"It's important to promote African culture and challenge misconceptions through cinema," Senegalese film producer Souleymane Kebe, whose film "Banel and Adama" was featured at the opening of the Festival of African Culture and Cinema in Moscow, told Sputnik Africa.
Speaking at the event, Kebe said the festival provides a unique platform for African filmmakers to present a more nuanced and authentic narrative about Africa.
"I think it's important to talk about culture, wherever the place is. And I think it's symbolic to do it here, right now," Kebe remarked. "For us, it's an opportunity to show our film, to show how Africa is a good place, a nice place, and a place to be. We need to change the mindset of people who think about Africa."
The festival aims to foster cultural exchange between Russia and the African continent. Kebe expressed hope that such events could lead to further collaboration between the two regions.
"Maybe we can start a new collaboration between Russia and Africa and Senegal. It’s time to make this kind of deal," Kebe said.
Kebe also highlighted the growing strength of African cinema, despite past financial challenges. He said it's important to make films that resonate emotionally with global audiences, regardless of cultural differences.
"Emotion will travel around the world," Kebe said, hoping that films like "Banel and Adama", set in Senegal, will evoke the same emotions for international audiences as they do for those at home.