Art Events
The creative industries sector accounts for 7% of the world’s GDP (according to the International Trade Centre). Creativity is key to innovation, and a driver for sustainability and prosperity, and that's why the Festival also features art that transcends boundaries. Here you will find work created by and focussed on women, young people, and members of indigenous and diaspora communities around the world.
From films, to conversations with filmmakers, authors and artists, to visual art and virtual gallery walk-throughs, you're sure to find something to inspire, stimulate and delight! Some work is available on demand, and some sessions are being held live. Dip into the on-demand activities from 18 October, and register NOW for live events, all by clicking on the sessions below.
Art Events
Music: a bridge to the African diaspora community
19-Oct-21 | A musician and a radio broadcaster discuss the power of music to build a bridge between diaspora communities (in this case, African) and the countries of their birth.
Beauty Rich & Rare: Australian digital art in the Smithsonian
18-Oct-21 | The creator of Australia's first ever exhibition in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History , Anthony Bastic, and its promoter, Trena Blair, discuss "Beauty Rich & Rare".
In conversation: Dr Sindiwe Magona, author of "Mother to Mother"
18-Oct-21 | Dr Sindiwe Magona writes in both English and isiXhosa. She is a prolific author, an educator and an activist. Here Dr Magona discusses her novel and screenplay for the powerful "Mother to Mother", featured in this year's Festival.
In conversation with Richard Wicksteed, filmmaker
18-Oct-21 | Richard Wicksteed, an independent documentary filmmaker based in Cape Town, discusses his career and his work with the San communities of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. (Richard's beautiful, "Sandance" is featured in this year's Festival).
HUMAN Vol 1
18-Oct-21 | HUMAN is a beautifully-filmed collection of stories and images of our world, offering an immersion to the core of what it means to be human. Through these stories full of love and happiness, as well as hatred and violence, HUMAN brings us face to face with the Other, making us reflect on our lives.
HUMAN Vol 2
19-Oct-21 | HUMAN is a collection of stories and images of our world, offering an immersion to the core of what it means to be human. Through these stories full of love and happiness, as well as hatred and violence, HUMAN brings us face to face with the Other, making us reflect on our lives.
HUMAN Vol 3
19-Oct-21 | HUMAN is a collection of stories and images of our world, offering an immersion to the core of what it means to be human. Through these stories full of love and happiness, as well as hatred and violence, HUMAN brings us face to face with the Other, making us reflect on our lives.
Mother to Mother
18-Oct-21 | The lament of the mother of a killer, in which she reaches out, and tries to ease the pain of the mother whose daughter her son has murdered. This powerful documentary delves into the root cause of violence in disenfranchised people.
Sandance!
18-Oct-21 | SanDance! is a documentary covering the age-old dance culture of southern Africa’s San peoples. Beautifully filmed in Namibia and Botswana, SanDance! immerses viewers in the trance healing dance that lies at the heart of San culture, and performed at the Kuru Dance Festival in Botswana.
Sides of a Horn
18-Oct-21 | From Executive Producer, Sir Richard Branson, Sides of a Horn is the first film to tell the story of Africa’s poaching war from both sides: that of poacher and ranger. The film is based on actual events and filmed in one of the communities most directly impacted by wildlife crime.
Tribal Muse: extraordinary photographs of the "Avant Garde" of Ethiopia
18-Oct-21 | This collection of remarkable portraits by Macedonian-Australian photographer, Biljana Jurukovski, homes in on the beauty of the Ethiopian Surma tribe—and more specifically, the Suri.
In conversation with Biljana Juruskovski, photographer
18-Oct-21 | Biljana Jurukovski, a Macedonian Australian award-winning photographer talks about the people and diverse and beautiful expressions of different cultures that have inspired her work, including "Tribal Muse", featured in this year's Festival.
Case study: Himalayan Decor Rugs (Nepal)
18-Oct-21 | Himalayan Decor Rugs produces beautiful hand-knotted carpets high in the Himalayas.
New perspectives for people, art & Country
28-Oct-21 | We examine the need to facilitate new, stable platforms that promote, celebrate and support cultural maintenance, allow Indigenous leadership to thrive, and feature strong participation and economic opportunities for Indigenous people.
In conversation with Sristi Joshi Malla, glass artist
18-Oct-21 | True to her name, which translates to ‘creation’ in Sanskrit, this Nepalese artist has excelled in the field of glass art. In conversation we explore her work, motivation and inspiration.
The glass art of Sristi Joshi Malla, Nepal
18-Oct-21 | Sristi Joshi Malla is the first stained glass artist in Nepal, and the first female glass cutter. This is her jewel-like work!
Identity: Yours, mine, ours
18-Oct-21 | What does it mean to belong and not belong in Australia? Through personal stories and compelling images, find connections with others and challenge the assumptions we make about each other every day.
The Unending Absence
18-Oct-21 | Imagine the world of migration from an alternative point of view, through sound.
Collaboration for inclusion & growth in fashion
26-Oct-21 | A leading Australian plus size clothing brand and an esteemed Aboriginal fashion artist discuss their upcoming collaboration on a new range.
Mother to Mother - bringing the stage play to the screen
21-Oct-21 | In conversation, we explore the process of bringing the documentary, Mother to Mother, to the screen. We speak to the film's producer, as well as the producer of the stage play in a fascinating glimpse into the artistic mind.
Sanctums ZA: Lockdown 2021
21-Oct-21 | South Africa has been in a declared "State of Disaster" since March 2020. Gardens have become people's sanctums.