Africa Film Fest Australia is back in 2025, featuring eight feature films and nine short films from the African diaspora that will be screened in Sydney. I caught up with the directors of the festival, Mumbi Hinga and Safia Amadou, to discuss the films that will be screened, the other events at the festival (such as a comic book workshop!) and the importance of having Africans curate these films for Australian audiences. 

The festival runs from 4-7 September, with screenings at the Sydney Opera House and Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres.
Find out more about it here: https://africafilmfest.au

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In this episode, I spoke to Stimon Dow, captain of Africa United Rugby League. Stimon shared how Africa United is more than just a rugby league club, it gives young African Australians a place to belong, grow, and escape the pressures of everyday life.

Stimon also discussed how the club began, its incredible win in London, and what vision it has for the future. 

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The Racism Register is a platform for people to share their experiences of racism in Australia, and for those witnessing racist incidents to report them as well. It was co-founded by Elizabeth Lang and Elizabeth Tekanyo — both experienced in anti-racism training — after constantly getting the question, “If racism is so prevalent, where is the data?” 

The co-founders explained how the Register works, why silence remains a major barrier to tackling racism, and how the data they’re collecting could drive meaningful change across Australia.

To find out more about the Racism Register (and even share your own stories) check out: https://racismregister.org/

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Independent filmmaker Joy Hopwood caught up with Shazzie Dee to talk about her new film ‘It’s Our Time’. The film, which was co-produced by Erica Long, stars Peter Thurnwald (XO, Kitty), Tiana Hogben (Thank God You're Here) and Bianca Bradey (Wyrmwood), along with familiar faces including Maria Tran (Echo 8, Last King of The Cross) and Khan Chittenden (Underbelly, Blue Water High).

Joy discussed her desire to make diverse rom-coms (which she has achieved!), how ‘It’s Our Time’ was shot in 8 days and the reason she created the Joy House Film Festival.

That's Lit:
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Jazz and soul singer-songwriter Major Zulu caught up with Shazzie Dee to talk about her new music, the jazz music scenes in Paris, the UK and Australia, and the time she jammed with Amy Winehouse!

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Dr Morley Muse is the co-founder and director of iSTEM Co, an organisation that connects women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) with employment opportunities. 

With a background in chemical, environmental and renewable energy engineering, Morley described the challenging experiences she had in some of her previous roles and how she has been working to support other women in their careers. She also shared some advice for women in STEM who may feel like they are struggling. 

That's Lit:
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In 2023, Akec Makur Chuot retired from the AFLW but she leaves a strong legacy behind. Akec, who is South Sudanese but grew up in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, was the first African woman to be in the AFLW.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Akec about her football career and what she has planned for the future.

That's Lit:
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Black Barbie: A documentary debuted at SXSW Texas in April 2023 and even had a screening at SXSW Sydney! The film tells the story of the first Black Barbie and the incredible Black women who worked to create her. I caught up with director Lagueria Davis about the film, beginning with how her aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell was instrumental in creating Black Barbie. The film was also recently acquired by Netflix and Shondaland!!

Find out more about Black Barbie here: https://www.blackbarbiefilm.com/

That's Lit:
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Ruva Ngwenya stars as Tina Turner in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. In her podcast debut, Ruva described the time she sang Tina’s classic hit “River Deep, Mountain High” back in high school, her experience preparing for the Tina Turner Musical and the time she performed at the NRL Grand Final.

The Tina Turner Musical will be going on tour around Australia in 2024, find out more here: https://tinathemusical.com.au/

That's Lit:
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The Winda Film Festival partnered with SXSW Sydney to bring viewers a range of films from Indigenous cinema - both from Australia and internationally. 

I spoke to Winda Film Festival Founder and Artistic Director Pauline Clague about the films that will be screened and the importance of creating space for Indigenous stories to be told on film. 

Winda Film Festival: https://windafilmfest.com/

That's Lit:
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