Cinema Africa 2026/27: Hanami Takes Bayreuth to the Volcano Island of Fogo

Hanami: Cinema from Cape Verde at Cinema Africa in Bayreuth

On November 23, 2026, the film series Cinema Africa brings the award-winning feature film Hanami to Cineplex Bayreuth. The screening at 6:00 PM shows the film in the original version with German subtitles and provides an intense look at the Cape Verdean island world, familial bonds, and the question of home.

A Volcano Island Between Dream and Reality

On the remote volcano island of Fogo, Nana grows up without her sick mother Nia. When Nana herself falls seriously ill, she is taken to the foot of the volcano and experiences a world where reality, memory, and dreams intertwine. Years later, Nia returns. For Nana, a difficult decision between staying and going begins.

Special Cinema from Cape Verde

Hanami was filmed on Fogo, one of the ten islands of the Cape Verdean archipelago. The film is one of the few feature films that have been made in Cape Verde and is among the first works by a Cape Verdean director. Denise Fernandes combines coming-of-age drama, family history, and poetic imagery into an extraordinary cinematic experience.

Cinema Africa Creates Space for Perspectives

Cinema Africa is organized as part of the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth and is already in its 18th edition in 2026/27. The long-term film series presents contemporary African cinema and films from the African diaspora. Individual screenings in autumn lead to a four-day festival finale in January 2027.

The festival format combines film art, cultural exchange, and academic perspectives. Different regions, generations, and cinematic traditions enter into dialogue. For the audience, a concentrated multi-day experience revolves around memory, belonging, migration, social changes, and global interconnections.

Cinematic Atmosphere at Cineplex Bayreuth

The large screen of Cineplex Bayreuth makes the volcanic landscape of Fogo, the intense body language of the characters, and the special lighting atmosphere of Hanami directly experienceable. The original version with German subtitles preserves the authentic sound of the film and invites viewers to immerse themselves in its images, rhythms, and nuances.

Conclusion: A Quiet, Powerful Evening for Film Lovers

Hanami awaits the audience as an extraordinary drama about family, illness, identity, and the longing for one's own path. Those who wish to discover African cinema, get to know Cape Verdean film culture, and experience Cinema Africa live in Bayreuth will find a special date in the festival program on November 23, 2026.

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Sources:

• University of Bayreuth – Cinema Africa 2026/27
• Cineplex Bayreuth – Hanami
• Cineplex Bayreuth – Admission Prices