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International Independent Film Festival
Geneva
17– 26.01.2025

Encounter and round tables

The cinematic experience provokes discussions. So that these can continue to be embodied and shared with the public, the Black Movie Festival is organizing a series of four round tables as well as two exceptional conversations. The first will be held online with one filmmaker close to our hearts: Wang Bing. The second one, with the member of European Parliament and activist Rima Hassan.
Surviving Prison questions freedom and resilience through the poignant story of César Fierro, a former death row inmate. With Showing Gaza, Against Erasure, the artists question the role of images in the face of oblivion. Discovering Nollywood sheds light on the challenges and vitality of the world’s second-largest film industry, the voice of a plural Africa. Finally, in a world where the textile industry destroys, The Future of Fashion explores solutions for sustainable fashion, inspired by the films of Wang Bing.
These encounters bring together testimonies, expertise and stories to explore the issues raised by the films, bringing together cinema and the contemporary world.

Free admission.

Surviving Prison

Participants:

César Fierro (ex death row inmate)

Santiago Esteinou, director of La libertad de Fierro

Sandra Babcock, César Fierro’s lawyer

Moderation:

Amiel Guyot (antiprison activist)

After four decades on death row, César Fierro is released. But what is it like to return to the world? Can you get back to the life you had before you had to take a break forty years ago? After Los Años de Fierro, director Santiago Esteinou is back with César Fierro in La libertad de Fierro. This intimate documentary explores a fundamental question: what is freedom? How do you relearn to live and reintegrate into the world, how do you heal the invisible after-effects of imprisonment? A touching and fascinating discussion, where films and personal accounts explore resilience and the human condition.



In partnership with emp’ACT 

With the support of the city of Geneva 

Thanks to the Fédération genevoise de coopération 

Practical Info

Fonction:Cinéma  
Sunday 19.01.2025 18:30 Free admission

Showing Gaza, Against Erasure

Participants:

Kegham Djeghalian, artist conceptor of Photo Kegham of Gaza: Unboxing

Rashid Masharawi and Laura Nikolov, co-producucers of From Ground Zero

A member from Palestine Filmer C’est Exister

Moderation:

Louis Viladent, journalist

In the face of media and historical erasure, Gaza survives through its artists. Thanks to films such as those compiled by From Ground Zero, the archival work of the Photo Kegham of Gaza: Unboxing, and the commitment of “Palestine Filmer C'est Exister”, art is documenting and fighting back. Palestinian culture survives and asserts itself as a living memory and an act of resistance. An essential dialogue on the power of images to fight against oblivion and defend dignity.



Practical Info

Fonction:Cinéma  
Monday 20.01.2025 18:30 Free admission

Discovering Nollywood

Participants:

James Amuta, director of Black Harvest

Kayode Kasum, director of Áfàméfùnà

Moderation :

Djia Mambu (consultant for Africa)

Nollywood is the world's second-largest film industry in terms of volume. With around 2,500 films produced each year, this sector represents around 2.3% of Nigeria's GDP. But what does this “Nollywood” label really mean? Often seen as simplistic, this label conceals a varied and booming production. This round table will look at the complex issues behind this film industry. As well as producing popular films, Nollywood is also establishing itself as a key player in the representation of Africa in global culture and in the film market. A discussion to better understand an industry in the throes of change.



In partnership with emp’ACT 

With the support of the city of Geneva 

Thanks to the Fédération genevoise de coopération 

Practical Info

Fonction:Cinéma  
Wednesday 22.01.2025 18:30 Free admission

The Future of Fashion

Participants:

Micha Rojkov, founder of Histoire Sans Chute

Auret Van Heerden, founder and CEO of Equiception

Moderation:

Carole Extermann, journalist

The textile industry, one of the most polluting ones in the world, is at the heart of the debate. How can we imagine sustainable and ethical fashion? Echoing Wang Bing's films Youth (Hard Times) and Youth (Homecoming), which explore the working conditions and struggles of young people in China's textile industry, this round-table discussion looks at the transformation of fashion. Starting in Switzerland and Geneva, how can we reduce consumption and extend the life of clothing to encourage environmentally-friendly practices? Through the testimonies of committed players, we will work together to find solutions for responsible and respectful fashion.



In partnership with emp’ACT 

With the support of the city of Geneva 

Thanks to the Fédération genevoise de coopération 

Practical Info

Fonction:Cinéma  
Thursday 23.01.2025 18:30 Free admission

Conversation with Wang Bing

Moderation:

Bastian Meiresonne, consultant for Asia

Ten years after his first visit and masterclass in 2015, Wang Bing is back at the Black Movie Festival to exchange about his work in an online conversation. A major figure in contemporary documentary, he is back with his two latest works: Youth (Hard Times) and Youth (Homecoming). After Youth (Spring) (2023), the director completes a trilogy lasting almost ten hours, devoted to the daily lives of young Chinese workers. These films, with their rare power, capture with humanity the hopes and disillusions of an entire generation, trapped in an oppressive system. The characteristic length of Wang Bing's works reflects his commitment to revealing the depths of time and human realities that are often invisible. This meeting offers an exceptional opportunity to meet the director and better understand the scope of his work and his vision of cinema.



Practical Info

Cinéma Spoutnik  
Saturday 25.01.2025 17:00 Free admission

Conversation with Rima Hassan - SOLD OUT

Moderation :

Rania Madi, lawyer and UN representative for Badil, Resource Centre for Palestinian Resident and Refugee Rights

Of Franco-Palestinian origin, Rima Hassan will talk about her activist career during this special event. Known for her commitment to the Palestinian people and her denunciation of the crimes committed by the Israeli army in Gaza and elsewhere, she worked for the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons before founding the Observatory of Refugee Camps in 2019.

Her feminist and humanitarian commitment, rooted in a fight for justice and human rights, will be at the heart of this discussion. Elected as a Member of the European Parliament in the summer of 2024, she will share her unique experience and the challenges she faces in the media and institutions. An essential meeting to discuss the necessary fight for human rights.



Practical Info

Meg Auditorium  
Saturday 25.01.2025Sold Out
Doors open19:30
Start20:00
Reservation needed, limited to two places per person.   Panier