Locarno Film Festival Features Queer Senegalese Cinema

The Locarno Film Festival's Open Doors section will host the world premiere of "My Father's Kora" ("La Kora de Mon Père") on August 9. This film, a co-production between Benin, Switzerland, and Germany, delves into the experiences of Souleymane Everston Adowo Freudenreich, an Afro-German trans man on a journey to Dakar, Senegal, to mend his father's kora. The Open Doors initiative, which has been spotlighting 42 countries across the African continent since 2025, provides a crucial platform for emerging filmmakers and diverse narratives.

Aymar Esse, the director of "My Father's Kora," shared insights into the specific hurdles faced by queer cinema within Senegal and the broader African context. Esse noted that while the film itself is not explicitly about queer identity, its exploration of themes like self-discovery and familial legacy resonates deeply with queer experiences. The director emphasized that the film aims to foster a more inclusive understanding of identity and belonging, particularly within communities where traditional norms may clash with contemporary expressions of self. The narrative follows Souleymane's quest to connect with his paternal heritage, a journey that becomes intertwined with his personal evolution and understanding of his place in the world.

The film's selection for the Locarno Film Festival's Open Doors section underscores its artistic merit and its potential to spark dialogue on important social and cultural issues. Locarno's commitment to showcasing films from the African continent since 2025 demonstrates a dedication to broadening the global cinematic landscape and providing visibility to underrepresented voices. The festival's Open Doors program is designed to support filmmakers from these regions through co-production, networking opportunities, and market access, thereby fostering the growth of their careers and the international reach of their work. Esse's participation highlights the growing international recognition of African cinema and its capacity to address complex, universal themes through unique cultural lenses.

Esse articulated the challenges inherent in producing and distributing films that touch upon themes of identity and sexuality in regions with conservative social structures. He explained that while "My Father's Kora" may not be overtly political, its subtle exploration of personal journeys and familial relationships can be interpreted through a queer lens, especially in societies where such narratives are not openly discussed or supported. The director's hope is that the film will encourage greater acceptance and understanding, paving the way for more open conversations about LGBTQ+ lives and experiences in Senegal and beyond. The film's premiere at Locarno is expected to draw international attention to these themes and to the burgeoning talent within African filmmaking.