The Cascade Festival of African Films view film as a medium for artistic expression and illumination.
Building community and encouraging open, honest dialogue by bringing people together to view African films, meet African filmmakers, participate in after-film discussions, and debate issues of personal and global significance are conversations that connect us.
Festival symposium with director Jan Haaken and Sierra Leonean women panelist (2002) by Courtesy of Mary Holmström, CFAF Founding MemberCascade Festival Of African Films
Reflection & Representation
Women of the Sierra Leonean Portland community share experiences and discussions around filmmaker Jan Haaken's theme women, war, and the global economy.
"I AM Samuel" 33rd film festival panel (2023) by CFAF 33rd Community Film PanelCascade Festival Of African Films
Community voices
Co-director Aviva McClure leads "I Am Samuel" after film community panel discussion with African fashion designer Jean Pierre Nugloze and PDX Q Center Executive Director Ian D. Morton.
Directors presenting their films come from many countries: Senegal, South Africa, Chad, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Uruguay, Egypt, Uganda, African countries, Rwanda, Mozambique, Malawi, Morocco, Ethiopia, and more.
Nollywood for Beginners Symposium
Panelist Dr. Okome and Nigerian filmmakers Kenneth Gyang and Chika Anadu discuss Nollywood cinema.
The award wining Nigerian film director and producer Izu Ojukwu, presents after film discussion at opening night of CFAF 28th festival.
Still of CFAF audience members during after film discussion (2018) by Photographer Soraya BensonCascade Festival Of African Films
Audience member in dialogue with guest director Izu Ojukwu.
Mic Crenshaw and Director Nganji Murtiri hosted Conversion (2023-02-17) by CFAF Director After Film DiscussionCascade Festival Of African Films
Mic Crenshaw (world class MC, poet, educator, and political activist) engages in a conversation with Congolese filmmaker Nganji Mutiri around our festival theme of Beauty and Complexities: the human experience —with the screening of "Juwaa".
Connecting with directors during the various festivals have manifested in different forms, from in-person to available technical medias.
Festival director Tracy Francis (2016-2021) in conversation/interview with Manele Labidi director of "Arab Blues."
Festival director Tracy Francis (2016-2021) in conversation/interview with Angola film director Fradique (Mário Bastos)of Air Conditioner.
Co-director Eugenie Jolivet Fontana interviews “Burkinabé” directors Carla Fonseca Mokgata and Nthato Mokgata on the joint workings of being multidisciplinary artists in film.
Burkinabé, screened at 33rd festival (2019) by Courtesy of Teka FilmsCascade Festival Of African Films
Voices of a rising cinema
The festival continues to offer a platform for the rising voices of filmmakers in Africa and the diaspora.
