25 EU Film Festival

Screening: 25th European Film Festival, May 11-28 2016 @ Alliance Française Auditorium

25 EU Film Festival
Dates: May 11-28, 2016
Venue: Alliance Française Auditorium
Time: Weekdays; 5.30 & 7.30 pm and week-ends; 3, 5.30 & 7.30 pm
Tickets: KES 100 and students KES 50

About
The European Film Festival is back! This year, the European Film Festival, will be marking the 25th edition of screening EU member states film in Nairobi. The theme for this year is, ‘Integration’ which coincides with the recent wave of immigrants into the European Union mostly stirred by conflict in Syria.

This years festival offers a fantastic selection of films from 16 European countries and includes, the 2016 Oscar winner for the Best Foreign Language Film, Son of Saul.

Find the detailed programme, and more information, here.

Spotlight on KE Music

Spotlight on Kenyan Music: Coastal Taarab and Mwanzele Connect with Oud, May 14 2016 @ Alliance Française

Spotlight on KE Music
Coastal taarab and mwanzele connect with oud;

Date:Saturday, May 14 2016
Venue: Alliance Française Gardens
Time: 7 pm
Tickets: KES 800 at the Gate

About
A journey of musical innovation and evolution with French-Tunisian oud maestro Jean-Pierre Smadja (aka Smadj), Mwanate Kibwana and Mbarak Ali Haj of Lelele Afrika, Bado Mzungugiriama, renowned jazz pianist, Aaron Rimbui, Coke Studio’s bass guitarist, Asaph Uzele and the Tanzanian drummer Emmanuel Yakobo.

The concert will be a culmination of a week long musical encounter transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

It promises to be a rich musical mix of the sounds of the age old Middle Eastern instrument ‘the oud’, melodious taraab and rythmic mwanzele beats and jazzy groves.

What better way to spend a Saturday evening!

Joseph Bertiers A2A Talk

Artist2Artist With Joseph Bertiers, May 12 2016 @ Bertiers’ Studio – Karen

Joseph Bertiers A2A Talk
Event: Artist2Artist
Date: 12th May 2016
Venue: Bertiers’ Studio, Karen
Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Facilitator: Joseph Bertiers

About
Artist2Artist is a forum that provides a safe space for artists to get together, share experiences, exchange ideas and talk about their personal journeys.

This session will be hosted by Joseph Bertiers. Bertiers’s work is concerned with social, political and economic issues in Kenya and abroad. His detailed paintings and life-sized sculptures are characterized by a sharp wit and humour. As a teenager, Bertiers painted signs for shops and bars, which led him to pursue a career in art.

Join this, one on one, conversation with the artist at his studio in Karen as he shares insights about his life as an artist, mentor and entrepreneur.

This two hour session is open to all and will run from 2pm to 4pm. RSVP by calling 0721262326 before 10th May 2016.

Fundii Art Centre

Exhibition: A sneak Preview by Alexandra Spyratos, May 5-30 2016 @ Fundii Centre

Fundii Art Centre
Fundii Centre for the Arts Presents; A sneak Preview by Alexandra Spyratos.

Dates: May 5-30, 2016
Venue: Fundii Centre
Location: Karura Avenue, Muthaiga
Time: Tuesday – Thursday: 10am-6pm and Friday – Sunday: 11am-7pm

About
Alexandra Spyratos was born in Kenya where she lived most of her life surrounded by the exotic beauty and wilderness of Africa. Based between Byron Bay, Australia and Malindi, Kenya, Alexandra has made two tranquil corners of the world her base, painting in her studios for exhibitions worldwide.

Influenced by her colorful background, translating the heat and the exotic beauty of the African wildlife to canvas has become Spyratos’ passion and spiritual goal. This prolific artist has become known for her colorful, bold and individual style. Her paintings rich and heavily layered with fluorescent paint and thick oils, recreate the physicality of the wild that inspires her.

Book Launch: Aid and Authoritarianism in Africa, May 9 2016 @ Rift Valley Institute Office

Date: May 9, 2016
Venue: Rift Valley Institute Office, Seminar Room
Time: 2-4 pm
Entry: Prior registration

About
In 2013, almost half of Africa’s top aid recipients were ruled by authoritarian regimes. Many international donors such as USAID, DFID, the World Bank and the European Commission have had their policies entangled with the agendas of the ruling elites. Development policies are thus shaped with a view to maintain the status quo, compromising the rights and democracy of local citizens. This book raises the question: to what extent are foreign aid programmes actually perpetuating authoritarian rule?

On 9 May 2016, the Rift Valley Forum will host the launch of Aid and Authoritarianism in Africa, edited by Tobias Hagmann and Filip Reyntjens.

The book highlights the political and moral complexities that emerge from the relationship between foreign aid and autocratic governments in Africa. It brings to light changing donor interests and rhetoric, as well as the impact of foreign aid on military assistance, rural development, electoral processes and domestic politics in Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Cameroon, Mozambique and Angola.

Find more information about this event and registration details, here

Nairobi Xavier Ball - 14th May 2016

Charity/Fundraising Event: Nairobi Xavier Ball, May 14 2016 @ Goan Gymkhana – Museum Hill

Nairobi Xavier Ball - 14th May 2016
Xavier Project presents the Nairobi Xavier Ball;

Date: May 14, 2016
Venue: Goan Gymkhana, Museum Hill
Time: 18.30 – Late
Tickets*: Early bird 3,000/- or Advance 3,500/-

* Included in the ticket price are cocktails on arrival, plenty of wine with a delicious Ethiopian feast courtesy of Abyssinia restaurant and entertainment in the form of a live band followed by DJs.

About
This promises to be an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, music and dancing in aid of Xavier Project**, a charity providing educational opportunities to refugees in Kenya and Uganda.

** Xavier Project operates in Kenya and Uganda providing educational opportunities to refugees of all ages. These could be through sponsoring refugee children to attend school or teaching vocational courses to refugee adults at our learning hubs across Nairobi and Kampala.

Find out more information, about this fundraising event, on the Xavier Project website.