This is Monrovia!

Bastille Day Celebration 2009, Monrovia, Liberia

2009-07-04T22:30:00.005Z

A cultural and entertaining day for the whole family!

Monrovia City Hall, Saturday July 11, 2009 – Entrance free

3:00pm - OPENING
Opening remarks by His Excellency, Jacques Gerard, French Ambassador in Liberia

3:30pm - PLAY
“Domestic quarrel”, a Liberian adaptation of Jean Poiret’s play “Joyeuses Pâques”, directed by Magali Miniac
A couple, a lie and some guests…A French comedy performed by 8 non-professional comedians: F. Bomin, T. Coope, F. Keïta, R. Kenfack, J. Luis, D. Ngosso, J. Nyangbe, J. Oye
French Language

4:45pm - EXHIBITION
Opening of the Liberian Artists Exhibition coordinated by Leslie Lumeh
Various art works by seven Liberian artists including A. Leslie Lumeh, David Wolobah, Lucia Lawson-Randoph, Cyrus Cooper, Amos Boyce, Isaac Dourbor, Duke Appleton

Exhibition organized in partnership with the ART OF THE HEART GALLERY and opens from 2pm to 6pm

6:30pm - SCREENING
Shooting Stars#6: Screening of DRUM – Grand Prize FESPACO, 2005 & Best South African Feature Film, Durban festival, 2005
This South African movie directed by Zola Maseko, presents the dramatized life of Henry Nxumalo. This investigative journalist worked for the magazine Drum, a real media weapon during apartheid years.
English version with French Subtitles

Opening remarks by His Excellency, Jacques Gerard, French Ambassador in Liberia
& Peter M. Quaqua, President of the Press Union of Liberia

Shooting Stars#6 is organized in partnership with the Liberian Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism

Thanks to your sponsors: AGS, Total, Renault et President

Shooting stars#6: DRUM

2009-07-04T22:23:00.004Z

Directed by Zola Maseko
South- Africa
Color/2004
English version with French Subtitles

Grand Prize FESPACO, 2005 & Best South African Feature Film, Durban festival, 2005

This South African movie presents the dramatized life of Henry Nxumalo. This investigative journalist worked for the magazine Drum, a real media weapon during apartheid years.

Comedians at work

2009-07-04T21:39:00.005Z

“Domestic quarrel”, a Liberian adaptation of Jean Poiret’s French comedy “Joyeuses Pâques”, directed by Magali Miniac and performed by 8 non-professional comedians: F. Bomin, T. Coope, F. Keïta, R. Kenfack, J. Luis, D. Ngosso, J. Nyangbe, J. Oye

Shooting Stars # 4 - Save the date!

2009-06-08T21:13:00.004Z

Screening of "Sarraounia"

Directed by Med Hondo
Mauritania
1986 / Color
French version with English subtitles
Yennenga Stallion, Fespaco 1987
Entrance free

Friday 26th of June at 11:00am
AME ZION University
Monrovia - Liberia

Synopsis
An old man in an African village asks his friend to look after his daughter. The foster father teaches her how to use a gun, the harsh realities of life and how to communicate with the spirits. Grown into a woman, Sarraounia becomes Queen of the Aznas. This Queen does not seek to dominate, but fights for independence and peace.

About "Shooting Stars"
“Shooting Stars” is a series of screenings of award winning films of FESPACO - the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - organized by the NGO T.I.M (This is Monrovia!) and Universities in Monrovia (African Methodist Episcopal University, AME Zion University, Stella Maris Polytechnic, United Methodist University and University of Liberia).

Since 1969, FESPACO has been focusing on African films and filmmakers to promote continental cinema and to "contribute to its expansion and development as a means of expression, education and awareness-raising". In this light, we have selected 3 award winning Festival masterpieces to give Liberian students an opportunity to see movies from West Africa Countries and to promote exchanges and debates.

These non-commercial screenings are organized in partnership with the French Embassy in Liberia and the Liberian Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Next screening
Friday 3rd of July at 4:30pm - University of Liberia

Shooting Stars # 3 - Participants and team

2009-06-08T19:33:00.005Z

Ramatu Tor, T.I.M volunteer

Magali Miniac (T.I.M volunteer) and Dr Herman B.Browne, Vice President - AMEU

(Students, Deans of Student Affairs, Teachers, French Ambassador, T.I.M Legal representative, etc.)

Shooting Stars # 3 - Audience

2009-06-08T18:31:00.007Z

Shooting Stars # 3 - Buud Yam

2009-05-26T18:46:00.012Z

Screening of "Buud Yam"
Directed by Gaston J-M Kaboré
Burkina Faso 1997 / Color
Original version with English subtitles
Yennenga’s Stallion, Fespaco 1997
Entrance free

Friday 5th of June at 1:00pm

African Methodist Episcopal University

Camp Johnson Road - Monrovia

Synopsis

Wend Kuuni was found half dead in the bush when he was child and was adopted by a family. Although he is taken in by the village community, he continues to be treated like an outsider. Family life is tranquil until the day Pughneere - his adoptive sister – falls gravely ill. Wend Kuuni sets off in search of a legendary healer to save his sister from death. He leaves his village and embarks on a rite of initiation that will lead him to his own roots.

About "Shooting Stars"

“Shooting Stars” is a series of screenings of award winning films of FESPACO, the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso organized by the NGO T.I.M (This is Monrovia!) and Universities in Monrovia (African Methodist Episcopal University, AME Zion University, Stella Maris Polytechnic, United Methodist University and University of Liberia)

Since 1969, FESPACO has been focusing on African films and filmmakers to promote continental cinema and to "contribute to its expansion and development as a means of expression, education and awareness-raising". In this light, we have selected 3 award winning Festival masterpieces to give Liberian students an opportunity to see movies from West Africa Countries and to promote exchanges and debates.

These non-commercial screenings are organized in partnership with the French Embassy in Liberia and the Liberian Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Next screenings

Friday 26th of June at 11:00am - AME ZION University

Friday 3rd of July at 4:30pm - University of Liberia

Shooting Stars # 2

2009-04-20T21:46:00.005Z

This second screening of Shooting Stars will take place at the Liberia Dujar Association School in Gardnersville, Monrovia on Saturday 25th April at 1.30pm with “Djeli” directed by the Ivoirian filmmaker Fadika Kramo-Lanciné. The screening will be followed by a debate.

This non-commercial screening is shown in partnership with 3 French Clubs in Monrovia: “Profali” of the Liberia Dujar Association School, “La Sagesse” of the Henri Wilmot Dennis United Methodist High School and “UL” of the University of Liberia in order to promote cross-institutional exchanges and debates.

Djeli, Conte d’aujourd’hui
De / Directed by Fadika Kramo-Lanciné
Côte d’Ivoire / Ivory Cost
92 mn, 1981, Couleur / Color
Français avec sous-titres en anglais / French version with English subtitles
Production : Dubass Film Production

Résumé:
Deux étudiants ivoiriens, Fanta et Karamoko, s’aiment et nourrissent des projets de mariage. Nés dans le même village, leurs parents respectifs se connaissent bien. Mais Karamoko Kouyaté, fils de griot, ne peut épouser Fanta, fille d’un descendant direct des illustres familles du Mandingue. Malgré un environnement en pleine mutation, les deux familles s’opposent au mariage de leurs enfants pour maintenir la tradition.

Synopsis:
Two Ivoirian students, Fanta and Karamoko, are in love and talking about marriage. Both were born in the same village and their respective parents know each other well. Yet Karamoko Kouyaté, the son of a griot (wandering poet and musician), cannot Marry Fanta, the daughter of a direct descendant of the illustrious families of the Mandigo. Despite their fast-changing world, the two families oppose the marriage of their children in the name of tradition.

Entrée Gratuite / Entrance free

Récompenses / Awards:
Etalon de Yennenga, Fespaco 1981

This project is organized in partnership with the French Embassy in Liberia and the Liberian Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Please make sure you book with us at least 24 hours in advance of the screening so that we add your name to the list at the entrance (thisismonrovia@hotmail.com)

Entrance is free but booking is essential.

How to get there and more information

thisismonrovia@hotmail.com

Cell : 06 66 93 47 (Aude Urcun-Pichet)

Cell : 06 30 57 51 (Magali Miniac)

Fespaco website: http://www.fespaco.bf/
France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/

Shooting Stars # 1

2009-03-29T14:50:00.013Z

“Shooting Stars” is a series of 6 screenings of award winning films of FESPACO, the Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The screenings will take place at 6 different venues around Greater Monrovia, from April to June 2009.

Since 1969, FESPACO has been focusing on African films and filmmakers to promote continental cinema and to "contribute to its expansion and development as a means of expression, education and awareness-raising". In this light, T.I.M has selected some award winning Festival masterpieces to give inhabitants of Monrovia an opportunity to watch movies from Ivory Coast, Niger, South Africa, Cameroun, Mali, Mauritania, etc. The movies selected will show unifying themes connected to the day-to-day lives of Liberian people. Screenings will be followed by interactive discussions on societal issues in line with the topics of movies.

Some of these non-commercial screenings will be shown in conjunction with 5 Universities (University of Liberia, Zion University, African Methodist Episcopal University, Stella Maris Polytechnic and the United Methodist University) and 3 French-clubs.

The official launch of this program will take place at the Monrovia City Hall auditorium on Friday 3rd of April 2009 at 6.30 pm during the French-speaking Community day with the screening of “In the Name of Christ” directed by the Ivoirian filmmaker Roger Gnoan M’Bala.

This project is organized in partnership with the French Embassy in Liberia and the Liberian Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Au nom du Christ / In the Name of Christ
De / Directed by Roger Gnoan M’Bala
82 mn, 1993, Couleur / Color
Français avec sous-titres en anglais / French version with English subtitles
Comédie dramatique / Drama
Production : Côte d’Ivoire, Suisse

Dans un village ivoirien, vit un pauvre porcher méprisé par tous. Un jour, alors qu’il a bu plus que de raison, il a la vision d’un « enfant-Dieu » qui le choisit pour sauver son peuple. Il devient alors Magloire 1er, cousin du Christ, et use de son éloquence pour frapper l’imagination de son entourage et fonder une secte.

In a small Ivoirian village lives a much-despised little swineherd. One day, after one drink to many, a childlike God comes to him in a vision and elects him to save his people. He becomes Magloire the First, Cousin of Christ, and uses his eloquence to spark the imagination of his entourage and found a sect.

Entrée gratuite / Entrance free

Récompenses /Awards:

Etalon de Yennenga, Fespaco 1993

Prix coopération française pour le cinéma, 1993

Prix spécial de la jeunesse, Festival international du Film de Locarno 1993

1er Prix des Journées du cinéma Africain, Perugia 1994

Prix spécial du Jury, Milan 1994

1er Prix Vues d’Afrique, Montréal, 1994

Sélection de critiques :
Africultures http://www.africultures.com/php/index.php?nav=article&no=2172
Africultures http://www.africultures.com/php/index.php?nav=article&no=2174

Reviews:
New York Times http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/147577/In-the-Name-of-Christ/overview

More information:
thisismonrovia@hotmail.com

Cell : 06 66 93 47 (Aude Urcun-Pichet)

Cell : 06 30 57 51 (Magali Miniac)

Fespaco website: http://www.fespaco.bf/

France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/

Coming soon! Shooting stars

2009-03-06T21:39:00.005Z

Shooting stars

6 african movies under the Liberian Sky

The next French-speaking Communities festival (Francophony Day) will be the opportunity to launch a serie of 6 screenings of award winning films of Fespaco, the largest African film festival, held biannually in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Since 1969, FESPACO has been focusing on African films and filmmakers to promote continental cinema and "contribute to its expansion and development as mean of expression, education and awareness-raising".

Following this initiative, T.I.M has selected some masterpieces awarded at the Film Festival to offer to Liberian the opportunity to see movies from neighboring countries: Ivory Coast, Niger, South Africa, Cameroun, Mali, Mauritania, etc.

Each film will take us to an incredible journey through the diversity of African experience and sensibilities, offering varied perspectives, inventive story-stelling and throught-provoking debate. Each movie will show us the Africa’s face of cultural diversity. Talking about challenges faced by African society, the painful workings of history, imaginary world or love stories, etc., will we savour the contrasting of African cultures and be moved by the situations and characters portrayed. In addition, a roundtable discussion witnessed by special guest will be proposed.

This project is organized in partnership with the French Embassy. Each screening is implemented in different venues with local partners.

All movies have English Subtitles

Summary 1rst screening

Date: April 3, 2009

Venue: Monrovia City Hall

Time: 7 PM

Free entrance

More information:
thisismonrovia@hotmail.com
Cell : 06 66 93 47 (Aude Urcun-Pichet)
Cell : 06 30 57 51 (Magali Miniac)

Fespaco website: http://www.fespaco.bf/

France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/

Believe in Liberia

2009-03-06T17:56:00.003Z

"Believe in Liberia" is a T-Shirt collection designed by artists Vincent Parisot and Eirini Linardaki for This is Monrovia! (T.I.M) in collaboration with the Liberian Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICAT).

In the context of the International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment taking place this week in Monrovia, we are promoting Liberia and Liberian women as key actors of local development, making a difference in their community.

Artists

2009-03-06T17:52:00.003Z

Printers

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T-shirts

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Inside

2008-12-18T17:46:00.002Z

Outside

2008-12-18T17:10:00.002Z

2008-11-19T19:55:00.019Z

“Live My Life" is an awareness raising exhibition for the general public and decision makers focusing on accessibility challenges faced by persons with disabilities moving around Monrovia. This exhibition is organized by T.I.M (This is Monrovia!), a group of 5 Liberian Disabled People Organizations (Group of 77, Association of disabled females international, Hope for the Deaf, School for the Blind, Young Voices International-Liberia/A Project of Leonard Cheshire Disability International) and Handicap International, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (Division of Rehabilitation) and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (Bureau of Tourism).

This exhibition is the result of a 2-week art workshop organized last October with the international artist Eirini Linardaki and a group of persons with disabilities. Workshop participants were Washington Bah, Joe Bena, David Carter, Jessy Nagbe, Armstrong S. Mah, Mary Mensah, Daintowon D. Pay-Bayee, G. Wolobah Sloan, Rebecca Cianeh Briggs Williams, Mekeh Younquoi, and Jenkins Raily Jaytee (Sign language interpreter). They have created personal works illustrating their day-to-day life including pictures, videos, drawings, which will be shown at the Monrovia City hall from the 3rd December to 5th December.

Accessibility contributes to the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in social and economic life. Improved accessibility can mean better health, education, job opportunities and integration in communities. As a reminder, the adopted Poverty Reduction Strategy for Liberia focusing on building an inclusive and highly participatory democracy in which rights are respected, especially those of women, children and youth, and persons with disabilities. With the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, on September 11, 2008, Liberia is committed according to article 9 ensuring persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment and transportation, enabling them to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of live.

Thanks to our partners: Royal Air Maroc, Royal Hotel, Total, Monrovia City Corporation

Information
Date: Dec 3 – 5, 2008
Venue: Monrovia City Hall
Time: 10.AM to 5.PM
Free entrance

Contact:
Ricardia B. Dennis, Association of disabled Females International (cell: 077010582)
Aude Urcun-Pichet, T.I.M - This is Monrovia! (cell: 06 66 93 47)
François-David Buquet, Handicap International (cell: 06 60 01 55)

Visit website workshop: http://livemylifemonrovia.blogspot.com/

Live my life: an art workshop based on accessibility and mobility challenges

2008-10-05T12:42:00.020Z

Life My Life

An art workshop based on accessibility and mobility challenges

Last October in Monrovia, the international artist Eirini Linardaki coordinated a 2-week art workshop focusing on accessibility and mobility issues in urban areas.

Participants were Washington Bah, Joe Bena, David Carter, Jessy Nagbe, Armstrong S. Mah, Mary Mensah, Daintowon D. Pay-Bayee, G. Wolobah Sloan, Rebecca Cianeh Briggs Williams, Mekeh Younquoi, and Jenkins Raily Jaytee (Sign language interpreter).

For more pics, visit: http://livemylifemonrovia.blogspot.com/

Contact:

aude_urcun@hotmail.com ; esperos@gmail.com

Last event: Film Festival at the Rivoli Movie Theatre

2008-10-04T12:27:00.018Z

Film Festival for the Bastille Day - 13th & 14th of July 2008

To celebrate the Bastille Day in Liberia, T.I.M and the French Embassy in Liberia organized a Film festival the last 13th and 14th of July at the Rivoli Movie Theatre, Monrovia-Liberia. The theme of the screenings was "Filming Paris", an opportunity to show motion pictures presenting the French capital. The screenings targeted various audiences with different kind of motion pictures (comedies, cartoons, actions, etc) and more than 500 people attended the screenings over the two days.

This event was organized in collaboration with the Liberian Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Flomo Theatre at the Rivoli Cinema.

Peter Y Ballah and the Flomo Theatre, guests of Honor of the festival, performed a drama during the launch of the film festival.

This event was sponsored by Total, President, AGS, Renault, Bivac International.