HOSTED by the independent film collective Screen Station, Africa Mine was the first film festival in the new Arcola Film space at the acclaimed Arcola Theatre at Dalston, East London. The festival ran through three consecutive Sundays (23rd, 30th September and 7th October) featuring six music documentaries mixed with live music, discussions and DJ sets.

Africa Mine created a unique space for London audiences to enjoy and discuss film, music and politics in Africa. The film programme mixed modern and traditional tales from across the continent. The season of documentary films began with Congolese contrasts.

Papa Wemba's elegant smuggling of illegal immigrants into Europe is juxtaposed with an energetic and colourful vision of street music in Kinshasa, seen through the eyes of maverick guide Jupiter Bokondji. The second installment explored the Fela Kuti family's musical and political legacy in Nigeria programmed alongside the tale of a motley crew of Sierra Leoneans who formed a band in a refugee camp and ended up touring the world.

And finally, a tribute to a charismatic old Zanzibari woman, whose story includes the myth of her own death, was followed by the compelling story of Solomon Linda, composer of one of the biggest grossing songs of the 20th century, who died without ever seeing a penny of his millions of dollars of royalties.

Screenings included panel discussions and an opportunity to meet filmmakers, media professionals and experts from Africa and the Diaspora. Africa Mine partners include AFFORD (The African Foundation for Development), Kalabash Movement, The Frontline Club, Black Cultural Archives and Pocket Visions.