During the past thirty years, African filmmaking has become as diverse as the continent from which it springs. History and politics provide the impetus for themes such as previously suppressed critiques of colonialism, post-independence corruption, chronicles of "tribal" customs, and visions of contemporary society. But African filmmakers also draw from the springs of myth, fantasy, humor, and magic to nurture a narrative sensibility in which tradition and modernity meet up on screen. In order to make the unique experience of watching African cinema available to a wider audience, the African Film Festival, a non-profit arts organization based in New York, organizes an annual touring film series which we are proud, once again, to host here in the Boston area.