Bristol's celebration of African cinema makes a welcome return to Watershed with a vibrant line-up of cinema, music, workshops and discussion, this year themed around the subject of democracy with a strong focus on South Africa in recognition of twenty years of freedom (and, of course, democracy).

The festival - which is in turns joyous, angry, vibrant and emotional - opens with Hear Me Move (Fri 7 Nov at 20:30), South Africa's very first dance film, which will be followed by an always buzzing Afterparty (from 22:45 in the Café/Bar) featuring the queen of South African jazz, singer Pinise Saul.

Elsewhere in the programme look out for discussions and films on the contributions Africa has made to World War I (WW1 and present day black soldiers, Sat 8 Nov at 10:00), a timely look at the effects of decolonization in the 60s and 70s (Concerning Violence, Sat 8 Nov at 15:10), a Cannes award-winning account of the early days of a jihadist takeover (Timbuktu), an unflinching examination of the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela (Nelson Mandela: The Myth and Me, Sat 8 Nov at 19:00) and more.

As well as screenings and events, Afrika Eye have once again teamed up with the WOMAD Foundation to programme creative workshops for younger audiences (including a build your own pinhole camera day, Sat 8 Nov at 14:40) plus look (and listen!) out for the sounds of South Africa in the Harbourside as Pinise Saul leads a community choir in song (Ferry Boat Choir + Sing Out For Africa, Sat 8 Nov from 10:30).

FFI on the festival please see afrikaeye.org.uk

Afrika Eye is hosted by Watershed in partnership with Africa In Motion Film Festival (Scotland), Watch Africa Film Festival (Wales), Cambridge African Film Festival, Film Africa (London), African Voices Forum, Arts Council of England, Awards for All, BCFM, Bristol City Council, British Film Institute, Comic Relief, UWE's Faculty of Arts, Creative Industries and Education and WOMAD Foundation.

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