Short ?lms depict diaspora

Some study the intricacies of the African diaspora as an academic subject, but one film series will work the matter into a relaxing lunchtime discussion.

“It’s a ‘chill-out’ time,” said Ursula Littlejohn, program coordinator of the Sonja Haynes Stone Center, which hosts the 2009 Hekima Film Discussion Series.

“We hope it will be a small oasis in the middle of a hectic day,” she said.

The event’s first short film, “Kwame,” chronicles the struggles of an exiled former Ghanian Army captain living in Los Angeles.

Organizers expect the screening and discussion to last an hour.

The series consists of two other short films about the dislocation, relocation and diaspora of Africans. Lunch will be provided at all showings.

All three films are short — the longest runs 27 minutes — and all were discovered on the film festival circuit.

The Stone Center also offers additional film series, such as the Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film.

Littlejohn said that she and some of the Stone Center staff often have their own lunch and discussion while reviewing potential film selections.

Stone Center Director Joseph Jordan said he scouted out films at festivals such as the Hollywood Black Film Festival and the Washington, D.C., African Diaspora Film Series.

“We want to have a good amount of documentary material that allows faculty, students and staff a different perspective based on research,” he said.

Littlejohn has reached out to pertinent student and academic groups, such as the Black Student Movement and Organization of African Students’ Interests and Solidarity, as well as the Latina/o Studies program.

“For you to engage with other people and view films from a different culture or ethnic background opens your mind in a different way,” she said.

Jordan said he hopes the event makes an impact on the community.

“I’m hoping they come with questions and ideas, and I hope they leave with the same thing,” he said. “If we’re really good, I hope they leave with some answers.”


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