2011 is the International Year of Peoples of African Descent, as declared by the United Nations. In celebration, the 18th edition of the New York African Film Festival presents a showcase of works that speak to the realities of Africa and the Diaspora. Through the exhibition of works by filmmakers and other visual and performing artists, as well as presentations by critics, scholars and master chefs, festival participants will witness the reinvention of Africa through the movement of its people across the globe.

The programs of AFF are made possible by the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, JPMorgan Chase, New York State Council on the Arts, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, International Organization of La Francophonie, Divine Chocolate, Continental Airlines, Domenico Paulon Foundation, New York Foundation for the Arts, American Express, New York Times Community Affairs Department, Bradley Family Foundation , South African Consulate General, French Cultural Services, Bloomberg, Broadway Cares, Lambent Foundation, Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies and Center for African Education, WNYC, 57 Main St. Wine Company, Putumayo World Music, Websignia, Africa.com, and Omnipak Import Enterprises, Inc.