Welcome to the second Africa in Motion (AiM) film festival. After the massive success of last year's festival we bring you another fantastic programme of more than 30 brilliant films from all over the continent - features, documentaries and shorts - spanning more than half a century of filmmaking in Africa. You will see depictions of the expansive panoramas of rural Africa alongside the dense urban landscapes of modern Africa, experience the richness and diversity of African histories, cultures and traditions, and hear stories of struggles and victories - told with humour, passion and creativity.

AiM 2007 is dedicated to the memory of Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene, often hailed as "the father of African cinema", who passed away in June this year at the age of 84. A highly political artist, his films were often fired by anger at injustice but were also comic, moving and beautifully crafted. We are screening two of his greatest films - Xala (the opening film of the festival) and Black Girl.

The festival has three further thematic strands: The Bicentenary of the Abolition of the British Slave Trade is celebrated by a number of screenings and other events; AiM has a spotlight on Ghana to mark 50 years of independence from Britain; and we have a focus on women directors - a not-to-be missed opportunity to see three pioneering classics and the UK premieres of two contemporary films by female filmmakers.

Several directors will be in attendance to talk to audiences after screenings, and brief introductions before screenings will put the films in context. A range of talks and discussions will further enhance screenings. Filmhouse café bar will host performances by African musicians and an exhibition by internationally acclaimed Nigerian cartoonist Tayo Fatunla. Books, posters and DVDs will be for sale in the foyer for the duration of the festival.

Tickets will go on sale on Friday, 21 September. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Endorsements:
Midge Ure: "Live Aid was an entertainment format that was used to highlight the humanitarian issues in Africa through music. Now, through Africa in Motion some great African filmmakers are being given a long overdue opportunity to screen their work and tell their own thought-provoking and innovative stories about Africa".