life, her determination to earn an honest living becomes a powerful act of resistance against gender expectations and social marginalization.
Beyond its simple storyline, the film offers a moving reflection on dignity, resilience, and independence. Through Sili’s interactions and daily struggles, it subtly highlights societal inequalities while celebrating the strength of the human spirit. The vibrant streets of Dakar serve as both setting and symbol, capturing the challenges and possibilities of urban life.
Ultimately, the film’s themes of courage, self-worth, and gender equality resonated deeply with the audience, serving as a reminder that true strength lies in the courage to challenge limitations and redefine one’s place in society.
View the trailer below
The second film, TÓTEM (2023), written and directed by Lila Avilés, offers a deeply emotional and intimate portrayal of family life through the eyes of a young girl, Sol. Set over the course of a single day, the film follows preparations for her father’s birthday, gradually unfolding layers of unspoken tension, love, and quiet uncertainty within the household.
Through subtle storytelling and delicate moments, the film captures the complexity of human relationships—where joy and sorrow coexist, and where even the smallest interactions carry emotional weight. Sol’s perspective allows the audience to experience these dynamics with sensitivity, revealing the fragility of family bonds and the quiet strength found in togetherness.
Ultimately, TÓTEM invites reflection on life, loss, and the passage of time, reminding viewers of the beauty embedded in everyday moments and the emotional depth often hidden beneath the surface of ordinary life
Access the trailer below with just a click
