Black Europe Film Festival

Black Diaspora in Short Form + Q&A with Directors

Friday, January 31 • 2:00pm • Tickets: FREE

The Black experience in Europe is often marked by a longing for belonging—a longing that becomes painful when community feels unattainable. The realities of Black life leave their imprint on gestures and faces, and the labor of being a foreigner in one’s own home country is vividly expressed in bodies and movements (A Mother’s Body). At times, the only relief comes through memory and fantasy, sparked by the scent of familiar foods (Burnt Milk) or unexpected encounters (Nha Mila). Yet, this connection to the past is never a withdrawal from the present. Young people, especially, are unwavering in their pursuit of futures defined by home, creativity, and community (Dogfriend and I Am Afro-Greek).

This short film program is followed by a virtual conversation with directors Adeola Naomi Aderemi (I Am Afro-Greek) and Joseph Douglas Elmhirst (Burnt Milk).

ABOUT THE FILMS

I Am Afro-Greek (Greece • 2022 • Greek • 20 min • Director: Adeola Naomi Aderemi)

This powerful documentary delves into the lives of Afro-Greeks, a community often marginalized and perceived as outsiders within Greek society. Through intimate interviews and evocative storytelling, the film explores critical themes of racism, identity, and cultural memory while celebrating Afrodescendant resilience, strength, and creativity.

Burnt Milk (Jamaica, United States, United Kingdom • 2023 • Patois, English • 9 min • Director: Joseph Douglas Elmhirst)

1985 suburban London. Una, a nurse in a maternity ward, recalls her past life in Jamaica through a spiritual journey sparked by cooking a traditional dessert, "burnt milk."

Nha Mila (Switzerland, Portugal • 2020 • Crioulo, Portuguese • 19 min • Director: Denise Fernandes)

After 14 years away from Cape Verde, Salomé returns to visit her dying brother. During a layover in Portugal, she reconnects with Águeda, a childhood friend, leading her on a spiritual journey.

A Mother's Body (Sweden • 2021 • Swedish • 9 min • Director: Jonelle Twum)

An intimate portrayal of two women hotel cleaners from a daughter's perspective. The daughter reflects on how labor affects their bodies and relationship to time.

Dogfriend (Germany • 2022 • German • 18 min • Director: Maissa Lihedheb)

A passionate date in Germany spirals into a frenetic conversation about homosexuality, Nazis, bigotry, and racism.

ABOUT THE DIRECTORS

Adeola Naomi Aderemi is a Nigerian-Greek raised in Niger, Nigeria, and Greece and is currently living between west Africa and Western Europe. Adeola is a multilingual, multi-local, and multi-format creative, scholar, policy analyst, yoga therapist, and holistic healer.

Joseph Douglas Elmhirst is a British-Jamaican filmmaker based in New York. His directorial debut MADA (2020) was critically acclaimed, receiving an Honorary Mention for Narrative Short at Slamdance & Deep Focus Film Festival as well as being included in the Jamaican Biennial, screened at The National Gallery of Jamaica and the American Embassy in Jamaica. Burnt Milk premiered at the Venice Biennale in the British Pavillion in 2023.

This special free short film program is made possible by the generous support of The Center for German and European Studies at the University of Minnesota, the American Swedish Institute, and MSP Film's Images of Africa Film Series.

ABOUT - BLACK EUROPE FILM FESTIVAL

The Black Europe Film Festival of Minneapolis/St. Paul is a groundbreaking celebration of Afro-European cinema, debuting in the Twin Cities from January 30 to February 2, 2025. Rooted in community collaboration and anti-racist organizing, BEFF MSP brings you a dynamic lineup of documentaries, fiction films, and shorts by Europe’s most acclaimed Afro-descendant filmmakers. This festival offers a space for artists to showcase their work and foster connections across the global Black diaspora and the international film community. At its core, BEFF MSP recognizes the intertwined legacies of racism, colonialism, and displacement while celebrating the vibrancy, creativity, and resilience of Black filmmakers. These artists challenge stereotypes, redefine narratives, and envision worlds beyond the limits imposed by whiteness, amplifying an authentic vision of Black Europe and Black Europeans. The festival experience is enriched by masterclasses, filmmaker encounters, workshops, lectures, and artist residencies, creating opportunities for learning, connection, and joy. Join us to celebrate the power of storytelling and the boundless creativity of Afro-European cinema while engaging diverse audiences, communities, and youth.