Afro Dance Narratives: Movement as Memory -Documentary Screening

Join us in person for a documentary screening exploring how Afro dance carries memory, history, and stories through movement. About the Event What do our bodies remember? How is culture carried through movement? And what happens to African dance as people, traditions and identities move across generations, countries and communities? Join AFJ Cardiff for the final public event of Afro Dance Narratives: Movement as Memory and Storytelling, an Arts Council Wales-supported research and development project exploring African dance as a form of memory, identity, heritage and storytelling. At the centre of the evening will be the premiere screening of our documentary, created through conversations, research and movement with African dancers, educators, creatives and cultural practitioners. But this is more than a film screening. We’re bringing the research to life through an immersive cultural evening featuring: • Documentary screening • Panel conversation • Live dance performances • African fashion and contemporary African identity • Spoken word and storytelling • Food and drinks • Music and community • A special celebration of 5 years of AFJ Cardiff About Afro Dance Narratives Afro Dance Narratives: Movement as Memory and Storytelling explores how African dance carries stories that are not always written down. Through movement, interviews and creative research, the project looks at themes including: heritage , memory , identity , migration , cultural transmission , evolution , reclamation, preservation The project asks what happens when movement travels, changes, is commercialised, disconnected from its origins or reclaimed by the communities it comes from. The documentary follows that journey through conversations with people whose work sits across African dance, culture, community and creative practice. The Documentary Screening The documentary is the central creative outcome of the project and brings together the voices, experiences and discoveries gathered throughout the research. Rather than simply documenting dance, the film explores the stories and meaning carried through it, asking how culture can live within the body, even across generations and places. The screening will be followed by opportunities for reflection, conversation and celebration. Celebrating 5 Years of AFJ Cardiff This evening also marks a very special milestone: 5 years of AFJ Cardiff. What began as a space centred around African dance has grown into a community built through movement, culture, education, creativity and belonging.Our community has always been central to that journey.The anniversary is an added celebration within the wider Afro Dance Narratives event: a chance to recognise the people who have helped shape AFJ and the community we continue to build. What to Expect Come ready for an evening that moves between film, performance, culture and conversation. This isn't meant to feel like a traditional cinema screening or formal conference. Expect something: cultural , cinematic , reflective , celebratory , community-led Whether you are connected to dance, African culture, film, fashion, research, community work or simply curious, you are welcome. Event Schedule 4:30pm - Doors Open Arrival, food, music and networking 5:30pm - Main Event Begins The evening will include: • Welcome and introduction • Fashion presentation • Creative performances • Afro Dance Narratives documentary screening • Panel conversation • Spoken word • AFJ performances • Community performance • 5-year celebration • Music and community moments 8:30 pm - Event Ends Running order may be subject to small changes. Who Is This Event For? This event is open to everyone. You may particularly enjoy the evening if you are interested in: • African dance and culture • Film and visual storytelling • African diasporic identity • Heritage and migration • Fashion and creative expression • Community and cultural development • Arts and research • Dance education • Cultural preservation • Creative industries • Your ticket gives you access to the full evening programme. Places are limited, so we recommend booking early. About AFJ Cardiff AFJ Cardiff is a Wales-based Afro dance and cultural organisation using dance as a tool for education, connection, cultural understanding and belonging. Our work brings people together through classes, performances, workshops, creative projects and cultural experiences that explore both the movement and the meaning behind African dance. AFJ is committed to creating spaces where African culture can be celebrated, understood and shared with respect. Supported By This project has been supported by Arts Council Wales. The event is being delivered with contributions and support from creative and cultural partners including Urbanstamp Hub, Watch Africa Film Festival and National Dance Company Wales. Important Information Date: Saturday 5 December 2026 Doors: 4:30pm Event: 5:30pm–8:30pm Venue: Dance House / Tŷ Dawns, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Tickets: £20 For enquiries, please contact: [email protected] Follow AFJ Cardiff on social media: @afjcardiff