African Cinema and Urbanism

“This book is a welcome addition to the growing body of scholarship on media urbanism in Africa, and what it shows is that African cities are not mere backdrops for African cineastes to tell their stories. Cities have become cinematic texts themselves that offer crucial insights into the ongoing seismic environmental and sociocultural transformations happening in African urban spaces. Expansive in its coverage and transdisciplinary in its approach, Marie-Paule Macdonald’s book presents fascinating theoretical yields that will enrich the knowledge of any scholar interested in African urban cultures.” — Paul Ugor, Professor, University of Waterloo

“African cinema rarely finds its way into contemporary discourse. Marie-Paule Macdonald’s book provides a unique insight into urban issues as presented through the lens of cinematography. Explorations present a ready reference for researchers who are often starved of references related to architecture and urbanism of the continent, and an invaluable resource for anyone teaching the arts, architecture, and urbanism of Africa. The book is thus a must-read for architects, urban designers, and urban thinkers and theorists interested in gaining insights into critical issues of urbanism across Africa.” —  Dr. Mark R O Olweny, Visiting Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA

 “In what is ostensibly a catalog of African films through which African urbanism is analyzed, Marie-Paule Macdonald constructs a fascinating discussion of the way contemporary issues of post-colonialism, migration, climate change, war, and politics are deeply embedded within African built environments.” — Rafael Gómez-Moriana, University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape

“African Cinema and Urbanism takes us on a journey through a body of film that documents real-time experiments of cities emerging from the varied histories and landscapes of Africa. The world of film represents a collective dream that shapes emerging communities. Marie-Paule Macdonald opens up a world of documentation and dreaming from African cities that is an important source for anyone engaged in considering how cultures see and express their own meanings in the cities they inhabit.” — Richard Kroeker C.M, Professor Emeritus at Dalhousie University

“Cinema gives access to places that no longer exist and tells us how they were experienced. It also allows us to imagine possible urban futures. African Cinema and Urbanism offers valuable keys to understanding the transformation of a continent experiencing today an extraordinary urban growth.” — Anne Cormier, Full Professor, School of Architecture, Université de Montréal

“Macdonald’s interdisciplinary research into African cinema and urban theory creates a kaleidoscopic picture of the lived experience of Africa today. How might an innovative fusion of architecture and urbanism become the future face of the continent? The journey through her book to find out had me glued to my seat for the day.” — Sudhir Suri, Senior Principal Architect, Research and Implementation, L’OEUF Architects

“This slim volume provides a critical cross-disciplinary examination of some three dozen documentaries and narrative films about African cities since 1963. In the context of ongoing rapid urban development, Macdonald stresses the expanding roles of African artists working across diverse ‘screen media’ and urban contexts to address issues ranging from women’s rights to climate change.” — Susan Ross, Associate Professor, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada