by Justin Darden
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Austin Peay State University hosted a cinematic festival with an African theme from February 13-March 19 exposing college students to a wide range of diverse perspectives at the World Film Festival. The best in international cinema was showcased, along with thoughtful discussion. Dr. Christopher Konkobo, French Professor at APSU, said the theme for the 2024 World Film Festival was ‘Hopes and Dreams from the Bright Continent’—a commitment to share diverse perspectives from Africa.
The World Film Festival was a cultural festival that allowed students at APSU to watch movies produced internationally in different languages. According to a press release, the film festival, hosted by the APSU Languages and Literature Department, was an opportunity for students to watch and discuss recently produced films not shown in movie theaters.
“Through cinema, we aim to ignite conversations, challenge assumptions, and cultivate empathy among our community members,” said Konkobo.
Dr. Konkobo said the decision to have the World Film Festival started when he first became a professor at APSU after his previous teaching job at Tennessee State University. Konkobo and his colleague, Dr. Karen Sorenson, decided to put together a film series showcasing French films, later being known as the World Film Festival. Konkobo said that every year, the World Film Festival shows films from around the world, highlighting different countries. Konkobo said it is a learning and cultural experience.
“Well, it does a lot,” he said. “For us, as consumers, film is a cultural product and watching a film allows spectators to have an entry point into a culture, an entry point that they would not otherwise have in such a profound, but very compacted way. It is important for APSU because our students get to learn a lot from the continents of other countries.”
Konkobo said that he and his colleagues got together and made a selection of films. He said the films especially showcased sub-Sahara Africa, also trying to link the festival to February’s Black History Month. The festival was put together by the APSU Language and Literature Department with a SASI (Student Academic Success Initiative) grant, which encourages student engagement with the academic community.
