KIBIRA FILMS INTERNATIONAL

SWAHILI WITHOUT BORDERS - "Kiswahili Bila Mipaka"

2011-09-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

By Josiah Kibira – Fall 2011

How many of you from East Africa would believe me if I told you that there are people in Ghana who are learning to speak Swahili? You would probably say, it could happen. But then what if I said the Swahili teacher is a French woman. You have to admit, that would pique your curiosity.

It’s like in the movies. A French woman teaching Swahili in West Africa. Well, it is not a movie it is real. Her name is Aurelia Ferrari. For her it started as a teenager when she traveled to Senegal on a reforestation camp. As a child, her father traveled a lot and brought gifts and stories from all over the world. This increased her curiosity of the world. After she completed her high school she decided to volunteer in a youth exchange program in her native Paris. Before long she was sent to work as a volunteer in Kenya.

While in Kenya she worked with youth programs and later she would concentrate on working with street children.
She is the first one to admit that clearly Africans do not need guidance from Europeans and that in fact, Africans have tougher survival aptitude than their counterparts in Europe or America considering the hard life they face on a daily basis. Africa was her calling. She had to go there.

It was during her encounter with street children in Kenya that she started to learn Swahili. Her interest grew when she returned to Paris. She enrolled in a Swahili teaching institute and later pursued a PhD in “Sheng”, a slang based Swahili originating in Kenya . And, of course, with a PhD, she could now teach anyone how to speak Swahili. She is fluent in Swahili, English, French and a little bit of Arabic.

She was asked, “Of all languages that you know, why Swahili?”
She said, “ This was to show Africa in a positive light”. She admits that it would have been easy for her to teach French, but feels that the colonial and imperialistic past associated with the French in Africa would not encourage people’s intercultural understanding and commitment to peace and justice. I think she has a good point. She is also very quick to point out the importance of Swahili as a language in the world noting that not only do over 100 million people in the world speak it, but it is taught in over 100 universities in the world. Her mission to teach Swahili to the world has landed her assignments including a two-year stint in Paris and over three years in Ghana.

What is impressive about Aurelia’s immersion in the Swahili culture is her commitment not to use Africa as a place to acquire another entry on her already impressive resume, but to make Africa her home. It was refreshing to find a European who lives in Africa and goes to Europe for a summer vacation.

I was also curious why Ghanaians were interested in Swahili. She said some students take the course as a ploy to get into a second year of the Bachelor’s program, but those who decide to pursue Swahili end up at the University of Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, where they pursue higher levels of Swahili language. Ghana has 70 other native languages and English remains the official language.
In her linguistic studies, she has written a book about the “sheng” Swahili dialect from Kenya and is now working on a book about Swahili in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
But it was her Swahili/French instructional book called “Swahili Bila Mipaka” – or “Swahili Without Borders” that caught our attention.

It is a manual that uses the communicative approach, which is a modern method in language teaching and learning, where the communication and the culture take an important part in the learning process.
The emphasis is on the meaning. The communicative approach gives great importance to the diversity: diversity of types of interaction, diversity of exercises and diversity of subjects.
The data used is authentic data like advertisings, spontaneous conversations and written material. For each lesson, there is a transcription of a conversation.
The manual caught our attention because Aurelia expressed interest in using our film Bongoland 2 as part of conversation transcripts in the manual. After students listen to these conversations, they then go through a series of exercises for comprehension.

Naturally, we were curious why she chose Bongoland 2 to be included in her instructional book. She said, “Other films in Swahili languages concentrated more about the story itself but Bongoland 2 gives so many aspects of Swahili culture – the relation between men and women, social organization and the daily life.”

She adds “For instance, we always see on the news that Africans try to run away from Africa, but this film shows us something different and more realistic. There are so many interesting initiatives going on in Africa
We learn so much in this film, to watch this film is like a linguistic and cultural immersion in Tanzania!”

As a French/African woman, Aurelia stands out as a woman on a mission to do good in the world. Her early exposure to the world influenced her not only to see other people as equals, she even took steps to becoming one of them. We can all learn from this great teacher. To see people for who they are, their culture, their feelings and know how they communicate. Isn’t this a simple formula for world peace and understanding? We think so.

BISHOP KIBIRA DOCUMENTARY NOW AVAILABLE

2011-02-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

The video for our latest documentary is now on sale via our online store.

CLICK HERE to order.

In Bukoba, the documentary will be sold at the Church Bookshop.

100% of the proceeds will go towards the Bishop Kibira Scholarship Fund to help students at the Josiah Kibira University soon to open in Bukoba.

See the Trailer HERE

RADIO VISION 98.0 FM BUKOBA, TANZANIA

2011-01-24T18:27:00.000-08:00

About two years ago, Valerian Rugalabamu from Ohio asked me to circulate an email for "Harambee" so that he can transport his radio transmitter to Bukoba to open a commercial radio station. For you all who assisted thank you again because Valerian's dream is now a reality.

I just visited his new radio station in Kibeta Bukoba, Tanzania and I was impressed by the level of professionalism of all broadcasters and administrators at the station.

RADIO VISION 98.0 FM is now dominating the air waves in Bukoba and in neighboring regions of Mwanza, Shinyanga, Musoma and Tabora. Also it is heard in the neighboring countries of Uganda and Rwanda.

It is only the second radio station in Kagera. To hear the sample of the broadcast and hear from Valerian....CLICK HERE

It goes to show the truth in when the Swahili say that "Penye Nia Pana Njia!!

WHAT HAS JUMA BEEN UP TO?

2010-11-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

You may remember him from the movie Bongoland as Juma, the movie that put him on the world map. He is a self created artist with a solid inspirational vision for his future.

His real name is Mukama Morandi. He stands at 6’2 and weighs close to 195 pounds on a good day. When you meet Mukama, you automatically think “this guy is somebody”.   It is difficult to describe, but he has an overwhelming presence that makes you do a double take each time you see him. Maybe it is his height but then again maybe it is his smirk smile. His stature was good enough to win him a leading role in Bongoland. 

Truth be told, Bongoland was not exactly a block buster movie at your local home box office. But it was a huge milestone in Kibira Film’s intentions of putting Swahili on the world map. Suddenly there was a movie that was produced by East African actors, speaking Swahili about issues which affect them. The movie was not about gangs, pimps, witchcraft or infidelity but real issues which face many immigrants in the Diaspora. Bongoland series competed well internationally.   When asked on how he thinks he performed in Bongoland? Mukama humbly responded “I don’t self rate”. He says he was just proud that the movie gave him another avenue to express his artistic side.

Being an artist part of the time is a challenging proposition to any up-coming artist. To pay the bills, one has to pursue artistic endeavors on the side while working a regular job. Asked what it would take for him to be an artist at a hundred percent of the time? Mukama quickly noted that he was already pursuing his dream on a fulltime basis only that artistically he gets paid on a part-time basis. A genuine dilemma that remains true to many artists starting out. 

Mukama landed in Minneapolis by the way of Norway where he was pursuing an Economics degree for few years. On a vacation visit to Los Angeles, he run in to a band from Minneapolis called “Les Exodus”   As luck had it; this band consisted of artists from Tanzania. In fact Mukama heard of them before this encounter. The band members included the legendary Innocent Galinoma and Onesmo Kibira.

At the end of that gig, Onesmo mentioned to him to come to Minneapolis…a causal and polite remark common in Swahili conversations…”Utatutembelea lini kwetu mzee?” “When will you visit us” “Nitakuja tu” “I will come…” he replied.  Onesmo later said he extended the invitation to Mukama because Mukama had introduced himself as a musician and to Onesmo this was another potential Tanzanian band member who could surely help the Les Exodus cause. So he invited him…kind of.  Few months later, Mukama showed up in Minneapolis. Not for a visit but for good.

The story gets funny at this point. Neither Onesmo nor Mukama can speak with a straight face why Mukama never joined Les Exodus or if he was ever invited to join. Both were unwilling to disclose whether the differences were artistic, technical or social... We are still investigating.  Nevertheless, Mukama was here to stay and he was to make a name for himself as a musician. For one thing, he was in the right place. Musicians from East Africa in Minneapolis go way back to the early eighties. The city has a community that is very multicultural and goes out of its way to support a multicultural artistic environment. It is said that Bob Marley was scheduled to appear in Minneapolis when he passed away. Besides Innocent and Onesmo, Joe Shalita and Msafiri and Mpambala are few East Africans have been on the music scene in Minneapolis for years.

  Being in a strange place is not something new to Mukama. As a son of the diplomat, he often had to move from country to country changing schools, learning new languages, and making new friends. This nomadic childhood experience, helped him develop a “hustler mind frame”

This came in handy when he arrived in Minneapolis, where he once again found himself starting over.  Beside his movie acting debut in Bongoland, Mukama has produced an album and three compelling videos with strong messages. His first video about AIDS titled “Save the World” debuted in the movie Tusamehe by Kibira Films. The video is very well made. It involved artists from Africa and United States. The genre of this song is pop, R&B, hip-hop with an African flavor. African Girl is his second single, which also done in mixed genres with Swahili lyrics talking about love.

Turn Back Time is his third single, which is purely a reggae beat.  His efforts have not gone unnoticed because his music has been submitted to several music festivals and actually won few awards. He explains that his song “Save the World’s” success in the festival circuit was beyond his expectations. It won a special award at the 2007 New York International Aids Film Festivals. It also won first prize of the Inspirational Excellence Award for Best Music Video at the 2008 Bayou City Inspirational Film Festivals in Houston, Texas. The song showcases Mukama’s talent and dedication to the art.

Save the World single and video won other several awards including:
2nd prize for best music video ’ at the 2008 Urban Mediamakers Film Festival in Atlanta, 1st prize f or Best Music Video at the 2009 San Diego Black Film Festival 1st prize for best film score at the Moondance International Film Festival in Boulder, Colorado.   Talking to Mukama, you can vividly see where he wants to be in relation to where he is now. You also get a sense that he is well aware of the challenges ahead. He comments, “I am determined to find my niche, network and grab opportunities as they come my way….I believe that sooner or later doors will open someday”.  That day may be here already because as he put it, “I am hitting the studio for another Reggae vibe” This time it will be about his musical journey. He is also in the process of forming his own band. For his acting career he confirms that he has been contacted by Kibira Films for Bongoland 3 whose script is being written as of the writing of this article.  

Above all, Mukama posses a “can do” attitude which is very crucial in a crowded and highly competitive industry. In the world of viral videos and auto-tunes, it very refreshing to see an artist who still has faith in his talent, ambitions and dreams and who truly believes that luck has nothing to do with it….he just has to “get up and go grab his dreams”
 
Bravo!!

   

KIKWETE ON NSHOMILE

2010-09-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

This summer, president Jakaya Kikwete was in Bukoba to attend the 100 anniversary of the Lutheran Church in the area. As part of those festivities, Josiah Kibira University College was dedicated.

In his speech, Kikwete noted that it was about time for Bukoba to have a university since Bukoba people are known to be "Nshomile" (Booksmart) and yet had no university in the area. The comment was all in good fun, the crowd reciprocated with a weak cheer and laughter.

To see the abbreviated version of that speech CLICK HERE

Why are movies so important? - By Freddy Macha

2010-06-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

From The CITIZEN PAPER IN TANZANIA
Freddy Macha
Freddy Macha

Can anyone tell me the origin of the word dezo?

In standard Swahili it means anything obtained free of charge. Sometimes I like to think of it as dazzle or daze which is to stun and bewilder.

Surely that explains the feeling of happiness after being endeared?

Anyway, I recall sinema dezo, back in the sixties and early seventies. Movies would be shown for free across Tanzanian fields and football pitches.

We watched the Charlie Chaplin, Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy series, then known as Chalii Mnene na Mwembamba. They were not only funny they also help build the Swahili vocabulary.

Charlie or Charley became Chalii or Chale, which in Swahili is a funny or humorous person. Movies not only entertain but also create new words thus helping shaping a national language.

By the mid-1970s, sinema dezo was out and in came the cinema halls. Our mothers and sisters flocked to watch afternoon movies (matinee) from India.

Nobody spoke Hindi, but the songs were loved. Does anyone recall i (which means Sometimes) and Sholay? The stories were long; movies went on for three hours plus.

Some of these Hindi films had strong social political messages like Mother India and Namak Haraam. I recall seeing them without subtitles and loving them across Dar es Salaam halls – Empire and Empress (in the Askari Monument area), Avalon, Odeon and Cameo.

For those who did not like these Hindi movies with their exaggerated sentimental singing and tears, there was an alternative option: Bruce Lee and kung fu, whoo, whaa films.

These flicks razed and grazed our halls until early eighties when the economic doom chocked and slapped everyone. The only consolation were second-hand imported ‘B’ movies like the soft porn wave Emanuelle.

From then on until around the arrival of mainstream television in the mid-1990s we had nothing. The film industry in Tanzania has always been thirsty and hungry.

Before Josiah Kibira's efforts in 2003 with the production of the Bongoland series we had only Fimbo ya Mnyonge as a Swahili movie of any substance. Mwalimu Nyerere must have gone to his grave wondering, will it ever be?

Lately because of this hunger we have started munching Nigerian and South African films.

US-based Josiah Kibira says he used to watch the Nigerians and wondered. His Bongoland one and two tale is a convincing narrative about dreams of a young Tanzanian totally gone wrong.

Like Obama's presidential win in 2008, Kibira uses the Internet well to publicise and sell them in a well packaged and organised product.

And that is the story of May-June 2010.
Lovely Gamble, a Swahili-English, film has just been released in the UK by young Tanzanian filmmakers. I have seen the flick and attended the launch last weekend in Reading, a few kilometres out of London.

I do not think Lovely Gamble is anything close to Bongoland. The storyline is simplistic, with an ending that women especially will find uninspiring. However, its release has heralded a new chapter in our filmmaking.

In 2008, I watched and listened to Spike Lee, the African American filmmaker, answering a crucial question in London. Many of us asked him why he never makes films about Africa. He said we should do it ourselves and in collaboration.

“Be a gang, form a posse...,” said the creator of Inside Man, Malcolm X, Do the Right Thing and She Is Gotta Have It.

Makers of Lovely Gamble, known as Urban Pulse, have already ticked this box. Urban Pulse unites not only a group of Tanzanians, but other Africans and Caribbean youths. They are all multi-skilled and multitalented.

Launching the event, which also raised funds for HIV orphans in the UK and Tanzania, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation at our London High Commission, Amos Msanjila, made a lively speech that summed up why the film industry is so important for any nation.

Brand Tanzania, is what Swahili movies may create and help reinforce. Nigerian and Hindi films have helped popularise their countries, the diplomat said. Then there is the use of Kiswahili a language rated amongst ten fastest growing in the world.

Not to forget employment opportunities. Making films is an activity involving a lot of people: technicians, actors and business people. But before going any further we need to make convincing films.

Films depend on well-written stories, researched materials and high standard acting.
More info about Lovely Gamble or to get DVD phone Frank Eyembe on +44-7865594576. Email: urbanpulsecreative@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Email: kilimanjaro1967@hotmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. www.freddymacha.blogspot.com

YOUR REACTIONS TO THE RUNNING STORY

2010-04-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

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Mr. Kibira,

Thanks for the challenge. I used to be a runner. I ran track for my University here in the States but have since been very lazy. But your story and the challenge for Kenyans from Tanzanians through you just revitalized me. So I will be running a lot. I am going to compete in the the next LA Marathon in March.

Thanks bro and keep making those films.

Take care
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I think you will find us Kenyans up to and welcoming the challenge. Bring it on.

-- If a man speaks in the forest and there is no woman around to hear him, is he wrong?
- Author Unknown
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Safi sana bwana Director. I think u should write a book about this that day utakaposhinda marathon. Umenifanya nifikirie about starting running even though I have never like the aspect of running. Anyways goodluck as u train to win future marathons
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Beautiful piece, brother and all agreed. Your resilience is most admirable and inspiring. I will join you too and run as a 'Tanzanian' but without any promises!
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Great inspirational story, I hope it gets share widely,
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Agree brother!!!! as one of my favorite diet, running has been my passion and i love doing not only for the health related reasons, but it's always fun and joy for me!!!!!
So guys keep up the good work, i am so inspired by your stories...........

TANZANIAN MARATHONERS PUT KENYAN RUNNERS ON THE ALERT

2010-04-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

By Josiah Kibira
If you follow the results of almost any marathon in the United States, you are bound to find one or more Kenyans in the top 10. In most cases, Kenyan runners place in the top three finishers, and, often times win the whole race.

It is no different in Minnesota, where both the Grandma’s Marathon of Duluth, and the Twin Cities Marathon have been dominated by Kenyan runners.

Running a marathon is not an easy proposition to undertake, in fact only 1% of all human beings do participate in this challenging sport. It is often compared to an analogy asking, “Why do you keep hitting yourself with a hammer? Because it feels good when you stop.”

But Kenyan runners have dominated this sport worldwide, a fact that Tanzanian runners find hard to swallow. When confronted by the subject, most will always bring up Filbert Bay, a Tanzanian who was not even a marathon runner, but won a gold medal in the Olympic Games many years ago.

I have been a marathon runner for over 14 years. I try to run a marathon every year. Last year I was surprised at about mile 15 or so, wondering why can’t I see mile 16 marker on the horizon, when suddenly I heard someone say, ”Vipi, mzee! I looked up, to find a Tanzanian in the middle of the pack of runners.

We exchanged few words, and I should say, I was in worse shape than he was at that point in the race, then I urged him to proceed ahead without me. He did, but then it somehow gave me an immediate surge of energy. Seeing him was like saying, ”Wabongo na sisi tumo”, or “We, the Tanzanians,…got this!”… or so I thought.

I was proud because it was the first time in my fourteen years of running that I actually met a fellow Tanzanian in the race...running.

After the race, I made a point of getting in touch with the Tanzanian runner so that we could tell the world and put the Kenyan runners on alert for the next marathon! Who knows? We may one day beat them! It could happen!
He surprised me, when he mentioned that there was yet another Tanzanian who was also in that same Twin Cities Marathon that day.

This is about us…the Tanzanian Marathoners and why we run.

Meet Gracious Msuya.
He started running before he ever landed in the United States. He was a student at the University of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. You can see his dedication to the sport because Dar can be very hot and it takes a serious commitment to run.
Running is such a personal decision because you have yourself for motivation. Gracious found motivation in the promise he made to his young kids that he would run the marathon once the kids were teenagers. His kids still have years to become teenagers, but the statement itself motivated him to start training instead of waiting so long.

The other motivator for him is his health. It is a proven fact that there are many health benefits from running including reversing the aging process. That’s right, you not only reverse the aging process, and sometimes you can even delay it.
I asked Gracious if there was anyone who inspired him to run, he said when he was in primary school (Elementary School) he saw a man who was in his 30’s who used to run and practice Karate. That was it. Gracious’ actual running would come later in his adult life as a student at a University.
Gracious admits running a marathon has not been easy. To date, he has run about 5 full marathons and a few short races. “It takes time and it is simply hard,” he remarks. But he also admits that the challenges of life do not make this easy. Balancing work and family is difficult enough, and squeezing in training time as well makes life all the more interesting. All in all, the advantages of running far outweigh all the hassles one goes through.
Gracious has high hopes for Tanzanians or any one who wants to take up running. In his words, he says “If you can walk a mile, you can run a mile.” One first mile could be a start to running many miles in the future. He also offers words of encouragement stating not to be afraid to start something new because in the end you may surprise yourself.

So, to all Kenyan runners, look out! Gracious Msuya is coming!
My inspiration to run came to me by accident. After I graduated from college in Kansas, I moved to Minneapolis. It was after the Twin Cities Marathon was completed and I was reading the race results in the paper. As I read at the men’s results list, I saw that there was a 99 year old man who completed the race in 5 hours and 20 minutes. This was enough for me. I thought, if a 99 year old man can complete a full marathon, I should be able to complete one. I have never looked back and I have logged 14 marathons ever since.
I use running as meditation. Most of the movies I have written were conceived as I ran. Right now I have a few movie plots in my head, and as I run, the plots get polished.
I agree with brother Msuya, “If you can walk a mile, you can run a mile.” It is a discipline that has taught me to be in control of my many aspects of life, especially the fact that I don’t quit easily and I don’t sweat the small stuff. I always tell myself that it is only mile 5, with 21 more to go. With this perspective, there are few things that surprise me.

And this is why we run. A sense of accomplishment. A sense of setting a goal and achieving it. A sense of an overwhelming individual success. This can be transferred to any aspect of life, finances, school, career, family. Because really at the end of the day, we are first answerable to ourselves…

And yes, even beating Kenyan runners…it can happen!

So guys and gals – “TWENDE KUKIMBIA….”

Know any Tanzanian runners? Share the story with us!!

BISHOP KIBIRA OF BUKOBA - An African Lutheran

2010-03-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

See the trailer to the upcoming documentary - BISHOP KIBIRA OF BUKOBA - An African Lutheran.

SEE TRAILER HERE

JOSIAH KIBIRA UNIVERSITY

2010-03-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.dailynews.co.tz/home/?n=8172

By ABDULWAKIL SAIBOKO, 13th March 2010 @
11:01, Total Comments: 0, Hits:

292PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete led hundreds of well-wishers to raise 706.5m/- for the construction of a university in Kagera Region challenging universities in the country to invest in science programmes. The charity dinner for the construction of proposed Josiah Kibira University College (JoKUCo) of Tumaini University was held in Dar es Salaam on last night. “I am glad to hear that the college will prioritise science in education courses. This will increase teachers in the field which is facing an acute shortage,” he said. Mr Kikwete noted that the problem of science teachers was shared by both developed and developing countries but admitted that the country’s situation was worse than others in Africa. “Our children do not like science subjects and statistics show that less than 30 per cent of students at secondary level prefer studying science. The percentage is too small compared to other countries in the continent,” he said. President Kikwete noted that following his talks with the former United States president, George W. Bush and later with the incumbent, Barack Obama, the government was expecting to receive many science teachers from US this year than ever before. “The problem of science teachers cannot be solved through such programmes, we need to train our own science teachers,” he said, adding that the government would employ all the teachers graduating in the country. He commended the TU management for fast growth despite being the youngest university. “The move is commendable, we have 22 private universities in the country so far and when this starts we shall have 23. It is also important to note here that it will be the first in Kagera Region,” he said. President Kikwete promised continuous support to the universities in the country saying that he felt very pleased and honoured to be invited in such events. Earlier, the Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Prof. Jumanne Maghembe said Tumaini University was now the giant university in the country with six associate universities and JoKUCo becoming the seventh. “In 2005 we had 55,500 university students, the number has increased to 105,000 this year out of which Tumaini Univesity alone has 8,500,” he said. Prof. Maghembe said the government was moving hand in hand with the private sector and that with its newly established University of Dodoma (UDOM) it has admitted over 17,000 students and that the number is expected to rise to 25,000 next academic year. The TU’s Chancellor, Bishop Alex Malasusa said the university was committed to offer not only degrees but quality ones. “We train them to be honest and God fearing and we believe that they can be good workers. We want to produce a hot cake product in the labour market,” he said. He said that the JoKUCo would be operating on the premises of Bukoba Lutheran Teacher’s College that was established in July 2007 and is expected to start in October, this year. The budgetary requirements to enable the university take off are projected at 1.3bn/-.

Josiah Kibira University College (JoKUCo)

2010-02-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

DAILY NEWS reporter, 4th February 2010 @ 11:03, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 504

THE Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania of the North-West Diocese (ELCT-NWD) has converted Nyakato Teachers' College into a wing of Tumaini University.

The university will be named Josiah Kibira University College (JoKUCo) in honour of the first black African Bishop of the North-Western Diocese of the ELCT - NWD, who served the Diocese from 1964 to 1987.

Josiah Kibira was also a teacher and first deputy headmaster of the Diocese's first secondary school under a Swedish missionary earlier in the 1950s.

A statement issued jointly by Kagera Regional Commissioner Mohamed Babu and the Bishop of the ELCT-NWD, Rev. Elisa Buberwa, said that the decision to make the college a University was reached recently by Church's General Assembly (synod).

JoKUCo will initially offer degree programmes in education (science subjects), which are presently only offered by the University of Dar es Salaam.

''This aims at supporting the government in mitigating the shortage of secondary school science teachers, a concern that points to a serious development setback in our country,'' read the statement.

It is anticipated that in three to five years more degree programmes will follow as the university continues to grow. These will be in business administration, ICT and law.
In a short-term perspective, it is envisaged to have the first student in-take for JoCUCo for next academic year, in October, this year.

The two authorities said the college requires improving and expanding some of the existing facilities as well as a number of other adaptations which demand financial resources.
''In this particular case 1.5bn/- is needed for the project to take off the ground as planned,'' said the statement.

President Jakaya Kikwete, is expected to grace the JoKUCo fundraising event at a gala dinner to be held on March 12 at Diamond Jubilee Hall in Dar es Salaam

http://www.dailynews.co.tz/home/?n=7239&cat=home

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-31T07:04:00.000-08:00

From KibiraFilms International, we wish you a prosperous New Year.
We are very excited for the new year because we have many new projects lined up.

By the end of February, we will be releasing a documentary titled "Bishop Kibira of Bukoba"...An African Lutheran. He was the first black to be elected president of the Lutheran World Federation in 1977. He is from Tanzania.

Keep visiting our website for the details.

Then we will release another documentary Two Africas in America. We have been working on these projects for over 2 years and we hope to complete both of them this year.

Please keep supporting us in the coming year.

Peace

HAPA BONGO HII TANZANIA

2009-12-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Looking for a Christmas present idea...try this one from Kibirafilms.com.

Order one today and have it delivered before Christmas!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

BONGOLAND IN ZIFF - IN GERMANY

2009-08-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

Zanzibar International Film Festival 2009 in Potsdam

10. bis 13. September im Filmmuseum Potsdam

Vom 27. Juni bis 4. Juli 2009 fand in der zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe zählenden Stone Town von Sansibar Stadt das 12. Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) statt. Jährlich lockt das mittlerweile größte kulturelle Event Ostafrikas bis zu 7.000 ausländische Gäste und 120.000 BesucherInnen aus der näheren Umgebung an. Ziel des Festivals ist es, das reiche kulturelle Erbe der Anrainerstaaten des Indischen Ozeans, der sogenannten Dhau-Staaten, und deren zeitgenössische Künstler zu fördern.
Das Filmmuseum präsentiert ausgewählte Preisträger-Filme des diesjährigen ZIFF. Vor der Podiumsdiskussion am 12.9. zum Thema „Development Films” wird der „Ousmane Sembène Films For Development Award”-Gewinner zu sehen sein: „Keiskamma“ von Miki Redelinghuys. Neben dem Vorstand des Festivals, Hassan Mitawi, wird die Filmemacherin Musola Catherine Kaseketi mit ihrem Film „Suwi“ als Gast erwartet. Schirmherr des ZIFF-Nachspiels ist der Botschafter von Tansania, Ahmada R. Ngemera, er wird das Festival am 10.9. eröffnen.

Am 10.9. ergänzen außerdem zwei Workshops für Jugendliche das Programm. Gemeinsam mit Vertreterinnen der Frauenfußballmannschaft von Sansibar wird Florence Ayisis Film Zanzibar Soccer Queens (Tansania/GB 2007) angeschaut und diskutiert. Der Film zeigt, wie Frauen um ihr Recht und ihre Chance kämpfen, wie sie sich solidarisieren und eigene Geschäftsideen entwickeln, um ihr Leben und ihren Sport zu finanzieren. Fußball, ein Entwicklungsfaktor?

Mehr Infos unter www.raa-brandenburg.de. Anmeldungen über 0331 – 747800 oder info@raa-brandenburg.de.

Am 12.9. wird im Filmmuseum außerdem die KunstGenussTour (Lange Nacht der Museen und Galerien in Potsdam) mit Ausrichtung auf das ZIFF-Nachspiel gefeiert – mit musikalischen Höhepunkten, afrikanischem Buffet, einem Kaffeeparcours und einer Gewürzstraße!

Spielplan 10. – 13.9.2009

10.9 . 10:00 und 14:00

In Kooperation mit den Regionalen Arbeitsstellen für Ausländerfragen, Jugendarbeit und Schule (RAA) Brandenburg in Trägerschaft des Demokratie und Integration Brandenburg e.V.

Filmworkshop „Zanzibar Soccer Queens“ (in englischer Sprache)

In Anwesenheit von Vertreterinnen der Frauenfußballmannschaft von Sansibar

19:00 ZIFF in Potsdam

Mwalimu – The Legacy of Julius Kambarage Nyerere R: Lekoko P. Ole Levilal, Tansania 2009, Dok., OmE, 52’

20:00 Zanzibar International Film Festival 2009 in Potsdam

In Kooperation mit der Initiative „Städtepartnerschaft Sansibar-Potsdam“ und VENROB e.V.

Gefördert vom Auswärtigen Amt aufgrund eines Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages und aus Mitteln des Bundesministeriums für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung.

Eröffnung und Präsentation des Kurzfilm-Preisträgers Waramutseho R: Auguste Bernard Kouemo Yanghu, Kamerun 2009, OmE, 21’

In Anwesenheit des Botschafters von Tansania, H.E. Ahmada R. Ngemera und der Filmemacherin Musola Catherine Kaseketi (Sambia)

Anschließend: Empfang im Foyer, Eintritt frei

21:30 ZIFF in Potsdam

African Tales – A Mini-Series of Tanzanian Short Films R: Neema Kambona, Maria Sarungi Tsehai, Nina Mnaya, Kimela Billa, James Gayo, Tansania 2008, OmE, 65’

11.9. 18:00 ZIFF in Potsdam

In Kooperation mit der Berlin-Brandenburgischen Auslandsgesellschaft (BBAG) e.V.

Zanzibar Soccer Queens R: Florence Ayisi, Tansania/GB 2007, Dok., engl. OF (z.T. engl. UT), 52’

In Anwesenheit des Women Fighters Football Club (Frauenfußballmannschaft von Sansibar)

20:00 ZIFF in Potsdam

Suwi R: Musola Catherine Kaseketi, D: Cathrine Soko, Owas Mwape, Chantel Mwabi, Sambia 2009, OmE, 78’

In Anwesenheit der Regisseurin

22:15 ZIFF in Potsdam

Papy (Mon histoire) R: Djo Tunda Wa Munga, D: Romain Ndomba, Chaida Chady Suku Suku, Annie Kuka, DR Kongo 2007, OmE, 52’

12.9. 16:00 Kiriku und die wilden Tiere R: Michel Ocelot, F 2005, Trickfilm, 75’

18:00 ZIFF in Potsdam

Keiskamma – A Story of Love R: Miki Redelinghuys, Südafrika 2007, Dok., OmE, 90’

20:00 ZIFF in Potsdam

In Kooperation mit der Berlin-Brandenburgischen Auslandsgesellschaft (BBAG) e.V.

Mit freundlicher Unterstützung der Brandenburgischen Landeszentrale für politische Bildung

Podiumsdiskussion „Development Films“ mit Hassan Mitawi (Vorstand ZIFF), Musola Catherine Kaseketi (Regisseurin, Lusaka/Sambia), N.N. (aus der Entwicklungspolitik) Moderation: Dorothee Wenner (Filmemacherin und Afrika-Delegierte der Berlinale) Eintritt frei

22:00 ZIFF in Potsdam

Seasons of a Life R: Charles Shemu Joyah, D: Flora Suya, Bennie Msuku, Neria Chikhosi, Malawi 2007, engl. OF, 90’

ab 18:00 Potsdamer Kunst-Genuss-Tour 2009

Afrika-Festival

im Museumsfoyer mit Kaffee-Parcours „Grünes Gold – Kaffee in Tansania“, Gewürz Quiz „Wo nicht nur der Pfeffer wächst …" und afrikanischem Buffet 20:00 „Lockerer Rhythmus“ mit Kofi Asamoah (Gesang, Trommeln) 21:30 Kofi Asamoah mit Band

13.9. 16:00 Kiriku und die wilden Tiere R: Michel Ocelot, F 2005, Trickfilm, 75’

18:00 ZIFF in Potsdam

From a Whisper R: Wanuri Kahiu, D: Corinne Onyango, Ken Ambani, Abubakar Mwenda, Kenia 2008, engl. OF, 79’

20:00 ZIFF in Potsdam

Mâh Saah-Sah R: Daniel Kamwa, D: Abdel Aziz Nchankou, Mfouemoun Beaflore, Adamou Njoya, Kamerun 2007, OmE, 91’

21:30 ZIFF in Potsdam

Bongoland R: Josiah Kibira, D: Mukama Morandi, Erick Baruti, Christina Breidenbach, Tansania 2003, OmE, 92’

Die Filme

Mwalimu - The Legacy of Julius Kambarage Nyerere

10. September

R: Lekoko P. Ole Levilal, Tansania 2009

Als Vater der Nation wird Julius Kambarage Nyerere (1922 - 1999) in Tansania bezeichnet. Damit wird auf seine führende Rolle beim Kampf um die Unabhängigkeit (1961) angespielt. 1964 brachte er den Zusammenschluss des Festlandes Tanganyika und der Insel Sansibar auf den Weg. Mit der einflussreichen „Deklaration von Arusha“ fomulierte er 1967 seine sozialistischen Überzeugungen. Während seiner 22-jährigen Präsidentschaft, die 1985 endete, wurde er immer wieder seinem Ruf als „Mwalimu“, Lehrer, gerecht und half auch danach beim Wandel Tansanias vom Ein- zum Mehrparteienstaat. Die unterschiedlichsten Menschen aus verschiedenen Generationen äußern sich im Film darüber, wie sie Julius Kambarage Nyerere, seine politischen Ideen und Errungenschaften erinnern.

Waramutseho

10. September

R: Auguste Bernard Kouemo Yanghu, Kamerun 2009

Der couragierte Kurzfilm erzählt die Geschichte des Versöhnungsprozesses in Ruanda aus einer neuen, originellen Perspektive. Der auch andernorts preisgekrönte Film, der durch seine Liebe zum Detail besticht, erhielt den Kurzfilmpreis des ZIFF 2009.

African Tales – A Mini-Series of Tanzanian Short Films

10. September

R: Neema Kambona u.a., Tansania 2008

Fünf kurze Spielfilme à 13 Minuten, fünf neue Stimmen des tansanischen Kinos, fünf Ansichten des heutigen Tansania: Eine extravagante Lady schmuggelt Edelsteine von Daressalam nach Nairobi (The Business Trip R: Neema Kambona). Der eigentlich so toughe Sadiki sieht sich vor der Aufgabe, seinen unehelichen, HIV-positiven Sohn allein zu erziehen (Body on Fire R: Maria Sarungi Tsehai). Die zehnjährige Mawazo lebt bei ihrer Großmutter und verkauft Essen an Schulkinder. Dabei würde sie selbst gerne zur Schule gehen (Mawazo R: Nina Mnaya). Der Internatsschüler Masinde will dem Kontrollgang entkommen und erhält eine Lektion fürs Leben (The Rat Trap R: Kimela Billa). Der Gefängnisbeamte Matiku steht kurz vor der Rente (Retirement R: James Gayo).

Suwi

11. September

R: Musola Catherine Kaseketi, Sambia 2009

Auf dem Weg zur eigenen Hochzeit verliert die junge Frau Suwi durch einen Autounfall den Verlobten und ist fortan körperlich beeinträchtigt. Die Eltern raten ihr davon ab, weiter einem Beruf nachzugehen oder sich um eine neue Beziehung zu bemühen. Erst als sie zufällig auf den achtjährigen Waisenjungen Bupe trifft, eröffnen sich Suwi wieder Perspektiven. Gesellschaftliche Stigmatisierung und Ausgrenzung aufgrund von körperlichen Behinderungen sind in Teilen Subsahara-Afrikas der Alltag aber als öffentliches Thema oft tabu. Zur Vorführung begrüßen wir herzlichst die Filmmacherin Musola Catherine Kaseketi, die beim ZIFF 2009 für ihr mutiges Filmdebüt mit dem East Africa Region Talent Award ausgezeichnet wurde.

Papy (Mon histoire)

11. September

R: Djo Tunda Wa Munga, DR Kongo 2007

„Papy“ ist der erste Teil einer Filmreihe, die die Geschichten von Menschen erzählt, die mit HIV leben und wurde in Kinshasa gedreht: Als Papy entdeckt, dass er HIV-positiv ist, verliert er seine Arbeit und wird von seiner Familie verstoßen. Doch um Medikamente zu bekommen, muss ein Familienmitglied für ihn bürgen. Papy engagiert einen Obdachlosen, der seinen Onkel gibt. Eines Tages entschließt er sich, in einer TV-Sendung aufzutreten … Der bittersüße Film, der auf einer wahren Geschichte basiert, erhielt beim ZIFF 2009 den Silver Dhow Award.

Keiskamma – A Story of Love

12. September

R: Miki Redelinghuys, Südafrika 2007

In der Tradition des „cinéma vérité“ erzählt der Dokumentarfilm vom Engagement der Mutter, Großmutter und AIDS-Aktivistin Eunice Mangwane und der Ärztin und Künstlerin Carol Baker, die sich den Kampf gegen HIV und AIDS – von der Aufklärung bis zur Medikamentenbeschaffung – zur Lebensaufgabe gemacht haben. Für dieses umfassende, aufopfernde Engagement steht als Bild eine wunderschöne, multimediale Altartafel, die die beiden gemeinsam mit Teilen der verarmten Landbevölkerung der Gegend um die Flussmündung des Keiskamma River im Osten Südafrikas herstellen.

Seasons of a Life

12. September

R: Charles Shemu Joyah, Malawi 2007

Kondani und Thoko, ein kinderloses Paar, adoptieren ein Waisenkind und stellen die Waise Sungisa als Kindermädchen an. Kondani missbraucht Sungisa sexuell. Sie wird schwanger. Als Sungisa eine Abtreibung ablehnt, verspricht Kondani ihr finanzielle Unterstützung, solange sie niemandem sagt, wer der Vater ist. Als Sungisa ein Studium beginnt, schafft es Kondani, Thoko davon zu überzeugen, ein weiteres Kind zu adoptieren - seinen gemeinsamen Sohn mit Sungisa. Doch sechs Jahre später fordern Sungisa und ihre Freundin und Juristin Tabitha das Kind zurück.

Der bewegende Film über die Rechte von Frauen und Müttern wurde beim diesjährigen Festival in Sansibar u.a. mit dem ZIFF Chairman Award ausgezeichnet.

From a Whisper

13. September

R: Wanuri Kahiu, Kenia 2008

Der ruhige Abu will der aufrührerischen Künstlerin Tamani helfen, die nach ihrer Mutter sucht. Tamani ruft bei Abu Erinnerungen an seinen Freund Fareed wach, der vor zehn Jahren bei dem Bombenanschlag auf die US-amerikanische Botschaft in Nairobi ums Leben kam. Die Nachricht vom Tod von Tamanis Mutter konfrontiert Tamani und Abu mit dem, was sie am meisten fürchten – der Wahrheit. Ein Film über Vergebung und Vertrauen, der sich auf wahre Begebenheiten stützt. Gewinner des East African Talent Award.

Mâh Saah-Sah

13. September

R: Daniel Kamwa, Kamerun 2007

Ein junger talentierter Kunstschmied verliebt sich in die Tochter eines Kunsttöpfers, die seine Zuneigung erwidert. Die beiden werden von ihren Familien einander versprochen. Als der Vater der jungen Frau aber seinem kleinen kranken Kind keinen Krankenhausaufenthalt ermöglichen kann, will er die hübsche, schon versprochene Tochter gegen deren Willen einem reichen Händler zur Frau geben. Doch die wird im letzten Moment entführt. In dieser „Reifeprüfung“ aus Kamerun siegen Liebe und Freiheit über den Missbrauch von Macht, über Korruption und Materialismus. Der Film erhielt beim ZIFF 2009 den SIGNIS Jury Award – Commendation.

Bongoland

13. September

R: Josiah Kibira, Tansania 2003

Die Versprechungen des American Dream locken den Hochschulabsolventen Juma aus seiner Heimat Tansania (alias „Bongo“) fort, er landet in Minnesota und muss anhand von Kreditkartenabrechnungen, miserablen Jobs und den US-Einwanderungsbestimmungen erfahren, was es heißt, illegaler Migrant zu sein. Kaum ein Dutzend Filme wurde bislang in der Sprache Swahili gedreht (bei einer Sprechergemeinschaft von 80 Millionen Menschen!), „Bongoland“ ist sicher der wegweisendste.

Das Zanzibar International Film Festival 2009 in Potsdam im Filmmuseum Potsdam ist eine Kooperation des Filmmuseums Potsdam mit der Initiative Städtepartnerschaft Sansibar-Potsdam, der Berlin-Brandenburgischen Auslandsgesellschaft (BBAG) e.V.,

den Regionalen Arbeitsstellen für Ausländerfragen, Jugendarbeit und Schule (RAA) Brandenburg in Trägerschaft des Demokratie und Integration Brandenburg e.V. und VENROB e.V.

Das Projekt wird gefördert vom Auswärtigen Amt aufgrund eines Beschlusses des Deutschen Bundestages, aus Mitteln des Bundesministeriums für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung und der Brandenburgischen Landeszentrale für politische Bildung.

African Global Roots Arts Festival July 25th

2009-07-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

African Global Roots Arts Festival

Saturday July 25th, 2009

Program Outline

Ramada - Grand Rios Hotel

6900 Lakeland Avenue North, Brooklyn park

6:00pm - 7:00pm - Registration, Handout program and Newsletter...

7:00pm - 7:30pm - Opening Acts: (Host Linda Obel)

- T.R Mayes Singer/Song writer & Model

- Mukama Morandi, Music Video "African Girl/Mpenzi Wangu”

7:30pm – 7:45pm - Welcome and Program Introduction (Linda Obel)

7:45pm - 8:15pm - Opening remarks: (Ibe Kaba)

- A poem from the book: "Bridge Across the Atlantic"

- A few words on AGR's History & Mission

- The Role of local Media, on the African arts and artists

8:15pm – 8:45pm - AGR Honors Local Media Organizations (Linda Obel)

- African News Journal, Bashe Said

"Two Communities, One Newspaper"

- Mshale News, Tom Gitta

"The African Community Newspaper"

8:45pm - 9:00pm - About Artists Recognition, Fashion & Dance (Nneka Onyilofor)

- On the recognition of the artists

- On the Fashion & Designers

- On the Music, Dance & Poetry show

9:00pm - 9:30pm - Honor & Recognition of the Artists (Linda Obel)

- Artist Siama Matuzungidi - Music Video & Speech

- Film maker Josiah Kibira - Documentary Video & Speech

- Artist Innocent - Music Video & Special recognition

9:30pm - 11:30pm - The Show Begins...(Linda Obel)

- Hayor Bibimma, African Dance Company

- Damion Rhudd - Jamaican Poet

- M.anifest - Ghanaian Artist

- 1st Segment Fashion Show

Utamaduniwear, represented by Eva Githina

- The Belly Dance show, by Shadia Ouma

Performing artist, Shadia Ouma

2nd Segment Fashion Show

Nyamal B. Dol - Designer & Founder

11:30pm - 12:00Midnight: DJ

- Joe Waruimbo - Soljams Entertainment

Josiah Kibira: One film at a time

2009-05-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

May 11th, 2009 - ANJ Online

From Tanzania to Kansas, comes a man on a mission to change the international film industry, one film at a time.

By: Nneka Onyilofor

Josiah Kibira is that man; the man that came to the U.S. to attend school at Bethany College in Kansas, and ended up founding his own production company, Kibira Films. For more than 20 years in the U.S., Josiah dreamed big, and turned those dreams into reality. By day he’s a software testing engineer, but during the rest of his life, he’s a writer, director, and producer. And it all began with an interest he had in writing scripts as he exercised this interest while he was in college. After college, he moved to Minnesota and began to recruit actors from local Twin Cities colleges and Universities for his first film titled, “Bongoland.”

Many Tanzanian’s may recognize the term “Bongo,” as it is a slang term for the country itself. However, Josiah added a spin to the title of his first featured film by calling it, “Bongoland,” which he describes as a more inclusive term.
Bongoland was produced in 2003, which is a film about an immigrant who comes to the U.S. to look for opportunities and runs into a lot of issues that many immigrants can relate to. In this film, the main character makes a decision that brought about the film Bongoland II in 2007. With the support of UCLA, Josiah’s first film proved to be a success in a unique fashion. This uniqueness comes from the fact that both films are spoken in the Swahili language.

Josiah was motivated to do these films in Swahili because there was a lack of movies in this language that is spoken so widely in Africa and in the U.S. Bongoland was performed in about 60 percent Swahili, and in Bongoland II, Swahili was spoken throughout the entire film; 100 percent of the time.

“There are so many things that have to be done that are not known…Africa is full of those people that did great things but it’s only the Edi Amen’s that get the lime light.” There are so many things that are particular to Africa that Hollywood is not interested in,” stated Josiah. Thus, in 2005, Josiah produced a film titled, “Tusamehe,” which means forgiveness, and is about the AIDS epidemic. Swahili is spoken in about 70 percent of this film as well.

So what else can be said about Josiah Kibira? We’ll, his next goal is to continue to break down more barriers. “When you are in Africa, African Americans are looked at as heroes and when I got here, that’s what I was expecting. I was expecting my brothers to embrace me, but it was different,” he stated. This reality is going to open up a dialogue about the relationship between Africans and African Americans in the U.S. in Josiah’s upcoming documentary titled, “Two Africas in America.

” The ultimate goal of this documentary is to dispel the myths that both cultures have about the other and to begin the healing process that is well needed.
Currently Josiah is marketing and promoting his films at film festivals in the U.S., UK, and Tanzania. His films have already been featured in various film festivals including the Pan-African film festival in Los Angeles.

“Most of the movies I do are very male centered…you need to find something that is female centered people told me.” Thus, a film
that many women can relate to is another project Josiah is working on in addition to his upcoming documentary.

----

For more information you can email info@kibirafilms.com or go to www.kibirafilms.com. Look out for a preview of Josiah Kibira’s new documentary at the African Global Roots Art Festival on July 25th, 2009 from 5pm-midnight at the Grand Rios Ramada Hotel in Brooklyn Park, MN.

TWO AFRICAS IN AMERICA - See the TRAILER

2009-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

This is our latest project still in the works. Please check our blog to see where we are with production.

BONGOLAND II - Reviews are still coming

2009-04-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

Thank you again for working with me, the Sister Cities Association of Kansas City (SCAKC) and The KC Film Jubilee to bring your film Bongoland II to our movie market. Our annual international film festival is being held from April 22^nd – 26^th. Bongoland II was shown Thursday night at 7:45 PM in our new AMC Main Street theater in downtown KC. It ran with English subtitles, and was well attended by a diverse audience which included Tanzanian immigrants. From 6:00 – 7:30 PM, we also hosted a reception for the Bongoland opening - attended by the mayor, members of our city council and other supporters in the beautiful Marquee Bar & Grill located in the theater.

On a personal note, I had a great experience watching Bongoland II! It was the first movie by an African filmmaker that I have seen. I loved the scenery, the drama and the complexity of modern day issues confronted by people living and working in Tanzania today. For those who can understand Swahili, I’m sure the movie experience would have been even better – not having to read English subtitles. I wish you great success as an up and coming filmmaker.

I hope we can work with you again in the future, and invite you to visit our lovely city one day. In June we are hosting a visit by the Tanzanian ambassador. FilmFest is a film extravaganza that includes a juried film show and is held here every year. For more information about FilmFest and the KC Filmmakers Jubilee got to www.kcfilmfest.org and www.kcjubilee.org.

All the best!

BONGOLAND II in Kansas City Film Fest - 4/23/2009

2009-04-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

Please get the details here:

http://www.kansascity.com/238/story/1155127.html

LOOKING FOR PARTICIPANTS

2009-02-26T20:27:00.000-08:00

Kibira Films International is looking for participants in the upcoming documentary titled "TWO AFRICAS IN AMERICA"...One African, One American. This documentary will examine the relationship between Africans and African Americans in the United States.

If you have any opinion on this topic and would like to participate, please send your contact information to info@kibirafilms.com. We will contact you and make arrangements of how we can include your opinion in the documentary.

Thank you!

Kibira Films International

Saddening indifference to Tanzanian trailblazers

2009-02-18T05:59:00.000-08:00

From "The Citizen" newspaper in Dar-es-salaam. By Freddy Macha

I am watching Bongoland Two, the movie by Kibira Films, for the third time now. I have seen it alone, with a filmmaking colleague and, tonight, with a group of friends of various nationalities. For those who do not know Kibira films, it is a company run by US-based Tanzanian filmmaker Josiah Kibira.

"He is pressing the right buttons," I am saying at the end.

"Ah, this is a load of rubbish," a fellow "Bongolander" chips in.

"Rubbish?" asks Raul, a Brazilian friend.

"I would not waste my money buying this."

"Waste of money?" Zak from Pakistan interjects, incredulously.

Bongo guy: "No one would behave like Juma. Such an ugly girlfriend?"

Juma is the main character of the Bongoland series. In both Bongoland One and Two, Juma is frustrated by his employers and community.

In Bongoland One he finds life in the US tough after he was made redundant. Soon, he is lodging at a friend's flat where he cannot pay the rent. He then breaks up with his white girlfriend whose father is a racist.

The American authorities discover he is an illegal immigrant and finally we see him driving to the airport, hoping for a better life back in Tanzania.

Bongoland Two sees Juma settled in Tanzania with a good job, a place to live and a local girlfriend. Problems, nevertheless, still thrive. His boss favours a lazy colleague, who happens to be his girlfriend.

The place he lives at is noisy and people smoke indoors. When he complains to the landlord or his corrupt boss he is told he is arrogant because he has been living overseas. Top that with a serious family crisis, and life remains a struggle.

At the end of Bongoland Two, we see an introspective Juma walking along a beach, most probably in Dar es Salaam. Josiah Kibira manages to show that Juma's problems may not be resolved by moving from one country to another.

Maybe we shall see Bongoland Three. Maybe the two flicks are enough to make us reflect and create a hypothesis. One of the roles of cinema is to stimulate social thought.

I am interested in two things � what my fellow viewers are debating about and the implications of the Kibira Films venture.

I notice that all the foreigners in my flat are surprised at the negative reaction of some of my fellow country folks.
Raul, the Brazilian (cameraman and freelance filmmaker), has very captivating views.

"You guys have to thank God that this guy, what is his name again?"

"Kibira."

"He is trying to make a non-Hollywood film. Personally, I did not know there was a language called Swahili. I did not know Tanzania. I had never heard the word 'Bongo'. I have heard there is a Brazilian coach teaching your national team. But there is no information. So making such a film is a good thing. It opens the eyes of people from other countries."

One of the "Bongo" guys is sneering and making faces. He is clearly not amused.

"Won�t you even support by buying the films?"

"No."

It is sad and shows how we see each other.
Here is a man trying to sell us globally. Unlike those films you see from home made in a rush, with inferior sound and acting, Josiah Kibira strives towards quality.

Tanzania has not made a significant film since Fimbo Ya Mnyonge back in the mid-1970s. Some American television stations have even interviewed and spoken about these Swahili films. Kibira has already been invited to major international festivals including the prestigious Edinburgh and Zanzibar events.

Not only is he smart at marketing himself on the Internet, he is giving old and new Tanzanian actors a chance to be seen on the screen. He works with American film crews and technicians, consequently broadening working relationships between the two countries.

This is history in the making. In other words, it is the future of our entertainment industry. Although the $30,000 Kibira invested in the venture might be a small amount in terms of filmmaking, this is an expensive enterprise that demands a lot of time, determination and commitment, and should be applauded by every �Bongolander�.

We should ask ourselves how various world-famous brands (be it Japanese cars or Bollywood films) came to be established.

We need to support the Buy Bongo, Buy Tanzania brand such as the Kibira Films venture. For more info visit www.kibirafilms.com

BONGOLAND II THIS FRIDAY IN LA - See details

2009-02-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

Bongoland II - "There is no place like home" will be screened this Friday at the Panorama in LA. This is part of the PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL.

The screening will take place at 1:00 PM. (February 6th)

Next Screen dates:

February 13 8:45 PM (Next Friday)

February 16th 7:15 PM.

Below are more details if you are planning to attend:

GET DETAILS HERE

SCREENING GUIDE BY COUNTRY

PRESS RELEASE

Rape in the Congo - Human Rights Film Series

2009-02-02T20:16:00.000-08:00

Human Rights Film Series

Presented by the Human Rights Center and the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies University of Minnesota

The Greatest Silence

Rape in the Congo

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2009

7:00—9:30 P.M.

ROOM 25 MONDALE HALL

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA LAW SCHOOL

229 19TH AVE S.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455

Beyond the news headlines

TANZANIA IN in PAFF - LOS ANGELES - Next Month

2009-01-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Bongoland II - "There is no place like home" will represent Tanzania in the upcoming PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL in Los Angeles next month. This is Kibira Films third selection to this film festival.

The movie will be shown at the Panorama on the following dates:

February 6th 1:00 PM

February 13 8:45 PM

February 16th 7:15 PM.

Below are more details if you are planning to attend:

GET DETAILS HERE

SCREENING GUIDE BY COUNTRY

PRESS RELEASE

YEAR END SPECIALS AT OUR ONLNE STORE

2008-11-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

To keep up with the on-going economic woes, Kibira Films is rolling out new price structure for all of its movies. From now to the end of the year, you can buy any of Kibira Films Movies for under $10.00.
The movie prices have been reduced also for the colleges and bundles.

This is a limited time offer.

Please order your copy by CLICKING HERE from their online store.

Thanks for the continued support.

The official website here.

BONGOLAND II'S UK PREMIERE THIS WEEK THURSDAY !

2008-10-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Bongoland II will be screened in Edinburgh Scotland on this thursday, October 30th at 20:15 The venue is at the FILM HOUSE CINEMA. The address is 88 Lothian road. For more details.

We hope you can attend and see this rare Swahili film which shows the unexposed talents of artists from East Africa and particularly Tanzania. This special screening is part of the Africa-in-motion film festival which started on October 23rd and will end on November 2nd.

This is UK's premiere of Bongoland II.

You can get more details about this movie from the movie's OFFICIAL WEBSITE.

In case you cannot make it to the screening, you can buy the DVD from the ONLINE STORE.

To watch the movie's trailer CLICK HERE

OUR NEW PROJECT

2008-10-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Seen here is Josiah Kibira on the set of Kibira Film's new project already in production. Soon after Bongoland II was released, Kibira Films moved on to the next big thing... a documentary... This documentary titled "Two Africas in America"...One African, One American, will examine relationships between Africans and African Americans in the United States. This project has been in the works for a while. The decision to pursue its completion at this time is directly related to the changing plateau of the American political scene especially after the arrival of Obama. "It has been a topic of interest of mine ever since I arrived in the United States but the timing is now perfect " Kibira added.

Kibira Films anticipates that regardless of the outcome of the elections, the discussion of this topic is relevant to both the Africans and the African Americans both of which share a lot in common with Barack Obama. Africans have long held beliefs about African Americans. The documentary will try to distinguish between what is hype and what is real. A part of the project will look at the opinions of Africans in Africa right now in trying to find out where Africans acquire these opinions about African Americans. To examine this, Kibira Films will be in East Africa this December interviewing different subjects.

On the flip side, the documentary has already gathered opinions of many African Americans about Africans. These are very different opinions ranging from thinking that "all Africans are arrogant' to "You sold us during slavery" to "You are sleeping with the enemy". Our job in this documentary is to examine the impact of such beliefs to the relationship with the Africans and differentiate between myths and facts.

In the end, the documentary will look at the reality of the relationship and its future. Do we need each other? If so how can we eliminate the existing tensions, mis-information and myths and If not why?

We look forward to bringing you another challenging and thought provoking epic but this time in a different genre.

Thanks for your continued support.

IN OTHER NEWS:
BONGOLAND II will premiere in the UK at the end of this month…October 30th, 2008.
Please get all the details from this FESTIVAL WEBSITE

BONGOLAND KUONYESHWA DAR Jumamosi hii!! Soma Zaidi

2008-09-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

Haya wadau mlioko Bongo, tunawajulisha kuwa sinema ya Bongoland (Original) itaonyeshwa Bongo mwezi ujao hapo mjini Dar katika tamasha la filamu za Ulaya. (European Film Festival 2008) Shoo itakuwa katika ukumbi wa sinema wa New World Cinema katika kitongoji cha Mwenge.

Bongoland itaonyeshwa siku ya Jumamosi Ocktoba 18 saa nane kasoro robo. (14.45). Kwa habari zaidi wasiliana na British Council hapo mjini Dar au piga simu namba 0755-481374

Kama unavyokumbuka sinema hii ni ya hadithi ya kijana Juma Pondamali aliyekuwa anaishi ughaibuni. Baada ya kupatwa na mizengwe mingi na milolongo ya kazi, ubaguzi na shida nyingi tu..akaanza kujiuliza ni kwa nini aendelee kuumia? Je angekuwa Bongo kweli hali ingekuwa hivi? Marafiki zake walimshauri kuvumilia na hadithi hii inamwonesha Juma akikabiliwa na swala la uamuzi ...ataendelea kuumia mpaka lini?

Kwa habari zaidi kuhusu sinema hii BOFYA HAPA

Kwa kuona trela ya sinema hii BOFYA HAPA

Kwa habari zaidi za Kibira Films International BOFYA HAPA

Mipango ya kileta Bongoland II iko mbioni...kwa sasa BONGOLAND II itaonyeshwa Scotland mwezi huu wa Oktoba mwishoni. Habari zaidi BOFYA HAPA

BONGOLAND II - UK PREMIERE - OCTOBER 30!

2008-09-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

Bongoland II will be screened in Edinburgh Scotland on October 30th. The venue is Filmhouse Cinema Edinburgh. This is part of the Africa-in-motion film festival which starts on October 23rd through November 2nd.

Please make sure to mark your calendars for this special and rare occasion. As far as we know it is the first Swahili movie be shown in Scotland. The movie has English subtitles.

Please spread the word tell the world - Bongoland II is coming!

For details of the venue and other films showing at the festival CLICK HERE

Bongoland II is available on DVD - to order click here

BONGOLAND II INAKUJA EDINBURGH - UINGEREZA - MWEZI UJAO

2008-09-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Haya wadau wa Uingereza Bongoland II inakuja mwezi ujao wa Oktoba tarehe 30 saa mbili . Pata habari kamili hapa . Bongoland II imechaguliwa katika sinema za Kiafrika ambazo zitaonyeshwa Uingereza tangu October 23 Mpaka November 2, 2008

Kama uko Edinburgh au mitaa ya karibu unaombwa ujitahidi kuwakilisha Tanzania na ujionee mwenyewe jinsi wasanii wa ki-Tanzania walivyotuwakilisha katika ngazi za kimataifa. Kuhudhuria kwako kutaonyesha waandalizi wa festival hii kuwa wadau na marafiki zao wana nia ya kutaka sinema za kwao zionyeshwe katika festival kama hizi.

Kama hutaweza kuudhuria siku hiyo, unaombwa kupitisha ujumbe huu kwa marafiki wote walio karibu na mji wa Edinburgh.

Kwa sasa sinema hii inapatikana katika DVD. Unaweza ukaagiza mtandaoni kwa kubofya hapa. Kumbuka kuwa wengi wetu kwa mara nyingi tuna-rent sinema kutoka Hollywood videos au Blockbusters. Tukumbuke kuwa ku-renti kwetu kunachangia katika kuendelea kutengeneza sinema nyingi za Kimarekani. Ni kwa sababu hiyo hiyo na sisi tujitahidi kuwaunga mkono wasanii wa Kibongo ili fani hii iendelee kukua ili utamaduni wetu nao uwakilishwe katika ngazi zaidi nje ya Bongo.

Kwa habri zaidi kuhusu sinema hii au sinema nyingine kutoka Kibira Films tafadhali bofya hapa.

SHUKRANI!!

BONGOLAND II - IMETOKA KWENYE DVD - AGIZA LEO

2008-08-22T06:10:00.000-07:00

Kusubiri kumekwisha BONGOLAND II imetoka katika DVD. Jipatie nakala yako kwa kubofya hapa.

ANGALIA TRELA HAPA

Kama kawaida ys filamu za Kibira Films , unapojipatia filamu ya Bongoland II unapata zaidi ya filamu yenyewe katika DVD. Utaweza kuona jinsi sinema hiyo ilivyotengenezwa pale mjini Dar, katika vitongoji vya Manzese, Magomeni na Tanki Bovu. Pia utaona milolongo iliyowatesa watengenezaji wa sinema hii walipokuwa pale mjini Dar. Vile vile utaona watu wote walioshiriki katika utengenezaji wa sinema hii kama waliotupatia nyumba, usafiri na kadhalika. Pia katika DVD hiyo utaona scene ambazo ingawaje zilikuwa sehemu ya sinema, lakini hazikutumiwa katika makala ya sinema ya mwisho.

Mwisho unapata sinema iliyotengenezwa na wasanii wa kitanzania waliokubaliwa katika matamasha ya kimataifa kuanzia Zanzibar, Marekani na Uingereza mwezi wa kumi mwaka huu wa 2008.

Kibifa FIlms inakuhakikishia kuwa sinema hii itakuburdisha na kukufurahisha sana maana kusema kweli kama hadithi inavyosema "kuondoka kutoka nyumbani kama Juma ni rahisi kuliko kurudi nyumbani"

Jipatie makala yako hapa.

Kwa wale wote mlioko Bongo, mipango iko mbioni kwa kuwaletea BONGOLAND II!!

BONGOLAND II - IJUMAA HII MJINI CHICAGO!!

2008-08-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

Jameni wadau!Kibira Films inawatangazia kwa mara nyingine kuwa BONGOLAND II inaonyeshwa ijuma hii mjini Chicago.Unakumbushwa kuja kuiona sinema ambayo kwa kweli imeonyesha ukomaaji wa fani ya usanii wa sinema katika Tanzania.

Watu wengi waliooiona sinema hii wameipenda sana. ANGALIA MAONI HAPA

BONGOLAND II itaonyeshwa saa kumi na mbili na robo Ijumaa hii tarehe 15. (6:15 PM)

Ukumbi ambapo sinema hii itaonyeshewa ni GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER.
Mkurugenzi wa sinema hii atakuwapo katika ukumbi kujibu maswali mwishoni.

Anwani ya Ukumbi ni:
164 North State Street Chicago Il 60601
SIMU YAO NI - 312-846-2600 KARIBUNI!!

BONGOLAND II - IN CHICAGO - THIS FRIDAY

2008-08-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

The wait is over - Bongoland II screening is this Friday. Director Josiah Kibira in person!

This will be at the Gene Siskel Film Center. It is part of the Black Harvest International Film Festival. The first show will be on Friday, August 15, 6:15 pm -

The second show will be on Wednesday, August 20, 6:15 pm.

The address is Gene Siskel Film Center 164 North State Street Chicago Il 60601 TEL 312-846-2600

SEE MORE DETAILS HERE MOVIE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE

SPREAD THE WORD TELL THE WORLD

PEPFAR SEEKING SWAHILI SPEAKERS - FOR PSAs TO BE BROADCASTED IN AFRICA

2008-08-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

PEPFAR (Presidental Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) PSAs
SAG

A series of animated shorts that will run on various media distribution platforms as PSA’s in Africa to direct viewers to a website for AIDS education.

NOTE: Written submissions only – THIS IS VOICEOVER. Please include Demo reels or Voice Over Reels if available. However, picture and resume submissions will be accepted. Actors will need to speak Sheng and English OR Swahili and English fluently with an authentic Kenyan accent.

SEEKING:

GEORGY : (20 – 30’s, male) fast-talking and charismatic, he knows what he wants and uses his street smarts to get it. He’ll never shy away from a challenge and takes great pleasure in crushing the competition. His trendy, hip-hop clothing compliments his flashy, brash egocentric personality. MUST SPEAK SHENG AND ENGLISH

SEAN: (20’s -30’s, male) He’s witty, articulate, and gadget obsessed. He’s geeky, but in a cool way. He’s that typical young guy who is trying to balance his addiction to video games and the relationship with his girlfriend. He is determined and crafty when it comes to getting what he wants. MUST SPEAK SWAHILI AND ENGLISH

MEGAN: (20’s -30’s, female) Sean’s girlfriend. She’s smart, feisty, and pragmatic. She’s a romantic who wants to spend quality time with Sean. She has little tolerance for his goofy addiction to video games. MUST SPEAK SWAHILI AND ENGLISH

LEFTY: (18 – 25, male) He is driven by his passion for soccer (football). He is filled with exuberance and moments of pure stupidity. Lefty is running late for his soccer game, but it would seem as if he’s learned that certain disaster is about to befall the city, and he has only a few minutes to save everyone. MUST SPEAK SHENG AND ENGLISH

JUDY: (20’s- 30’s, female) A very bright and attractive medical student. She appreciates the finer things in life but doesn’t spend a lot of time indulging herself. She possesses outstanding academic knowledge and work habits, which are often showcased in the classroom where she shines as a star student. Without intending to be annoying her “my way is the better way” tends to rub others the wrong way. MUST SPEAK SWAHILI AND ENGLISH.

LADY D: (20’s -30’s, female) a hip, attractive young woman with big aspirations of being a professional singer. She doesn’t miss an opportunity to showcase her sultry voice. She’s confident and somewhat feisty. She lives at home with her family.
MUST SPEAK SWAHILI AND ENGLISH.

LITTLE SISTER: (6 – 8 yrs old, female) Precocious and adorable, she is very independent, but looks to her big sister for guidance and attention. MUST SPEAK SWAHILI AND ENGLISH.

OLD WOMAN (70’s) Impatient, cranky, feisty, world-weary. She feels that the younger generation has no respect for their elders.

PRODUCER: Aaron Parry and Andrew Egiziano
LOCATION: Los Angeles
CASTING DIRECTOR: Meredith Layne
START DATE: August, 2008
Send Submissions to:
Meredith Layne C/o Main Street Pictures
1616 Vista Del Mar, Ste #1
Hollywood, CA 90028 323-634-4745

A Book Review by E Kaaya - The Kitchen Party

2008-07-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Author Swallehe Msuya on the right and Erick Kaaya on the left.

A Book Review by: E. Kaaya

On Friday July 25, 08 an enthusiastic crowd of people with an “international” outlook gathered at the 1st CUP CAFÉ located at 2740 Minnehaha Avenue South Minneapolis to witness the launching of a new novel by Tanzanian journalist-economist-cum-author Swallehe Msuya.

It was at this venue that the calm and collected Mr Msuya brought a fascinating subject to his audience on how rural Africa prepare its grown up girls into responsible mothers and wives!

He told his audience that the title “The Kitchen Party” is not about African food, rather it is a buzz word (expression) with a deeper meaning that reflects on “women only guided classes” for girls who have attained puberty to prepare them into the noble roles of responsible wives and loving mothers.

Mr Msuya admitted that most Africans are shy to discuss sex in public so the words and expressions used to get such messages across are carefully crafted words. “Even when women put on khangas, these dresses have messages intended for the people living in the neighborhood, usually telling other women to “keep your dirty hands off my legal husband”.

The crowd responded well and in an exchange that followed, members of the audience discussed on how this “great culture from rural Africa” can help our American brothers and sisters address the problem of teenage pregnancies, broken homes and how to equip young girls with “the tools of the trade or operational manual on how to become successful wives and mothers in the community.”

“In Africa, a child belongs to the village and if the child goes astray, the entire village is held accountable,” emphasized Mr Msuya.

The conversation clicked a cordial cord and Mr Msuya received several other speaking engagement invitations to talk about the manual for motherhood and good wife practice as articulated by the people of rural Ugweno at the foot of Africa’s prestigious and tallest mountain, the mesmerizing Kilimanjaro.

Mr Msuya encouraged women groups in the West to study his handy manual on the transformation of teenage girls into responsible mothers so that marriages are for keeps and family ties “remain unshakable.”

The book is a must read for all parents who care about the future of their teenage girls and those who wish to avoid repeating mistakes of the past where girls are left “unguided when they attain puberty.”

The author can be contacted by e-mail through ssmsuya@yahoo.com or telephone number (612) 203-3524 and is available to speak to groups about his novel for those who wish to hear it from the horses’ mouth.

BONGOLAND II in CHICAGO - NEXT MONTH

2008-07-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Another reminder that Bongoland II is coming to Chicago next month. TWO SHOWS ONLY. This will be at the Gene Siskel Film Center. It is part of the Black Harvest International Film Festival. The first show will be on Friday, August 15, 6:15 pm - The second show will be on Wednesday, August 20, 6:15 pm.

Director will be present at the Friday's screening.

The address is
Gene Siskel Film Center
164 North State Street
Chicago Il 60601
TEL 312-846-2600

SEE MORE DETAILS HERE MOVIE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE

SPREAD THE WORD TELL THE WORLD

We hope that you can make it...

A BOOK LAUNCH BY SWALEHE MSUYA

2008-07-22T20:22:00.000-07:00

Book Title: THE KITCHEN PARTY
Author: SWALLEHE MSUYA
About the book: THIS IS RURAL AFRICA's ROMEO & JULIET LOVE STORY WHERE MARRIAGES AND FAMILY BONDS ARE UNSHAKABLE.

TIME: Friday July 25, 08 at 5:30 pm

LOCATION: 1st CUP CAFE located at 2740 Minnehaha Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55406

COPIES @ $ 20: Proceeds to support a Child Day Care Center at UGWENO, a village at the foot of Africa's highest mountain, the mesmerizing Kilimanjaro.

COME & ENJOY A CONVERSATION WITH THE AUTHOR ON THE CHANGING AFRICAN STORY TELLING TRADITION THAT HAS EVOLVED FROM ORAL TRADITION TO THE PRINTED ELECTRONIC WORD .........

BONGOLAND II compared to Ousmane Sembene's films

2008-07-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

See promo GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER

BONGOLAND II: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME 2008, Josiah Kibira, Tanzania, 100 min. With Peter Omari, Thecla Mjatta

Friday, August 15, 6:15 PM AND Wednesday, August 20, 6:15 PM

In his first film BONGOLAND (2003), Josiah Kibira related the misadventures of Juma, a Tanzanian immigrant in Minnesota. In this self-sufficient sequel, Juma returns to Tanzania (aka Bongoland) to manage a company. His American-style ideas about efficiency and motivation meet with a less than enthusiastic response, and, when Mom’s visit produces some jaw-dropping revelations, he discovers that his relationship to his homeland has become even more tenuous. The film’s sharp, angry satire recalls such Ousmane Sembene classics as XALA and GUELWAAR. In Swahili with English subtitles. DV-CAM video. (MR)

Who is Ousmane Sembene CLICK HERE

BONGOLAND II Gets a nod at Zanzibar Film Festival

2008-07-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

A review by Beda Msimbe

Bongoland ll full uzushi full kupendeza

Ndio kwanza natoka kuangalia filamu iliyotengenezwa na watanzania ya Bongolandll katika ukumbi wa sinema wa wazi ndani ya Ngome Kongwe.Nyumba ilikuwa imeshiba, nataka kusema kwamba sinema hii ilipata mapokezimakubwa kwani ilishangiliwa na vile vijembe viliandaliwa kama vinavyostahili,maeneo ya manzese yalionyesha utofauti mkubwa wa maisha ndani ya Bongo ukilinganisha na mahali kazi zinapofanyika, dauni tauni.

Naam kama kuna wakati nilijisikia raha ni pale ambapo nilimuona dada Chemi akiwana waigizaji wazoefu sana nchini kama mama Mjata wakifanya vitu vyenye uhakika.Nilimaliza kuona filamu iliyojaa utata mkubwa wa maisha Bongoland ll nikiwa najisikia kuwapa Hi watanzania ambao wameonyesha tofauti kubwa ya maisha, akili,uwezo na kupozi maswali ambayo yanamgusa mtazamaji.Ama hakika kazi ya Mtanzania huyu Josiah Kibira anayeishi huko Ughaibuni, Marekani ina maana kubwa na changamoto kwa waandazi wengine wa filamu nchini.

Picha ya Bongoland 11 ambayo ni mwendelezo wa picha nyingine iliyoandaliwa naMtanzania huyo Bongoland ni ukakasi wa mapenzi, machungu, uzushi nauwongo,uzembe na kutojali maisha.

Ni filamu iliyoonyeshwa nchini kwa Mara ya kwanza ikiwa pia miongoni mwa filamuza kitanzania chache zilizofikishwa ZIFF kwa ajili ya kushindanishwa. Ikiwa inatumia dakika 109 inazungumzia umaskini kwa namna nyingi.

Umaskini uliomo ndani ya filamu hii ni wa mawazo, akili na swali kama kweli sisi ni mafukara linatawala kila mahali.hivi kama watu hawataki kazi watakuwaje mafukara?Juma baada ya kurejea nchini akajikuta anatapeliwa, anadanganywa na pia anapata habari nyignine si nzuri, anapambana na bosi wake ambaye ana vibanda na vijumba basi mambo juu ya mambo.

Naam ilikuwa filamu ya kuona kwani inasema wazi na ghasia zote sisi tu maskini wa mawazo.

More on his blog here:
http://www.lukwangule.blogspot.com/

BONGOLAND II'S CHICAGO PREMIERE IN AUGUST

2008-06-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

BONGOLAND II is coming to Chicago. The movie will premiere in the state on August 5th and August 20th. Both shows will be at 6:15 PM.The venue for this premiere is at Gene Siskel Film Center - 164 North Street, Chicago, IL 60601

Read more about this movie at Kibira Films Official Web site.

Also you can see BONGOLAND II trailers - See below:

Trailer 1

Trailer 2

BONGOLAND II DVD - An Update

2008-06-13T20:13:00.000-07:00

We have been busy getting ready to release BONGOLAND II on DVD. We are getting closer and closer...the date that we have planned to release the DVD is July 15th. More details to come.

We are also proud to announce that Bongoland II was officially selected for the Zanzibar International Film Festival and the Black Harvest International Festival this is in Chicago. Both of these film festivals will take place in the month of July. We are confident that there will be more festivals to come where you can possibly watch Bongoland II.

Please watch the blog to see how you can pre-order your new DVD.

In the meantime, we are working on two new projects. A documentary about the relationships between Africans and African Americans and a love story drama by a cast of mainly actors from Kenya. It is a Kenyan story by all measures.

BONGOLAND II - A review by Dr. Aldin Mutembei

2008-05-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

HONGERA SANA!! Mno Mno. Kazi imefanyika kwa hakika. Ni film nzuri.
Kwanza nimeangalia dhamira nzima, yaani Theme. Maana nimeiangalia nikiwa na mawazo ya kuwa baadaye inaweza kutumiwa na Vyuo Mbalimbali. Dhamira yake ni nzuri sana. Imechukuana na wakati huu.Nimependa pia Plot. Jinsi kisa kimoja kinavyounganika na kisa kingine na kuunda mtiririko wa situ kizima.

Kwa upande mmoja unaonesha Tanzania inayobadilika, ila kwa upande mwingine kwanini dhana ya “Mswahili” haibadiliki?

Kwa Ujumla, hadithi nzima na mtiririko wake ni nzuri sana. Ni Hadithi nzito ambayo ipo Leo, lakini pia inaonesha Jana ilivyokuwa. It cuts across time.

Hongera sana kwa Kazi nzuri
Aldin

MORE ON DR. MUTEMBEI
Dr. Aldin Mutembei (Visiting Lecturer, PRINCETON INSTITUTE FOR INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL STUDIES; September 2007–June 2008). Mutembei is currently a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, where he teaches courses in Swahili language and literature. Dr. Mutembei is the author of Kisiki Kikavu (2006), a Kiswahili novel on the AIDS crisis and of numerous articles. His recent research focuses on the socio-cultural and socio-linguistic aspects of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. While at Princeton, Dr. Mutembei will teach courses in comparative literature and African studies. Ph.D. Leiden University, Netherlands, 2001.

SUMMER PRICE SPECIALS - ON OUR MOVIES

2008-04-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the summer we are pleased to announce some price reductions on our existing movies. This is a good time for you to get your very own quality Swahili movies. Act now because these deals will not last forever.
Starting now:

Bongoland I DVD can now be purchased at $12.99 was $15.00
Tusamehe DVD can now be purchased at $12.99 was 17.99
You can bundle both movies (Tusamehe and Bongoland) at $22.00

CLICK HERE to order your copy today...

Kibira Films International

BONGOLAND II - The Movie Review - MPLS Star Tribune - April 4th, 2008

2008-04-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

The following is a movie review written by MEGAN KADRMAS from The StarTribune - Friday April 4th - After she reviewed the movie. (Page F11)

Plymouth based filmmaker Josiah Kibira releases his third attempt Saturday in a quest to create high quality films in Swahili. "BONGOLAND II" completes an adventure that brought Kibira back to his native country of Tanzania for 36 days of filming.

As a continuation of Kibira's first Swahili-based movie "Bongoland", this sequel follows as main character Juma as he readjusts to life in Tanzania after failing in the United States.

The beauty of "Bongoland II" arises in its misleading simplicity. Although it could be said that the film tracks Juma's adaptation, it uses larger issues to highlight the ways in which Juma is not - and may never be - fully readjusted. From family secrets to workplace drama, reconnecting with friends to waiting for his girlfriend, it becomes clear that Juma might not fully reclaim who he once was.

Tanzania serves as a complementary backdrop, with its own mixture of basic starkness and complex beauty. Inside cinder block shanties and pristine swaths of beach, Juma learns that leaving home is sometimes easier than returning home.

Megan Kadrmas

TUSAMEHE - In DC - The Images....

2008-04-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

The movie TUSAMEHE had its premiere in Washingotn DC on April 5th, 2008. This is the same week when Bongoland II had its world premiere. The screening in Washington DC was sponsored by The U.S. chapter of the Tanzanian Women Graduate Federation (TWGF)in association with Howard University.

Msia Clack, who was one of the main organizers commented that "the event went well" TWGF - seeks to support and help empower Tanzanian women through the promotion of education and lifelong learning. Working with TWGF, TUWA-USA is raising funds to provide scholarships and school supplies for Tanzanian women and children. All profits will go towards our scholarship and assistance programs.

Here are some of the images from that event: MANY THANKS FOR ALL WHO ATTENDED THE EVENT....SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK ABOUT THE MOVIE - SEND NOW

BONGOLAND II - IN THEIR OWN WORDS

2008-04-07T05:17:00.000-07:00

We would like to thank all of you who came to the movie premiere. We got a lot of positive feedback from a lot of you and for that WE THANK YOU VERY MUCH...
TO VIEW A CLIP OF MOVIE REACTION CLICK HERE

The crew of Bongoland II at the premiere:
SAM FISCHER - DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

JOSIAH KIBIRA - DIRECTOR

JASON HILTON - ONSET EDITOR

CHRIS AUDET - ASSISTANT EDITOR/SET DESIGNER

LUCAS LANGWORTHY - EDITOR

AT THE BOX OFFICE:

MORE:

ON CAM 1 - Onesmo

MORE CAM 1

More comments we received....

"We really enjoyed this compelling story and the Tanzanian actors were great! The cinematic effects, car chase, fight scenes, use of the sound track, not to mention the poignant story all speak to your growing sensitivity and skill as a story teller and filmmaker. Thank you for your dedication to Tanzania but also to the examination and development of relationships and understanding between people and peoples"
- Kaka Ben

"Congratulations on Saturday's screenings! Your work seemed very well received at the 5pm screening. Lots of good feedback. You should be proud" -Aleshia

Anonymous said...
Natoa pongezi kwa Kibira na walioshiriki wote kwenye sinema ya Bongoland II. Nimeona leo mchana. Hii ni quality siema hasa! Watengeneza sinema wajifunze kutoka kwa Kibira. Sasa mpeleke Bongo watu waione.

BONGOLAND II - The movie review - StarTribune - April 4th, 2008

2008-04-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

BONGOLAND II - WORLD PREMIERE - THIS SATURDAY - APRIL 5th

2008-03-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

SINEMA: BONGOLAND II - Nyumbani ni Nyumbani (There's No Place Like Home)

TAREHE: JUMAMOSI, April 5th
MUDA: MAONYESHO MAWILI: SAA KUMI NA MOJA JIONI NA SAA MOJA KAMILI JIONI
KIINGILIO: $10.00
UKUMBI: OAK STREET CINEMA309 OAK STREET SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414

MAELEZO ZAIDI BOFYA HAPA

MUHTASARI WA SINEMA:
Baada ya Juma kukerwa na maisha ya Marekani, aliamua kurudi nyumbani Bongo ili awe karibu na jamaa na kujiendeleza kimaisha. Je ndoto zake zilifanikiwa alipofika Bongo? Fika ujionee Bongoland II upate majibu kamili ya kisa hiki.

TRELA YA SINEMA BOFYA HAPA

TUSAMEHE WASHINGTON DC PREMIERE!

2008-02-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

THE US CHAPTER OF THE TANZANIAN WOMEN GRADUATE FEDERATION

PRESENTS:

TUSAMEHE

A FILM BY JOSIAH KIBIRA

TWO SHOWS: FRIDAY, APRIL 4 & SATURDAY, APRIL 5 BOTH SHOWS START AT 8:00 PM

GENERAL ADMISSION: $8.00 (If paid by March 15th) $10.00 (After March 15th)

BLACKBURN AUDITORIUM IN BLACKBURN CENTER @ HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Official After-Party: Safari Restaurant (4306 Georgia Ave, NW)
For more information contact the following:
Zawadi - 301-379-2342 Msia - 202-486-9536

CO-SPONSORED BY THE HOWARD UNIVERSITY AFRICAN STUDIES DEPT & SAFARI RESTAURANT

The Tanzanian University Women’s Association (TUWA-USA), the U.S. chapter of TWGF, seeks to support and help empower Tanzanian women through the promotion of education and lifelong learning. Working with TWGF, TUWA-USA is raising funds to provide scholarships and school supplies for Tanzanian women and children. All profits will go towards our scholarship and assistance programs.
http://www.kibirafilms.com/

Do you have to have seen the original Bongoland to follow Bongoland II

2008-02-27T19:44:00.001-08:00

A common question is constantly asked whether you need to have seen the first Bongoland movie to follow the story in Bongoland II. The answer is NO.

If you want a quick independent review which tries to connect the two movies, here is an account from Kassim Mwitondi which was written in 2004 after Kassim saw the original Bongoland.

Flying so close to the sun in wings of feather and wax...

Author: Kassim Mwitondi from Leeds, England - 11 July 2004

The fate of Juma Pondamali (name carefully chosen probably to honour one of Bongoland's all-time goal-keeping legends) epitomises an experience that remains deeply buried in the minds of a lot of people who have struggled (some unsuccessfully) to brighten their future by penetrating the corridors of success in foreign lands for many years.

Getting money, securing a well-paid job, paying rent, winning a relationship, supporting parents and relatives, traveling to Bongoland, owning a beautiful car, house, buying an air ticket, tube ticket, nike trainers and many more are only a few fields characterising a typical Bongolander's database table at any given moment be it in metropolitan Tokyo, suburban Stockholm or central Milan.

Particularly to those who ever took the bull by the horns as young graduates trying to "gate-crash" into the western labour market, Bongoland will have brought old memories flooding back. Juma Pondamali portrays a brave personality as he refuses to accept a low status amidst limited options. To some he may have flown too close to the sun in wings of feather and wax - but presumably he doesn't plunge to his death by retreating back to Bongoland. With his education as an asset surely Juma will live to fight another day.

How many qualified doctors, engineers and other professionals from the developing world remain trapped in the west today - most earning a living as taxi drivers, plumbers and even cleaners and how many of them have the audacity to "voluntarily" board a plane heading Bongoward?

I watched the movie and would like to follow and track Juma's progress in Bongoland. May be the Kibira's will bring him up again - either as a successful consultant sought by a number of American financial institutions, a well-established Bongo executive or probably (and God forbid) a frustrated common man drowning in alcohol and drugs.

TANZANIA - BONGOLAND II - Uzinduzi Rasmi - Mwezi April

2008-02-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Moja kwa moja kutoka mjini Dar-Es-Salaam, tunafurahi kutangaza siku ya uzinduzi maalumu wa sinema ya Bongoland II. Tarehe ya uzinduzi ni mwezi April 5, 2008 hapa mjini Minnepolis, Minnesota katika ukumbi wa sinema wa Oakstreet Cinema.

SInema hii ilitengenezwa mwaka jana July pale mjini Dar. Vitongoji maarufu vya mji huo kama Manzese na Magomeni vilitumika katika utengenezaji wa sinema hii. Kusema kweli, hii itakuwa ni hadhi kubwa ya wasanii wa ki-Tanzania maana sinema hii itaonyeshwa katika tamasha mbali mbali za sinema za kimataifa.

Sinema hii ni inamhusu Juma Pondamali ambaye baada ya maisha na malengo yake kutofanikiwa nchini Marekani, aliamua kurudi nyumbani. Lakini visakato alivyovikuta nyumbani vilimshangaza sana na hakuna kitu chochote hapa ulimwenguni ambacho kingemtayarisha kupambana na visakato hivyo.
ANGALIA TRELA MPYA

Jitayarishe kuwaona wacheza sinema wakongwe wa Tanzania kama Mzee Kipara, Bi Chuma Selemani Mzee na Bi Thecla Mjatta. Vile vile pia kuwaona wachezaji chipukizi kutoka mjini Dar-es-salaam.

Msanii mhusika mkuu ni Peter Omari ambaye anacheza kama Juma. Peter, ambaye kwa sasa anishi Mwanza, aliwahi kucheza katika sinema yetu iliyopita iliyoitwa TUSAMEHE.

SHAFII ABDUL THE ACTOR FROM TANZANIA

2008-02-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

As we await the release of Bongoland II, we thought it is only appropriate to tell you about some of the special actors from Tanzania who were part of this amazing production. Meet Shafii Abdul a resident of Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania. Shafii is in our opinion one of the best up and coming actors from Tanzania.

When you meet Shafii, he does not speak much. He observes and listens most of the time. When he wants to say something, he would ask very politely and then express his opinion. He did have opinions which we admired and respected because they enhanced the quality of the movie. It also showed us what type of a person he is off the camera. For example, we wanted him to hold a beer bottle – like drink during the scene – From which he said, he did not prefer to do for religious reasons. Then very quickly he said, but I will do my best to improve and enhance the scene. Then we said cool. We were not disappointed. The director of the movie was very impressed with this demeanor. It was different in an environment where he was constantly bombarded with opinions, questions and suggestions from different directions. Which comes with directorial territory.
We run into Shafii by accident. We were having trouble to fill this role. We had looked at few people which we did not like. But then late in the day someone told us that, there is one more guy who has been trying to get a screening test. We decided to see him. Of course he did very well, much better than the ones we had previously screened.

The rest was history. He got one of the main acting parts where he plays an aspiring politician who is also Juma’s younger brother. What made him perfect for the role is his intensity and his ability to change character mood from being very serious to very happy seamlessly.

Then he did something special for us. In one of the serious scenes, we required the actors to be very emotional. We completed the first take, which was not very good, then he pulled me over and asked if he could cry. We said..PLEASE! Then as we started the second take, you could see him shed tears… for real. His reaction carried the whole scene and the set was stunned. By the way he did this several times

This is rare, in fact there are some of the experienced crew with us from America with years of experience in the business who commented that they have not seen this before. Most actors produce induced tears with eye drops etc. His were real tears.

Of course acting is not just making tears and we think that once you see him in the soon to be released movie you will agree with us. We are very proud of him and very proud that we (from Tanzania) have someone who we can showcase on the international stage and proudly say “He is one of us”

SO PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD….TELL THE WORLD!!!

Good job Shafii!!

Bongoland II - OFFICIAL SITE UPDATES

2008-02-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

Please check out our site enhancements as we get closer to the announcement of Bongoland II World Premiere.

The MEDIA LINK
The CREW IMAGES LINK
The MOVIE CREDITS LINK
The FAQ LINK

SPREAD THE WORD TELL THE WORLD!

UCLA ON BONGOLAND II - In Images

2008-02-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

At the set of Bongoland II, we worked hand in hand with students from the University of California in Los Angeles. These students worked hard as they were also getting used to the climate of Dar. As Productions Assistants they made the crew very happy and made the production process go very smoothly.

CLICK HERE to see some of the images.

POST PRODUCTION UPDATE

2008-01-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

WHERE ARE WE WITH THE EDITING?
We have now completed the rough cut and we are moving towards the final cut of the movie. It has been a long process but we are trying to leave no stone un-turned. We are also adding the subtitles to the footage as it takes shape. We hope that the time invested up-front will pay off in the end with high a quality story.
Right now we think that sometime at the end of this month we will have the final cut and start scheduling premieres.

BILANTANYA IN BONGOLAND II?
Yes. He came from the dead. It is movie magic after all. Fundi Kibwana returns as a News anchor from BONGOTV a popular TV station in Bongoland. As you probably recall, Fundi was one of the leading actors of our last movie “TUSAMEHE”. His fans will surely be delighted to see him alive.

BEHIND THE SCENES IMAGES
Please follow this link to see additional images from the “Making of Bongoland”
CLICK HERE to view the slide show.

Zawadi Rajabu in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

2008-01-07T08:45:00.000-08:00

Habari wana Umoja,

Just wanted to share with you the slide show prepared by Startribune for you to "meet" and maybe connect with Zawadi the young energetic 5 year hold. You can also read the article prepared by Startribune by visiting their website

Umoja Society would like to inform you that there will be a fundraiser to assist the Rajabu family with their necessary medical and living expenses. Sophia Rajabu and her daughter Zawadi are currently in Minnesota for the purpose of pursuing critical treatment for Zawadi. Sophia, a low income single mother, has left two other children behind, an older daughter and a younger son, in Tanzania as she seeks medical treatment for Zawadi. She is the sole provider for her young family.

Zawadi is an energetic 5 year old girl who was born in Sombetini, a small community in Arusha, Tanzania. She was born with a birth defect known as club-feet, a condition which has forced her to walk on both her ankles.

Zawadi was blessed by the kindness and generosity of an American organization known as Siouxland Tanzania Educational and Medical Ministries (STEMM; www.stemm.org). STEMM sponsored young Zawadi’s successful corrective surgery, which was performed on December 12th, 2007, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Umoja Society will host the fund raising event for the Rajabu family (please see below for event details). We would like to invite the community here to open their hearts and donate funds so that this family can meet their immediate necessities, both here in the USA and back home in Tanzania during Zawadi’s long recovery journey. Please invite your friends and family to support the family by attending the event or sending a donation.

Zawadi and her mother, Sophia, are currently residing with Smart and Dr. Jessica Baitani at their home in New Hope.

LOCATION: STUB HALL, Lutheran Seminary

2481 Como Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
DATE: Saturday, January 19, 2008

TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

More on Zawadi click here

HAPPY NEW YEAR! - By Anonymous

2007-12-31T12:32:00.000-08:00

We are the lucky ones!

If you woke up this morning
with more health than illness,
you are more blessed than the
millions who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced
the danger of battle the loneliness of imprisonment
the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation,
you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting
without fear of harassment,
arrest, torture, or death,
you are more blessed than almost
three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator,
clothes on your back, a roof over
your head and a place to sleep,
you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank,
in your wallet, and spare change
in a dish someplace, you are among
the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

If you hold up your head with a smile
on your face and are truly thankful,
you are blessed because the majority can,
but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them
or even touch them on the shoulder,
you are blessed because you can
offer God's healing touch.

If you can read this message,
you are more blessed than over
two billion people in the world
that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways
you may never even know.

So, you see YOU ARE THE LUCKY ONE!

Tanzanian Filmmaker Kibira Making “Bongoland” Sequel

2007-12-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

Swallehe Msuya , Mshale Senior Staff Writer
Published 12/05/2007 - 12:39 p.m. GMT

Online article CLICK HERE

Website:
www.mshale.com

Email:
smsuya@mshale.com

Up-and-coming Tanzanian moviemaker and Minnesota resident, Josiah Kibira, is working on finishing touches for his third movie shot on location in his country of birth. The title of his movie is “Bongoland II,” which he describes as being about “looking at us (Africans)in our own backyard.”

“We are questioning how we do things and why we accept things the way they are just because someone is afraid to scream –‘the emperor is naked,’” says Kibira.

His first movie was “Bongoland” and his second movie was “Tusamehe,” the first being on problems that Africans face when migrating to America and the second one was an educational film on HIV/AIDS.

Last summer, Kibira traveled to Tanzania with a strong contingent of film technicians wielding a $7,000 High Definition camera purchased by his Director of Photography, Sam Fischer. Kibira’s film crew was accompanied by a group of seven American students from the University of California, Los Angeles, who joined him for an internship on film-production.

Faced with a staggering hard to raise budget of $ 30,000 for the project, Kibira was lucky to find a Tanzanian filmmaker Musa Kissoky of Sofia Productions, who gave him two vans to use for free and opened his shop for the film crew.

“He was like a surrogate brother looking up for us the whole time we were there,” Kibira says. Kibira also discovered longtime professional actor, Mzee Kipara, a household name in the acting circles having made his mark out of many years of creative radio plays aired by Radio Tanzania. He also teamed up with Gervais Kisiga, a student from the University of Dar es Salaam, who has already produced one movie as film director and was “casting director for this movie responsible for pulling talents of best actors from the university and elsewhere.”

What was Kibira’s greatest challenge in carrying out this project? “In one word I would call it logistics,” he answers. “Calling the actors about where they need to be next day and what they should wear and how they will get there. All this was to be done by my assistant director who does not speak Swahili and does not know the city (Dar es Salaam). So, it defaults back to me being on the phone all the time, translating for my assistant director and conveying the information to the cast.”

Kibira sees movie making as “a personal mission, a passion of mine and rain or shine we [I] will head forward for as you know we are lagging behind in Swahili movies.” His goal is to produce few but high quality movies with a message that his audience can identify with.

“There is more emphasis in mass production and less emphasis for quality,”Kibira says. “This has been the formula for countries like Nigeria. I am of the opinion that if our films are of greater quality, they should appeal to all humans … across the board. This way we can all share our stories with the rest of the world.”

Beyond “Bongoland II,” Kibira plans to make a movie with his Kenyan counterparts. He says this is the way forward to “expand our reach across the border.” Currently three of his Kenyan teammates are working on a story for the next movie.

He adds reassuringly, “After that movie from Kenya, we may revisit Tanzania again and pursue a movie about Julius Nyerere.”

Kibira supports the use of Swahili as Africa’s lingua franca. “We need a lot of support from policy makers. Making Swahili a lingua franca of Africa is huge step in the right direction,” he says. “People outside Africa are forced to see the magnitude of the language. As you know Swahili is spoken by over 100 million people in the
world and our focus have primarily been the people of Tanzania, but now we are looking beyond our borders.”

Kibira says African governments have a duty to support these efforts by funding the arts and performance institutions so that people have well trained experts who can preserve the respective countries’ cultures.

Kibira credits the United States Embassy in Tanzania, whose acknowledgement gave his second movie recognition in the Pan African film festival and organized for its screening to be seen by the people of Tanzania. “Tusamehe” was shown by the embassy to media practitioners,leaders of non-governmental organizations and a selected audience of policy makers and the general public.

Regrettably, notes Kibira, “even after the Dar es Salaam embassy screening of our movie, there was no official word from the government (of Tanzania).” He notes that he deserved a little “pat on the back” for doing the right thing. With or without recognition, awards or fanfare, Kibira is determined to pursue his passion and “personal mission” of making quality movies. He is inspired to continue being the voice of the over 100 million silent majority of Swahili speaking peoples of Africa and the Diaspora “telling their compelling stories” to the rest of the world.

“Bongoland II” will be released in early 2008.

HOW TO WRITE ABOUT AFRICA - by: Binyavanga Wainaina

2007-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

How to Write About Africa - Author from Kenya.

some tips: sunsets and starvation are good

Always use the word 'Africa' or 'Darkness' or 'Safari' in your title. Subtitles may include the words 'Zanzibar', 'Masai', 'Zulu', 'Zambezi', 'Congo', 'Nile', 'Big', 'Sky', 'Shadow', 'Drum', 'Sun' or 'Bygone'. Also useful are words such as 'Guerrillas', 'Timeless', 'Primordial' and 'Tribal'. Note that 'People' means Africans who are not black, while 'The People' means black Africans.

Never have a picture of a well-adjusted African on the cover of your book, or in it, unless that African has won the Nobel Prize. An AK-47, prominent ribs, naked breasts: use these. If you must include an African, make sure you get one in Masai or Zulu or Dogon dress.

In your text, treat Africa as if it were one country. It is hot and dusty with rolling grasslands and huge herds of animals and tall, thin people who are starving. Or it is hot and steamy with very short people who eat primates. Don't get bogged down with precise descriptions. Africa is big: fifty-four countries, 900 million people who are too busy starving and dying and warring and emigrating to read your book. The continent is full of deserts, jungles, highlands, savannahs and many other things, but your reader doesn't care about all that, so keep your descriptions romantic and evocative and unparticular.

Make sure you show how Africans have music and rhythm deep in their souls, and eat things no other humans eat. Do not mention rice and beef and wheat; monkey-brain is an African's cuisine of choice, along with goat, snake, worms and grubs and all manner of game meat. Make sure you show that you are able to eat such food without flinching, and describe how you learn to enjoy it—because you care.

Taboo subjects: ordinary domestic scenes, love between Africans (unless a death is involved), references to African writers or intellectuals, mention of school-going children who are not suffering from yaws or Ebola fever or female genital mutilation.

Throughout the book, adopt a sotto voice, in conspiracy with the reader, and a sad I-expected-so-much tone. Establish early on that your liberalism is impeccable, and mention near the beginning how much you love Africa, how you fell in love with the place and can't live without her. Africa is the only continent you can love—take advantage of this. If you are a man, thrust yourself into her warm virgin forests. If you are a woman, treat Africa as a man who wears a bush jacket and disappears off into the sunset. Africa is to be pitied, worshipped or dominated. Whichever angle you take, be sure to leave the strong impression that without your intervention and your important book, Africa is doomed.

Your African characters may include naked warriors, loyal servants, diviners and seers, ancient wise men living in hermitic splendour. Or corrupt politicians, inept polygamous travel-guides, and prostitutes you have slept with. The Loyal Servant always behaves like a seven-year-old and needs a firm hand; he is scared of snakes, good with children, and always involving you in his complex domestic dramas. The Ancient Wise Man always comes from a noble tribe (not the money-grubbing tribes like the Gikuyu, the Igbo or the Shona). He has rheumy eyes and is close to the Earth. The Modern African is a fat man who steals and works in the visa office, refusing to give work permits to qualified Westerners who really care about Africa. He is an enemy of development, always using his government job to make it difficult for pragmatic and good-hearted expats to set up NGOs or Legal Conservation Areas. Or he is an Oxford-educated intellectual turned serial-killing politician in a Savile Row suit. He is a cannibal who likes Cristal champagne, and his mother is a rich witch-doctor who really runs the country.

Among your characters you must always include The Starving African, who wanders the refugee camp nearly naked, and waits for the benevolence of the West. Her children have flies on their eyelids and pot bellies, and her breasts are flat and empty. She must look utterly helpless. She can have no past, no history; such diversions ruin the dramatic moment. Moans are good. She must never say anything about herself in the dialogue except to speak of her (unspeakable) suffering. Also be sure to include a warm and motherly woman who has a rolling laugh and who is concerned for your well-being. Just call her Mama. Her children are all delinquent. These characters should buzz around your main hero, making him look good. Your hero can teach them, bathe them, feed them; he carries lots of babies and has seen Death. Your hero is you (if reportage), or a beautiful, tragic international celebrity/aristocrat who now cares for animals (if fiction).

Bad Western characters may include children of Tory cabinet ministers, Afrikaners, employees of the World Bank. When talking about exploitation by foreigners mention the Chinese and Indian traders. Blame the West for Africa's situation. But do not be too specific.

Broad brushstrokes throughout are good. Avoid having the African characters laugh, or struggle to educate their kids, or just make do in mundane circumstances. Have them illuminate something about Europe or America in Africa. African characters should be colourful, exotic, larger than life—but empty inside, with no dialogue, no conflicts or resolutions in their stories, no depth or quirks to confuse the cause.

Describe, in detail, naked breasts (young, old, conservative, recently raped, big, small) or mutilated genitals, or enhanced genitals. Or any kind of genitals. And dead bodies. Or, better, naked dead bodies. And especially rotting naked dead bodies. Remember, any work you submit in which people look filthy and miserable will be referred to as the 'real Africa', and you want that on your dust jacket. Do not feel queasy about this: you are trying to help them to get aid from the West. The biggest taboo in writing about Africa is to describe or show dead or suffering white people.

Animals, on the other hand, must be treated as well rounded, complex characters. They speak (or grunt while tossing their manes proudly) and have names, ambitions and desires. They also have family values: see how lions teach their children? Elephants are caring, and are good feminists or dignified patriarchs. So are gorillas. Never, ever say anything negative about an elephant or a gorilla. Elephants may attack people's property, destroy their crops, and even kill them. Always take the side of the elephant. Big cats have public-school accents. Hyenas are fair game and have vaguely Middle Eastern accents. Any short Africans who live in the jungle or desert may be portrayed with good humour (unless they are in conflict with an elephant or chimpanzee or gorilla, in which case they are pure evil).

After celebrity activists and aid workers, conservationists are Africa's most important people. Do not offend them. You need them to invite you to their 30,000-acre game ranch or 'conservation area', and this is the only way you will get to interview the celebrity activist. Often a book cover with a heroic-looking conservationist on it works magic for sales. Anybody white, tanned and wearing khaki who once had a pet antelope or a farm is a conservationist, one who is preserving Africa's rich heritage. When interviewing him or her, do not ask how much funding they have; do not ask how much money they make off their game. Never ask how much they pay their employees.

Readers will be put off if you don't mention the light in Africa. And sunsets, the African sunset is a must. It is always big and red. There is always a big sky. Wide empty spaces and game are critical—Africa is the Land of Wide Empty Spaces. When writing about the plight of flora and fauna, make sure you mention that Africa is overpopulated. When your main character is in a desert or jungle living with indigenous peoples (anybody short) it is okay to mention that Africa has been severely depopulated by Aids and War (use caps).

You'll also need a nightclub called Tropicana, where mercenaries, evil nouveau riche Africans and prostitutes and guerrillas and expats hang out.

Always end your book with Nelson Mandela saying something about rainbows or renaissances. Because you care.

by: Binyavanga Wainaina

HAPPY GRADUATION!

2007-12-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Our hats off to brother Gervas Kasiga. On this occasion he was graduating from the University of Dar-es-salaam with a bachelor’s degree in Fine and Performing Arts.

Kasiga is an up and coming movie director and producer from Tanzania. He was a casting director for Bongoland II…and in fact he did much more than that for the production Bongoland II.

He has participated in many movie projects in Tanzania while he was studying at the Dar University. Very recently he has completed directing a new movie titled “Fake Pastors” which was releases in Tanzania last month. This movie was shot in Dar-es-salaam.

He is well respected among his peers in the growing movie industry in Tanzania.

Hongera Sana mzee!

MORE INFO ON BONGOLAND II HERE

BONGOLAND II - Frequently Asked Questions

2007-11-27T07:31:00.001-08:00

Where was the movie filmed?
Shot in Dar-Es-salaam in, Tanzania. Tanzania is located in East Africa and it is roughly the size of Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Lake Superior combined. The film crew stayed in Tanzania for about 35 days.

Why Tanzania?
Because Kibira Films is dedicated to making movies which incorporate Swahili, and what better place to be than Tanzania. Swahili is a language that is spoken by over 100 million people worldwide, yet there are very few movies represented in Film Festivals utilizing it. It is a national language of Tanzania, and let the truth be told, the director is from Tanzania.

Who sponsored the project?
Kibira Films International along with few friends.

What is the release date for Bongoland II?
Early 2008. The initial plans are to premiere in several cities at the same time, showcasing the movie in various film festivals.

How was UCLA connected to the project?
UCLA has a Swahili program as well as an International Studies department and a film school. This summer (2007) they wanted to add an element of being abroad where students could learn Swahili culture and incorporate that into filmmaking experience. Some students were film students, but not all.

What is the director’s experience?
Bongoland II is his third movie. See the site for the previous movies.

What was the experience in Tanzania like?
If you can make a movie in Tanzania, you can make a movie anywhere. There were some challenges but nothing earth shattering. Africa is not for sissies! You have to be ready to acclimatize very quickly and have unshakable focus. It was a challenge to some crew members, but overall the experience was great.

Who wrote the script for Bongoland II?
The script was written by Josiah Kibira who also directed and produced the movie.

How do you measure your success?
At the end of the day the answer has to be an unequivocal YES to this question - ‘Did we achieve what we set out to accomplish?” We ask this question in each phase. Pre-production phase, production and now in post production. ..This is work in progress. The earlier two phases were YES(s).

What was the size of Bongoland II’s crew?
There was about 18 – 20 crew members. That includes the crew from America, one from Canada and some from Tanzania.

Where is Bongoland?
Bongoland is a fictitious country created for the movie. Generally, most people think that it is in reference to Tanzania but that was not the whole intention of the writer. Bongoland was supposed to represent an African country. This could be anywhere in Africa. The experience from the main character is something which affects many people…whether they are from Africa or not. Any foreigner living in Europe, United States or elsewhere can relate to the experience. So, if you are from Spain living in the US, then Spain is your Bongoland as you go through life in the US.

Will the movie be shown in Africa?
Yes. When the time is right.

When will the movie come out on DVD?
The movie will first have to go through a series of film festivals. At the same it will be screened several cities around the United States and possibly Europe. After the festival run and the theatrical screening, then DVDs will be issued. The approximate date for that is between April and May 2008.

What cities are being considered for the screening?
We currently have these cities: Minneapolis/St Paul, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Columbus, Los Angeles and New York. This is what is planned. If you want your city to be considered please send information to info@kibirafilms.com

what are the next plans?
Two scripts are being developed right now. One for a feature film covering issues related to a Kenyan community in the United States, and the other one for an animated feature…in Swahili of course.

Will there be a Bongoland III?
We are not sure at this point. But there is an outline and a story line already developed for the story. We are not sure if it will develop into a movie.

Will there be another shoot in Africa in the future? If so, where?
Yes. There will definitely be another shoot in Africa. At this point, no particular country has been decided upon. Most of this will also depend on how well Bongoland II is accepted by the wider audience.

How can one be considered for future projects?
Keep watching cast calls from Kibira Films. Also you can send an email to info@kibirafilms.com to be added to a mailing list.

Is previous experience necessary to be considered?
No and yes. It all depends on the part. However, 90% of getting any job is showing up, 10% percent is being ready. If you are well prepared, there is a good chance you will get the part. Just show up at the casting calls and strut your stuff.

More information visit www.kibirafilms.com

JUSTIN KALIKAWE - GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN!!

2007-11-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

As I read the coverage of the sudden senseless passing of Lucky Dube, I was reminded of my good friend Justin Kalikawe. He, like Dube, was also a rastaman. A rastaman from Bongo whose songs reflected his view of the world. The view which revolved around doing good, being just and being true to oneself.

In the song "Ugenini" (Being in a foreign land) - Kalikawe has a message to people who live in foreign countries not forget their motherland. He insists that it is okay to go to Europe, United States and Australia and search for wealth, but remember to bring it back and help build our motherland. He continues to say even when the Europeans came to Africa they got resources but then took them back to build their motherland in Europe etc. We ought to do the same!

Ever since I met Kalikawe, I knew he was a man ahead of his time. He was always writing songs in his head. Which is not unexpected since he was a musician. What is unexpected is that he wrote about things that were not right and he insisted on making them right or at least urging everyone to make them right.

In his short life he produced at least 10 albums and at this pace, I am guessing had he lived, he could have doubled that by now. As we are getting ready to release the movie Bongoland II...there is no place like home...I thought it was only appropriate to once again tell the world about the song Ugenini since it relates to the upcoming movie and our brother Juma.

This video was shot in January of 2003 in Bukoba and he specifically wrote the song for Bongoland. As you recall the character Juma was having hard time in the United States and he was contemplating going back home. The song represented his dilemma.

Unfortunately, Justin never had a chance to see this video or the movie. He died in August of 2003.

You are gone but not forgotten. Here is to you buddy!

BONGOLAND II - Bi Chuma Selemani Mzee

2007-11-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

Then there was Bi Chuma Selemani Mzee.

It was another casting day in Dar-es-salaam. Gervas Kasiga (Bongoland II casting Director) had one more actor to show me. I told him that this was crucial to the story and so she have to be very good. “I promise that you will like her” he calmly replied. He had no doubt in his mind. Meeting her was crucial because she was one of the last spots that had to be filled and we were running out of time.

It was now dark and as we rode in a cab from Kurasini suddenly our cab ran out of gas. We had to look for another cab in one of the busiest spots in Kurasini. Nevertheless we were late to meet Bi Hindu. Kasiga called her and told her that we were coming as soon as possible. She met us in a bar/ restaurant where I could smell the local favorite ‘kitimoto’ – ‘roast pork’.

I greeted her and she replied with a long sentence, which I could not understand. She just looked at me and smiled. Then Kasiga continued with the introduction. The funny thing was I could only catch few words every time she spoke. Like I heard words like, sawa, basi, ndiyo… inshallah but nothing more. I could not comprehend her sentences fully.

Bi Chuma Selemani Mzee, who prefers to be addressed by her stage name - Bi Hindu - has a small stature about 4’4 and maybe weighs 115 pounds. Yet, her voice is very sharp and authoritative. Her presence was extremely intimidating. I had hard time maintaining eye contact with her…maybe it was because we were over an hour late for our meeting.

After she understood what we were there for, she started to audition so to speak. I looked at Kasiga whose face was gleaming as if he is just about to burst into a big laugh and whispered – (to Kasiga) Mzee, I have a problem… I don’t understand what bibi is saying here! Now Kasiga bursted into a loud laugh, I looked at Bi Hindu…she was also laughing.

Then she held my hand and said – you see I am speaking Kiswahili the proper way. Then she added “Baba nyie watu wa bara hamjui kuongea Kiswahili”. (You people from the mainland can’t speak proper Swahili). Sad but true. Surprisingly, now I could understand her perfectly. Kasiga then told me that she does this often. She would speak “Kimwambao” and a normal Swahili speaker would not fully understand. Then she started teaching me a little bit of what some of the words she said earlier meant and the reasons she said them.

Kasiga had briefed her about the role and as we spoke, she suddenly got into the character and asked Kasiga to tell her some lines from the script. Then she looked at me and said…this is how I would say it. I was blown away by the words she used. Of course the toned down the Kimwambao…which I objected to, so she turned it back up. Swahili never sounded sexier as she delivered those lines.

Suddenly I could see the scene in real time in my mind. Then she moved to another scene which was a serious/funny scene. I was laughing so hard. The thing is…she made the scene full by adding words that obviously were not in the script but were necessary to make the scene more alive and believable and extremely funny.

Suddenly it hit me again…I am speaking by one of the greats. She was there to do the job and she did it well..in fact she did it very well. Bi Hindu has been in many local movies. She is very active and she is apparently known for her no nonsense hard and tough “Bibi wa Kiswahili” – “Swahili grandma” character. There was no doubt in my mind that she could play the role. We made a deal and asked her to come to the set the following day.

She showed up ready to work. She brought two or more outfit for us to choose from and we made her pick one because they were all equally appropriate. We had few takes and then she was done. Just like that. I spent few minutes talking with her. As I talked to her I was amazed by the depth of her ideas. She talked about the fact that she liked the story. She suggested that we go easy on some things like religion. I assured her that this epic has nothing to do with that. She looked satisfied with my explanation. Then she was done for the day.

The depth of her artistic vitality is something that we from the “younger” generation need to appreciate and acknowledge and award. I would be the one to admit first that we were extremely privileged to have Bi Hindu in our production. We are in turn are exposing her to a wider audience. This is something that we ought not to keep quiet about.

As I was writing this article, I felt a sense of pride mixed in with shame and guilt because I can name 10 actors from the United States in my sleep but I know very little from my own country’s icons like Mama Hindu or Mzee Kipara etc.

Our media’s continued irrational obsession and preoccupation with the likes of American hip hop artists or European soccer stars has its price and I guess I am one of the victims. In the old days we would be excused because we did not have TV or the internet but now we do. Let us use these tools to our advantage and highlight what really matters to our culture. Short of doing that our future generations will grow up thinking that to make it is to look like a thug, adopt an unpronounceable three letter name and know how to shake bare bottoms on camera….

We can help by making them aware of the contributions of such icons as Bi Hindu …to emulate!

Bi Chuma Selemani Mzee – Thanks!

BONGOLAND II Mzee Kipara Tanzania's Acting Icon!

2007-10-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

With the success of twenty to thirty something artists in Tanzania, it is easy to forget that even before Bongo Flava or YouTube and, even the Internet for that matter - Mzee Kipara was there. When we went to film Bongoland II in Dar, the casting director - Gervas Kasiga told me that he found a perfect old man to play the imam in the movie. He then said - once you hear his voice you will know who he is. And, sure enough, once I heard him I recognized his voice immediately. Mzee Kipara is a veteran actor who worked for Radio Tanzania for many years. He was part of the talented cast that was heard weekly in thrilling radio drama productions.

As a kid growing up in Bukoba, the radio reception was never clear, and so sometimes all we could hear were pieces of an argument between two characters and the unmistakable deep voice of Mzee Kipara in most cases playing an elder, a teacher, or a grandfather.

I was looking forward to meeting Mzee Kipara, and the casting was to take place at the University of Dar. We arrived there a bit late due to "foleni" - traffic jam...and ,no, it was NOT rush hour. Mzee Kipara was already waiting, so I went straight to talk to him. It was a hot day and Mzee Kipara was sitting by a wall smoking his unfiltered cigarette. I stretched my hand to greet him, he shook it and looked at me for a second, took a puff of his cigarette, and said "marhaba bwana"....hello. He asked if I was one of the people having the cast call. When I said yes, He said "You are late...you will make me late for my afternoon prayers at the mosque." I apologized, and we moved into a room and started the casting process.

Gervas had already briefed him about the character and so he started asking me several questions. Then he asked about the characters playing opposite him. I told him about "Juma"...and he asked me to get Juma and started. Before Juma could start, he started quizzing him and telling him how to deliver his lines, what mood he should be in, and what facial expression he should have. Then they started acting out a scene.

I told Gervas immediately, "We have the imam!" Just right then, I knew we had a star amongst us. Mzee Kipara not only brought the aura of stardom, but he was extremely helpful. Most of the actors would listen to what he had to say and follow it, even if it was contrary to what I was saying. Most of them would tell me he has been around he knows what he is talking about. There was no argument from me.

Mzee Kipara is now retired, but he is still very active in the acting community. He does some radio occasionally and some acting in various locally produced movies. He told me that he has been “there” since day one. By this he was referring that he was part of the cast of one of the oldest film ever produced in Tanzania called “Fimbo Ya Mnyonge” in the late sixties. I could immediately detect a sense of pride as his face came alive with an authoritative glare.
In Bongoland II, Mzee Kipara performed beyond our expectations. His timing was perfect and he even added some spice to the scenes. We were extremely privileged to have him in this movie.

As I was looking at the pictures from various blogs covering the final farewell of the late Mzee Kaduma (Another Tanzanian acting veteran), I was struck by how little I knew about Mzee Kaduma. I was not sure if this was because of lack of coverage of such actors by the local (Tanzanian) media or because of my being uninformed of what is going on in the Tanzanian acting community. Either way, we need to be proud of our veteran actors and be very proactive in documenting their success and share them with the whole world.

As we completed the shoot, Mzee Kipara thanked all of us and lit another cigarette. As he walked off the set, he was immediately surrounded by onlookers, some of who started shouting his name. Politely, he stopped and greeted them.

When the movie comes out, I think you will agree with us that Mzee Kipara is one of the best actors Tanzania has. We are very proud to introduce him to the rest of the world.

BONGOLAND II - Our new Poster!

2007-10-17T13:15:00.001-07:00

BONGOLAND - Juma and Mukulu - Revisited!

2007-10-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Juma is on a date in BONGOLAND. It is time to pay the bill!

BONGOLAND II - THE CAST - From Good to Great!

2007-10-08T17:28:00.000-07:00

It is a new day in Dar-es-salaam. We are proud to introduce to you the faces of Bongoland II. We went to Dar expecting to find good actors but instead we found great actors. A very pleasant surprise. Tanzania should be very proud of this group of actors because they rose up to the occasion and scored big and the true testament will come from this movie. The exposure of such talent in Tanzania is limited to locally made movies with very limit eddistribution channels. Now the barrier has been broken and it is time that this talent is shared with the whole world.

CLICK HERE to meet the cast of Bongoland II.
MAIN CAST:
Ahmed Olutu, Asha Salim, Chemi Che Mponda
Daima Mwagati, hamisi Abdallah, Isaa Hamisi
Miss Fifi, Mzee kipara, Peter Omari (Juma)
Sabrina Rupia, Shafii Abdul, Thecla Mjatta
SUPPORTING CAST:
Alex Kibira, Amina Philip, charles Magali
Elizabeth Michael, George Mpandachalo, Gisler Sakaya
Halima Ramadhani, Hariet Barongo, Hashim Kambi
Jasmini Nurdini, Jensen Kahwa

CLICK HERE to read about the director's experience in Dar

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Food Festival in the UK - To feature Tanzania foods

2007-10-03T13:01:00.001-07:00

The festival has been organised annually to give opportunity to people of Conwy, neighbouring towns, Wales and other parts of the UK to explore and share traditional foods as well as recipes. And this year, there will be chance of learning about Tanzanian foods and recipes, tourism and business opportunities.

Read more about it here.

PAN AFRICAN TRADE SUMMIIT IN MINNEAPOLIS

2007-10-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

BONGOLAND II - TRAILER - The Final Version

2007-09-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

BONGOLAND II - Has anyone tested these beers from Tanzania?

2007-09-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

JAHAZI ALE

SWIFT KICK

BONGOLAND II - BUSHOKE TO APPEAR AS HIMSELF IN BONGOLAND II

2007-09-02T20:45:00.001-07:00

One of the upcoming young musician from Tanzania popularly known as Bushoke will appear as himself in the upcoming movie Bongoland II. The scene which features Bushoke was filmed at Slipway hotel in Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania.
In his young career Bushoke has created a following from his boyish voice and lyrics which address love and social issues like a man whose wife or lover gave birth to kids who were from different races from their dad Bushoke asks - 'What would you have done if this happened to you" - "Ingekuwa wewe ungefanyaje"
In some of his songs Bushoke has teamed up with other East African music giants such as the upcoming female artist; K-Lynn and Chameleone from Uganda to name a few.

See more Bushoke's videos on YouTube.

BONGOLAND STAR WEDS IN MINNEAPOLIS

2007-09-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

On September 1st, 2007, Robert Bahati Kataraia married Annette Mshumi Kaduri in front of over 250 invited guests. The couple are both residents of Minneapolis. The reception took place at the Mellenium hotel in downtown Minneapolis.

You remember Robert from his roles in Kibira Film's 2003 feature Bongoland as Mukulu and Tusamehe in 2005 where he acted as Kipara.
We wish them a very prosperous life.

TUMERUDI SALAMA - USALIMINI

2007-08-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, August 4th, we finally all came back...wait one of us was delayed due to some Airline mix-up in New York. But as I write this, he is also home. Thank you very much for putting us in your thoughts and prayers.

Wanted to also share that there are many blogs that are writing about this project...please visit them if you need another perspective of the shoot of the movie in Dar.

http://www.darhotwire.com/maisha/news/2007/06/20/bongoland_ii_ndani_bongo.html

http://issamichuzi.blogspot.com/search?q=Bongoland+II+&x=47&y=12

http://www.africanwomenblogs.com/story.php?

title=Picha+zaidi+za+Bongoland+II+Film+Shoot+Dar+es+Salaam

http://swahilitime.blogspot.com/2007/07/bongoland-ii-manzese.html

http://swahilitime.blogspot.com/2007/07/maendeleo-bongoland-ii.html

Some of these blogs are from our own crew members and some from just reporters...if you need any clarification on anything that you see or read, please let us know.

Ahsante

BONGOLAND II SHOOT - DONE DEAL - FINITO!

2007-07-28T01:41:00.000-07:00

This is to inform you that it is will great pride and pleasure to announce that we completed the shooting of the movie Bongoland II. "SPREAD THE WORD, TELL THE WORLD".

I am now in Maputo, taking much needed few days off as I attend a family function - my sister’s kid is getting married. Be back in Day – July 31st.

As I said before, if you can make a movie in Dar, you can make a movie anywhere! Africa is not for sissies and it is very easy to get destructed by many things. First there are production and logistical issues. The production issues were easily resolved because we had anticipated those and planned for them.

What we did not anticipate are the issues beyond our control...traffic jam in dar, cons whose main intentions were to make sure we spend all our money to the ground so that they can blog that the production "run out money". We were overcharged most of the times whether we were renting a place to shoot or buying water for the day...

But what some of these waswahili did not know was the fact that we came to Dar on a serious mission...a mission five years in the making and no amount of an overcharge could have stopped this tide. Our zeal and tenacity endured all the obstacles these people threw our way!

Having said that, I should also mention that we met a lot of good people. The people of Sofia Production who took us in and made us part of their family. The drivers (Patrick and Rajabu) spend days and night worrying about our schedule most of which they were informed by hour. My sisters (Mary Kahwa and Martha Dennis) provided our lunches for out first crucial two production weeks. AFSAT Company in Dar provided us more than one office location...on the last minute. The list goes on and on....

I was proud to see that most people were with were willing to do anything to make sure that we succeed. It was like they did not want their home, their house, their city and their country to on record as being the obstacle for the production of Bongoland II.

And for all that, for all of you we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Please sit back and visit the blog in the upcoming days as will start bringing updates to you about the production from Day one. We hope to release the movie in High Definition - This November Inshallah!

Thanks - Merci - Mukozile - Ahsanteni - obrigado!!!

BONGOLAND II SHOOT IS 90% COMPLETE

2007-07-22T22:57:00.001-07:00

Guys,
We created this blog to give you the updates about our progress during the shoot, but logistical issues have forced us to abandon some of our plans. I am happy to announce that we have completed 90% of the shoot. We hopr to wrap up on wednesday or thursday this week (7/26).

I came to Tanzania to showcase my fellow Tanzanias in the movie...what they have given me is something I will keep for the rest of my life...you will be the judge of this when the movie comes out this November. These people exceeded all of our expecations...these people can act....in some of the emotional scenes it was not uncommon to find even the crew immersed in the moment. I know in many scenes I was overwhelmed by emotions expressed by these actors in a scene.

What makes this worth noting is that most of them are doing this using their natural talent and they have no formal training as such.

We sill resume the updates about how it all went and we promise to give you a front seat in to the scoop about "MAKING OF BONGOLAND II"

Among the major highlights include shooting a scene with the upcoming musician "BUSHOKE" who makes a cameo in Bongoland II.

CHANNEL 12 TV TO FEATURE BONGOLAND II

2007-06-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

In few hours, the crew of Bongoland will be taking off from Minneapolis to Dar for a month long shoot of Bongoland II. We will keep you posted via this blog on the movie shoot progress.

But this morning,(June 28th) Josiah was visited by Channel 12 to talk about the trip and the production of Bongoland II. In the pictures below, Josiah is talking to reporter Lisa Furgison from channel 12. This TV station serves the northwest suburbus of the Twin Cities.

The interview will be seen live tommorow June 29, at 4,5 and 6 pm on channel 12. To view live broadcast follow this link.

We hope you will keep visiting this blog to see the progress of the making of Bongoland II. You can also keep up with how the UCLA team is doing via this blog.

BONGOLAND II - In Minneapolis Star Tribune

2007-06-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

As we are down to 5 days to Dar, we we got some coverage from the Minneapolis Star tribune. CHECK-OUT THE ARTICLE HERE.

OR read it in full below:

Swahili is ready for its closeup

Plymouth filmmaker and Swahili speaker Josiah Kibira is about to begin production on a second film made in his native language.

By Mary Hudetz, Star Tribune

June 22, 2007 – 5:03 PM
Plymouth-based filmmaker Josiah Kibira, his film "Tusamehe" deals with HIV, and will be screened at the US Embassy in Tanzania.
Tom Sweeney, Star Tribune

Whether he's starting his day at his home in Plymouth or saying the "Lord's Prayer" at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis, Josiah Kibira often opts to speak Swahili, even if few others around him understand his words.
He was 23 years old when he left the shores of Lake Victoria in Bukoba, Tanzania, to attend Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kan., where he watched television for the first time in a dormitory. He left with a degree in business and wondered what it would take to be able to watch TV programs and movies in his own language, which is estimated to have 100 million speakers, but is not often heard onscreen.

"Why not in Swahili?" he remembers asking.

Two decades later, in 2003, he answered his own question by writing a screenplay called "Bongoland" that included dialogue in Swahili and English. Since then he has also made "Tusamehe," the story of a man in America and originally from the fictitious African country of Bongoland who learns he is HIV positive. This week, he'll be in Tanzania to produce his third movie, "Bongoland II."

The plot of the first "Bongoland" centers on Juma, an immigrant who came to the Twin Cities in search of the American Dream but left learning that the place still deemed by some as the "land of milk and honey" isn't always so sweet, especially for an undocumented worker.

Kibira named the movie "Bongoland," for the fictitious African country where Juma is from. To film the movie, he used a Canon digital camera and put together a 14-member cast, most of whom were volunteers. He used Apple's Final Cut Pro, a software widely used by independent filmmakers, to edit it on his computer at home, while also hiring an editor to help.

The final product was a 100-minute film that follows Juma -- at times with an unsteady camera -- through his crumbling love life and low-paying jobs.

Undiscouraged by denied grant applications, Kibira, who makes a living doing work for Solutia Consulting, paid for most of the film himself with some fundraising and help from individual donors. He has since sold some of the film's 600 copies on his website, www.kibirafilms.com (trailers are posted at YouTube.com).

As he prepares to make his next movie, "Bongoland II," which has a $30,000 budget, he said he doesn't plan to halt production to wait for grants to come through.

"What if they don't?" he asked. "Then that's one more year we don't have a Swahili movie."

When Kibira is in Tanzania filming "Bongoland II," he'll also have a seven-member crew and 10 student interns from the University of California at Los Angeles doing production work on the set. With a Tanzanian cast, the movie will be filmed entirely in Swahili. English subtitles will be added to the DVD for its release, which is slated for this fall.

Kibira's aim is to make one Swahili-language movie each year, he said, and sell them to U.S. universities with Swahili-language programs, as well as distribute them in Africa, where a lot of the television programs, such as "Bugs Bunny" and "Days of Our Lives," come from the United States.

"Why should we continue to see our culture through other people's art?" he asked.

"Bongoland II" centers on Juma's return to his home country.

"Will he or will he not succeed?" asks Kibira, who writes some of the film's scenes based on his own experiences. "The obvious is Juma is a big shot or life is good."

Uninterested in the obvious, Kibira plans to end the movie "with a big question mark."

Mary Hudetz • 612-673-4109

BONGOLAND II NDANI YA BONGO - Article!

2007-06-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

As the Dar trip get closer, the local media is taking note...here is an article about Bongoland II from Darhotwire

BONGOLAND II - Dar Auditions - Phase 2

2007-06-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, July 3rd, we will be conducting the last screen tests in Dar for Bongoland II. These auditions are intended for those who got a "green light" in the preliminary auditions that took place in April, 2007.

For a location where these auditions will take place, please contact GERVAS at 0784-687991

BONGOLAND II - UCLA students to leave for Dar next week

2007-06-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

On Monday next week, 23 UCLA students will leave for Dar. They expect to be in Tanzania until July 25th. As you recall, some of these students (10) will work on the set of Bongoland II whose shoot is scheduled to start on July 4th to July 31st.

While in Tanzania, Mwalimu Katrina Thompson, who is also leading the team, will blog about their trip and experiences in Dar.

You can catch all the updates from this blog here.

More on UCLA Summer program...

BONGOLAND II - Meet Mama Thecla Mjatta - A veteran actress from Tanzania

2007-06-11T12:21:00.000-07:00

Thecla Mjatta is a veteran Tanzanian actress. She first stared acting when she was in Teacher’s Training College in Dar es Salaam. She became a household name in Tanzania performing for Radio Tanzania radio plays in the 70’s & 80’s. With the advent of television in Tanzania, she appeared in numerous TV productions. Thecla has also done many stage plays in Tanzania playing memorable characters.

Thecla has also done extensive film work. She was the possessed aunt in Arusi ya Mariamu, and played Zainabu, the wife of the zealous preacher who dies at her husband’s hands in Maangamizi the Ancient One. Most recently she has done work in the films, Mzee Mkude, Tumaini, and Simu ya Kifo.

In Bongoland II, Mama Thecla will play Juma's mom! For more information about our projects please visit our site. Click here

BONGOLAND II - Meet Deus-Alex Ntukamazina

2007-06-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

Another cast of Bongoland II.

Above, meet Mr. Deus-Alex Ntukamazina aka DANTU. Deus is a resident of Minneapolis but originally from Tanzania. This will be his debut role. He is very excited to be in the movie and looks forward to face the challange. His love for acting as well as excellent performance in the screen test convinced the movie producers that he will be a strong addition to the cast of Bongoland II.

In Minneapolis, Deus works as a Senior Purchase and Sales Analyst for a major Bank. In his spare time, he is pursuing his Masters in Business Administration.

Deus will play a supporting role as Juma's co-worker.

BONGOLAND - MAMA I'M COMING HOME - INNOCENT LIVE

2007-05-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Long before Bongo Flava - there was Innocent and he is still at it. Ino has produced over 5 albums. He is a Rasta man who has managed to produce music balancing both reggae and his Tanzanian roots.

His message is real and genuine, which you quickly pick up on when you talk to him. For example upon hearing his hit song "KILIMANJARO", one could think that the message is about the famous majestic mountain in Africa...but paying more attention you quickly realize that there is a heavy message with references to oppressive governments, corrupt officials and starving children. The song takes you to the highest mountain in Africa with visions of all atrocities going on underneath.

His true dedecation to the message of international injusticies and the unpriviledged people in the world, makes Ino rare breed.

His live performances are very refreshing since one can enjoy "real" music where people actually know how to play the musical instruments as opposed to rhyming words over a pre-arranged musical loop from a computer.

Along with a supporting cast of musicians, Ino has endured a test of time. He and Onesmo Kibira first started Les Exodus until they spun off to form INNOCENT. Onesmo and Ino have been performing together since they were teenagers in Dar es salaam few moons back.

Below: Onesmo

His songs have been featured in Bongoland and Tusamehe movies. Look for more Ino tunes in the upcoming Bongoland II this November.
SEE LIVE PERFORMANCE NOW

BONGOLAND II - JUMA FOUND!

2007-05-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

After an agonizing search, we are proud to announce that we found Juma. And here he is:
That’s right, Peter Omari will play Juma in our upcoming feature BONGOLAND II. If he looks familiar to you, it is because you saw him in TUSAMEHE in which he acted as pastor Makengele.

Peter now lives in Mwanza where he has full range of responsibilities including being a Programs Manager at KISS FM. He heads this Station with 70% English and 30% Swahili broadcasting format. KISS FM has transmitters sites in Mwanza (the Hub) on 88.7 FM, Dar es Salaam on 89.0 FM, Arusha on 89.9 FM, Mbeya on 88.2 FM, Iringa on 89.2 FM, Dodoma on 88.4 FM, Shinyanga on 96.4 Fm and Mororgoro on 90.2 FM. The station is absolute Entertainment Radio targeting urbun-youth audiance. It is a sister Radio of Radio Free Africa (RFA) and Star TV. Peter is married to Lucy Makongoro Omari.

Please join us to congratulate Peter!

THE MANY FACES OF PETER:

BONGOLAND - A comment from Ambassador Andrew Daraja - 2004

2007-05-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

This is a comment made by Hon. Andrew Daraja after screening Bongoland in 2004 in Minneapolis.
He was talking with Josiah Kibira who directed Bongoland.

BONGOLAND - Two Thumps Up! - Fredrick Sumaye

2007-05-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Last week we received two thumbs up from the former Prime Minister of Tanzania, Mr. Fredrick Sumaye after watching Bongoland. Dada Chemi Che Mponda, pictured here, is presenting the minister with our movies Tusamehe and Bongoland. http://www.kibirafilms.com/

After watching Bongoland, the former prime minister remarked that it was a very good movie and wishes that most people in Tanzania could see it…"especially the youth".
Chemi run into the Prime Minister in Cambridge Mass. where he is pursuing studies at Harvard University. Mr. Sumaye is Tanzania’s longest serving Prime Minister having served over 10 years.

Chemi Che Mponda is a veteran journalist/actress who has appeared in various movies in the United States and Tanzania. She is popularly known in Tanzania where she spent most of her adult life writing for the Daily News. She has appeared in Swahili movies such as Maangamizi and most recently Tusamehe as Mama Kurusumu. Look for Chemi in the upcoming Bongoland II to be filmed in Tanzania.

For more information about our upcoming projects visit www.kibirafilms.com

BONGOLAND II - Our crew in DAR - Meet Gervas Kasiga

2007-05-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

As we proceed with plans for this movie from this end (US) efforts are underway in Dar. There are individuals who are part of our crew and have been carrying on all tasks which we hope will make the production go smoothly.

All these efforts are headed by Gervas Kasiga who is assited by Anthony Kibira and Michuzi. (More on Anthony and Michuzi later)

We first met Gervas in April of 2006, when the Josiah (The director of Bongoland) was in Dar for the screening of Tusamehe at the invitation of the US Embassy in Tanzania. After the screening, Josiah was invited to visit the U of Dar's Film and Arts Students.

This is when he met Gervas. He is nicknamed Chuma and Junior (we don't know why but we did not ask). He has directed some major productions in Tanzania - "Fake Pastors" - which was produced by Ericom Productions. He was an Assistant Director on a flick called "Falcon Death" produced by Professor Daniel Boyld of West Virginia State Unuversity.

He was also a script writer for Fake Pastors, My Uncle, Neno, Njugu Mshale to list a few. He is also an actor and have acted in local Soap Operas - Dira and Gharika which air on ITV (Independent Television watched all over Tanzania)
Gervas just graduated from the University Of Dar with a degree in Fine and Performing Arts.

With such a long resume and infectious smile, we could not resist. He has been helping us with the casting and securing locations for the upcoming Bongoland II.

Incidentally, acting is perhaps in his blood because his cousins have been in our movies. Recall Shemeji in Bongoland, that was played by Mindi Kasiga and recall Yuni in Tusamehe - who was Salome's friend, that was played by Emma Kasiga who is also a cousin.
To contact Gervas please call - 784-687991

Please meet Gervas Kasiga.

Bongoland II - The countdown continues...where is Juma..

2007-05-09T10:49:00.000-07:00

We are counting down the days to Dar. Plans are proceeding as we anticipated. We have NOT found Juma but the search is still on. We have also applied for the permit to shoot the movie and we have yet to hear from "Wizarani" - The department which deal with the such applications.

Thanks for the continued interest. We have been asked this question..."Do you have to have seen Bongoland - the original movie to follow the upcoming Bongoland II?" And the answer is No.

Bongoland is a concept we are developing and each concept is a stand slone concept. But of course all these concept chronicle Juma's experiences. It is helpful to have the background of Juma's life in the United States...that way you will appreciate his reactions once he gets to Bongoland.

Having said that bear in mind that we are an independent outfit, we really depend on sales from our products...so your support is crucial. Our investment is in your interest so we thrive to bring you entertaining and relevant stories of life experiences wether here in the United States or in our native East Africa.

We also have posted trailers for both movies, thanks to YouTube,...this way you can see before you buy.

See the trailers from our site www.kibirafilms.com

Thanks and please as always - "Spread the Word, Tell the World"

TUSAMEHE - MOVIE TRAILER

2007-05-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Just in case you have never seen the movie trailer for Tusamehe...here it is:

BONGOLAND - ORIGINAL - MOVIE TRAILER

2007-05-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Bongoland - Original movie clip - Juma on a date

2007-04-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

See clip http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1847537123468485853

Buy Bongoland the original movie here:
http://www.kibirafilms.com/tusamehe/store.html

Bongoland II - No Juma yet?

2007-04-27T05:35:00.000-07:00

Tunashukuru sana kwa kutaka kujua matokeo ya uamuzi wa nani atakuwa Juma. Kusema kweli harakati za kujibu swali hili bado ziko mbioni. Hapa kuna picha zinazoonyesha harakati hizo zilizofanyika juma lililopita hapa mjini Minneapolis. Vinginevyo unaweza kupata habari zaidi kupitia kwenye site yetu

Thank you very much for the continued interest in the search for Juma. We are doing all we can to reach the final outcome. Please be assured that you will be informed as soon as the decision is made. Here are some images from last week's screen testing for Juma which took place in Minneapolis. Keep visiting our site for the most current info about our search and other Bongoland II production news.

Bongoland II - Where is Juma?

2007-04-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend we conducted screen tests for JUMA. The process went well and we were very impressed by the brave souls who dared to take on the challenge. We also want to thank those who made sacrifices to be at the event and forgo the enjoyment of a rare warm day in Minneapolis. Among the candidates we looked at, we know for sure that we finally have our "JUMA"...stay tuned!

In the end we noticed that in the process we were once again exposed to the untapped talent pool of actors from East Africa who go unnoticed by the world cinema. An incredible opportunity for us to develop and introduce such actors to a wider underserved audience. Limited exposure of such talents is a direct result of limited venues from which one can expose their talents. Our mission will continue to provide such rare avenues.

Please be assured that your continued support will enable us to cater to such talented actors as well as create movies which address issues which you care about. If not we are at the mercy of big Hollywood moguls who continue to define the "African" experiences through such movies as "Blood Diamonds, The Last King of Scotland or the Constant Gardner" etc as if this is what we are all about...

It is true...Arts imitates Life but if we leave it to others to define our art, our life will certainly be mis-represented artistically...

Otherwise, the countdown to Dar continues...

Bongoland II - Screen Tests in Minneapolis

2007-04-23T19:01:00.000-07:00

Honest, Deus and Maisara - Getting ready

Below: Honest and Deus getting ready.

Below: Honest Baitani and Peter getting ready.

Below: The crew getting ready

Below: Onesmo and Deus - getting last minutes instructions.

Below: Bongoland II crew getting ready

Sam Fischer - Director of Photography - Setting up

Peter Kapanga - Making a point

Josiah - Looking on.

Below: Chris - Asst Director checking out the shot image

Below Nam operating camera 2

Camera is rolling.

Below: Maisara and Peter

MINNEAPOLIS/ST PAUL INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST

2007-04-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

http://mspfilmfest.org/2007/

Going on tonite thru April 29th. Danny Glover in the house tonight.

Riverview3800 42nd Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55406

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JUMA.....

2007-04-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

We cannot find him and this is why this weekend on Saturday April 21 we are conducting a screen test.

A screen test of the would be Juma - the lead actor for the movie...Bongoland II. If you are game and think you can act here is the venue...Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis - the address is 27 EAST 31st Street. The screen test will start at 10:00 AM.

Please check our site for the updates on the outcome.

Also yesterday - there was the first crew meeting. We will let you know the crew make up once we complete the whole recruiting process. As of now we have a good team with people from Minneapolis, Florida, Canada, California and of course Dar-es-salaam in Tanzania.

Okay - I think this works...

2007-04-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

Okay!

So what have we been up to now...

2007-04-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

Just created this blog so that we give you updates on what is going on in the production of the movie Bongoland II - Nyumbani ni Nyumbani.

We have received many inquiries and we appreciate your interest.

As of now we are in the final stages of screen tests or casting and we hope to complete the whole process by the end of this week.

For more general information about the movie please visit our site www.kibirafilms.com