The Best of ADIFF 2025: A Global Journey Through Cinema During MLK Weekend

Following its 33rd edition that showcased a selection of over 70 films, ADIFF is proud to present its traditional "Best of ADIFF" encore series

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, January 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Following a landmark 33rd edition that showcased a powerful selection of over 70 films from more than 30 countries, the African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) is proud to present its traditional "Best of ADIFF" encore series. Held during Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, January 16–18, 2026, at Teachers College, Columbia University, this curated series brings back the films that resonated most deeply with tri-state area audiences.

“The audience response to these films confirms the importance of cinema that is both politically grounded and formally daring,” said ADIFF Co-Director Dr. Reinaldo B. Spech. “This selection invites audiences to engage with vital narratives of resistance, identity, the enduring human spirit across the global diaspora, and the artistic creativity of cinema”.

Festival Highlights: Legacy, Discovery, and Excellence

ADIFF and African-American Filmmakers: A Tradition of Independent Voices: Since its inception, ADIFF has remained dedicated to providing a premier platform for independent African-American filmmakers. The 33rd annual festival continued this legacy by opening with the New York Premiere of The Dutchman, directed by Andre Gaines, a surreal cinematic reinterpretation of Amiri Baraka’s explosive 1964 play. This is the latest in a long history of landmark films championed by the festival, including Haile Gerima’s Sankofa (1993), Joe Brewster’s The Keeper, Bernie Casey’s The Diner, Giancarlo Esposito’s Gospel Hill, and Deon Taylor’s Supremacy. The current limited theatrical release of The Dutchman stands as a testament to ADIFF's ongoing commitment to elevating independent voices.

Building on this tradition, the "Best of ADIFF" presents the independent feature Can You Stand the Rain (Dir. Eden Marryshow) on Saturday, January 17, at 8:00 PM. This evocative film follows old friends who reunite in the wake of a loss, forcing them to navigate the delicate space between buried dreams and the possibility of renewal. The screening will conclude with an intimate Q&A session with the filmmaker.

Opening Night: The Visual Heritage of The Eyes of Ghana: The series opens on Friday, January 16, at 7:00 PM, with the celebrated documentary The Eyes of Ghana (Dir. Ben Proudfoot, USA/Ghana). Executive produced by Barack and Michelle Obama, the film is a lyrical tribute to 93-year-old film pioneer Chris Hesse. Commissioned by Kwame Nkrumah to capture the birth of a nation, Hesse now races against time to restore a vanishing national archive, offering a poignant look at the vital role of the moving image in preserving a people's memory.

Afrofuturist Visions: "Sugar Island" (Dominican Republic): A highlight of the series is the presentation of the ADIFF 2025 Best Film Directed by a Woman of Color award to Johanné Gómez Terrero. Her film, Sugar Island, is a masterpiece of magical realism that follows a teenager in the sugarcane fields who is ushered into an Afrofuturist reckoning with identity through ritual and performance. Ms. Gómez Terrero will be present to receive her award and join the audience for a special Q&A.

Centennial Reflections: The Intellectual Journeys of Fanon and Malcolm X: ADIFF invites audiences to reflect on the 100th anniversary of global icons Frantz Fanon and Malcolm X. This program explores their legacies through a cinematic lens:

• Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work: An intimate documentary by Cheikh Djemaï that provides a revealing portrait of the psychiatrist and philosopher.

• Fanon: A lush biographical drama by Jean-Claude Barny that depicts Fanon’s transformative years in Blida, Algeria, during the 1950s.

Global Discovery: The Rhythm of Dammam (India): The series highlights the unique history of the African Diaspora in India with The Rhythm of Dammam. This powerful drama focuses on the Siddi community, whose family rituals and traditional Dammam music are used to address inter-generational trauma. Director Jayan Cherian will participate in a post-screening Q&A.

Full "Best of ADIFF" Schedule

• The Eyes of Ghana | Dir. Ben Proudfoot | Ghana/USA

• Males | Dir. Antonio Pitanga | Brazil

• Pan-African Legacy: Malcolm X / Frantz Fanon (Double Feature) | Includes Malcolm X: Struggle for Freedom by Lebert Bethune and Frantz Fanon: His Life, His Struggle, His Work by Cheikh Djemaï | USA/France/Algeria

• Fanon | Dir. Jean-Claude Barny | Guadeloupe/France/Algeria

• Can You Stand the Rain (+ Q&A) | Dir. Eden Marryshow | USA

• Foreign Body | Dir. Raja Amari | Tunisia/France

• The Rhythm of Dammam (+ Q&A) | Dir. Jayan Cherian | USA/India

• Sugar Island (+ Q&A) | Dir. Johanné Gómez Terrero | Dominican Republic/Spain — Shown with short film Candombe (Dir. Rafael Deugenio, Uruguay)

Venue & Ticket Information: Screenings will take place at Teachers College, Columbia University. For tickets and more information, visit www.nyadiff.org.

PRESS CONTACT: Diarah N’Daw-Spech African Diaspora International Film Festival Tel: 212-864-1760 | Email: pr@nyadiff.org

Diarah N'Daw-Spech
African Diaspora International Film Festival
+1 212-864-1760
email us here

Best Of ADIFF 2025 - January 16 - 18, 2026

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