***African Film Festival’s Family Day on Governor’s Island on Sunday has been postponed due to the weather forecasts. In fact, Governors Island itself will be closed that day. Stay tuned for the new date.***
Sometimes, summer in New York can seem more like trial by fire than a time to rest and relax. But within our city limits lie oases of joy that are sometimes right under our noses. Governors Island, located just minutes from both Brooklyn and lower Manhattan in upper New York Harbor, is just such a gem. On Sunday, Aug. 28, the African Film Festival will bring New Yorkers of all backgrounds together for its Family Day celebration, a day of family-friendly fun on the island.
“This year, we hope that New Yorkers of all backgrounds will take the opportunity to join us on Governors Island to celebrate African tradition, community and spirit in the unique setting that is New York City,” said African Film Festival Inc. founder Mahen Bonetti in a press statement. “Though African culture will be spotlighted, the entire day is designed to help us show attendees the commonalities we all share no matter where we come from.”
From noon to 5 p.m., visitors will have the opportunity to see short films made by filmmakers of the Diaspora as well as take classes in double Dutch and listen to traditional storytellers. If all that culture makes you hungry, there will be a wide assortment of food for your consumption from Chef Charmain Sithappah’s the Seasoned Pot.
The film choices are as diverse as the Diaspora, with shorts being screened at Pershing Hall on the island’s Colonel Row from 1 to 5 p.m. The selections include “Mwansa the Great” from Zambia, “Bongo Barbershop” from America and “Lezare” from Ethiopia.
To get to Governors Island, visitors can take the 1 train to South Ferry, the 4 or 5 to Bowling Green or the R to Whitehall Street station. From there, you can take the free Governors Island Ferry, located in the Battery Maritime Building, next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal, and follow the signs to the festivities. For more information visit the African Film Festival’s website at www.africanfilmny.org.