The African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) is an annual event that takes place in New York City, bringing together a diverse selection of films that explore the experiences of people of African descent worldwide. Established in 1993 by Diarah N’Daw-Spech and Reinaldo Barroso-Spech, the festival aims to highlight and educate audiences about the varied and rich narratives within the African diaspora.
Over the years, ADIFF has become a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers, offering a space for a wide range of genres, including documentaries, dramas, and comedies. The 32nd edition of ADIFF will run from November 29 to December 15, 2024, featuring screenings at venues such as Cinema Village, The Schomburg Center, and Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater, among others.
Each year, ADIFF showcases a unique selection of award-winning films, many of which are directed by women and spotlight historical figures with Caribbean roots. One notable film in this year’s lineup is Breaking Boundaries (2024), directed by Dina Burlis. This documentary tells the story of Nastasya Generalova, the daughter of an African-American father and a Russian mother, as she navigates the obstacles of racial discrimination, financial hardship, and the pressures of becoming a member of the U.S. artistic gymnastics team. The film portrays Generalova’s determination and resilience in the face of immense challenges.
Another featured film is Ain’t No Back to a Merry Go Round (2024), directed by Ilana Trachtman, which highlights the multiracial movement that led to the desegregation of Glen Echo Amusement Park in Maryland. The film chronicles the struggle for racial equality and the significant social change that resulted from this grassroots effort. Similarly, Locked Out (2023), directed by Kate Davis and Luchina Fisher, focuses on the increasing difficulty for people of color in America to own homes, examining the challenges faced by Black women in Detroit as they fight against eviction, fraud, and discriminatory banking practices.
In keeping with its tradition of curating films around thought-provoking themes, this year’s ADIFF will feature a special program centered on Caribbean leaders. Films in this category include Barrow: Freedom Fighter (2016), directed by Marcia Weekes, which tells the story of Errol Barrow, a pivotal figure in Barbados’ struggle for economic independence. The program also includes Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work (2001), directed by Cheikh Djemaï, which explores the life of the renowned anti-colonial activist and philosopher who played a key role in the liberation struggle of Algeria.
Mental health within the African-American community is another important theme in this year’s festival, with I AM (2023), directed by Jessica Chaney, tackling anxiety disorders among Black women. The documentary features candid interviews with five women—Angela, Grae, Angel, Santyria, and Chloe—who share their personal experiences with anxiety and how they cope with the unique cultural and societal pressures they face. This film aims to raise awareness and spark conversations about mental health within the Black community.
The festival’s opening night will be highlighted by the New York debut of Death of a Whistleblower (2023), directed by Ian Gabriel. The film follows investigative journalist Luyanda Masinda, played by Noxolo Dlamini, as she uncovers a web of corruption and conspiracy surrounding the murder of a colleague. Set against the backdrop of political intrigue and social justice, the film sheds light on the complex realities of investigating state corruption in contemporary South Africa.
ADIFF also pays tribute to the significant history of South African cinema through its “30 Years of the New South Africa” program, which includes Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa, a documentary currently longlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Other films in this program include Mama Africa, a documentary about the legendary Miriam Makeba, and Joe Bullet, a restored apartheid-era film featuring the first all-Black cast in a South African production. Additionally, Ernest Cole: Lost & Found—a documentary narrated by Lakeith Stanfield—focuses on the life and legacy of the anti-apartheid photographer.
The 2024 ADIFF will also showcase films from across the African diaspora, including works from Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, and Kenya. One such film, The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, makes its U.S. premiere as part of the Gala Screening section. This Nigerian film tells the true story of a young woman’s fight against injustice after the government forcibly evicts her community from their homes. The expansive program, which spans over 80 films from more than 20 countries, provides an authentic Pan-African experience, offering audiences a deep dive into the narratives that shape the global Black experience.