THEY ARE WE, a film by Emma Christopher

In Central Cuba, members of the Gangá-Longobá community have kept their African heritage alive. Despite decades of brutal enslavement, revolution and religious persecution, they have retained a collection of distinct songs and dances. Working closely with the community, anthropologist Christopher documented these and then set out on a single-minded quest: she spent years showing footage of these ethnographic songs and dances to thousands of people across Sierra Leone and seeking recognition.

Eventually, in an isolated village without road access, a man looked in wonder as he watched a recording of the songs and said, “They are we!” The man and his community recognized the songs and dances clearly despite the passage of 200 years. Joyous music and dance and thoughtful, dignified interviews bring the reunion of the men and women living in Cuba with their family members in Sierra Leone for the first time since slavery tore them apart.

‍This program is presented in conjunction with the 12th Annual CubaCaribe Festival of Dance and Music

‍$10 advance | $15 door

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