Events

Documentary film in French with English subtitles by Nora Philippe, 2021, 83 min. Screening followed by Q&A with director Nora Philippe

Screening followed by Q&A with director Nora Philippe, moderated by Emmanuel Kattan

A unique art-history saga, this film recounts the troubling story of the African artwork that fills European museums, and whose return is now being demanded by their countries of origin. Snatched up like trophies by colonizers, the works fertilized European art before acquiring recognition as universal masterpieces in their own right. But in Africa, their absence is still traumatic. Through the burning question of their possible restitution, the film invites us to reconsider both our cultural heritage and museums’ role in reinventing our relationship with Africa.

To download a PDF about this event click here.

Nora Philippe is a French film director, producer, author, and curator.  

Emmanuel Kattan is the director of the Alliance Program at Columbia University and is teaching a course on the politics of memory in France and the Francophone world. 

Event open to Columbia community (CUID cardholders) only. RSVP below. The Q&A will be recorded and shared on our website. This event is co-sponsored by Columbia Maison Française, Institute of African Studies, and Alliance Program.