The Power of Culture

Mike van Graan is an independent producer, and is seen as the figurehead of contemporary critical theatre in South Africa.

Is there any African culture to talk about considering the many foreign influences experienced over the years? Breyten Breytenbach, writer and director of Senegal's Gorée Institute, shares some doubts.

Every year on February 21, Bangladesh celebrates Ekushey, Mother Language Day. Asad Chowdury, prominent Bengali poet and writer on language and culture in Bangladesh and the Ekushey Book Fair 2007.

In a Tuareg tent at the Festival au Desert, Minister of Culture Cheick Oumar Sissoko explains his policy.

The Senegalese founder of modern African dance, Germaine Acogny, combines traditional and modern dance. Her newest production – Waxtaan, being performed on 1, 2 and 4 February in the Amsterdam Muziektheater – teases African politicians.

He is professor of visual arts at the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea, and he writes plays. Michael Augustine Mel, laureate of the Prince Claus Fund, acquired fame for his writings which include Chanted Tales.

An old man bicycles down a sandy path in the desolate landscape. A large red flag is attached to his bicycle. He is carrying a megaphone over his shoulder. The man is Mir Qanbar, candidate in the presidential elections in Iran. Iranian filmmaker Mohammed Shirvani made a tender documentary about him.

Brazilian choreographer Ivaldo Bertazzo auditions young people for dance projects. A number of years ago he established his own dance school in São Paulo that is funded by the local government and sponsors. "My objectives go beyond the purely artistic," says the famous choreographer.

Gaston Kaboré is a celebrated film maker from Burkino Fasso and founder of the film training institution Imagine in Ouagadougou. He enthusiastically explains how film can increase awareness.