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Embarking on what feels like a deeply personal film, Omar S Kamara plunges for the first time into feature filmmaking, exploring brotherhood and African identity. His protagonists, two brothers of Sierra-Leonean descent, have much to say but little to disclose. Through minimalist filmmaking, the director delves into the depths of their shared history, unveiling untold truths and unresolved emotions. Heavy on nuanced dialogue, this small-scale cinematic gem has a lot of genuine heart, giving it an endearing authenticity.

Alhaji (Dillon Daniel Mutyaba) lives in Los Angeles, trying to break into the acting world. When he receives a visit from Sheku (Omete Anassi), his younger brother, he plans the ideal weekend for their time together. There's even cause for celebration as the younger sibling, a law student, has just obtained a lucrative internship offer. But something is off. Hesitant gestures and odd glances signal the following days have more in store than.

Exclusive: On the heels of its Audience Award win at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, dramedy African Giants, written, directed and produced by Omar Kamara, has been picked up for worldwide distribution by Juno Films. Juno plans an extensive festival release followed by a state-side theatrical release this summer, with a multi-platform digital release to follow in the fall.

Taking place over a weekend visit in Los Angeles, the film watches as two first-generation Sierra Leonean American siblings navigate the changing dynamics of brotherhood after a surprise announcement. Elder brother Alhaji (Dillon Daniel Mutyaba), an aspiring actor living in Los Angeles, is visited for a weekend by his younger brother, Sheku (Omete Anassi), a second-year law student at George Washington University. Unknown to Alhaji, Sheku has come with a specific intention: to reveal that he will be dropping out of law school and moving to LA to pursue acting, just like his older brother.

Director Barry Jenkins and other landmark directors played a significant role in fueling writer/director/producer Omar S. Kamara’s dream of making impactful movies. But in his new feature film, the main inspiration came from his family.

Based partly on his own unique upbringing, African Giants balances family ties, comedy, and brotherly connection in a standout film that premiered at Slamdance Film Festival. The plot takes place over a weekend visit in Los Angeles, when two first-generation Sierra Leonean American brothers must navigate the changing dynamics of grown-up siblings after a surprise announcement.

“The seed of the idea came from my mom,” Kamara told MovieWeb. “When I was very young, she told me, ‘Be careful how you behave. Your little brother's watching. You're his hero.' I remember feeling a lot of pressure because I was still figuring out myself." Kamara went on to add:

"In the film, there's...

Returning for its 30th anniversary edition next year, Slamdance Film Festival has now unveiled its full film lineup for 2024. Kicking off with Oscar-winning filmmaker Carol Dysinger’s One Bullet, this year’s festival will showcase 32 features both in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 19-25 and online screenings will be available on the Slamdance Channel from January 22-28.

“Our 2024 Slamdance lineup is a testament to filmmakers who dare to push their stories to the very edge of filmmaking, making it deeply personal yet globally resonant,” said Festival Director Taylor Miller. “Their raw passion and risk-taking echo our commitment to exploring uncharted territories of cinematic expression. This year, we proudly host the most inclusive and accessible festival we’ve ever had, staying true to the core objectives I aimed to cultivate with our programmers when I took this job.”

The 2024 programming was selected from more than 9,000 submissions, 1,729 of which were features.

Festival runs January 19-25 in person, January 22-28 online.

Slamdance Film Festival has announced the roster for its upcoming 30th anniversary edition, which is bookended by Carol Dysinger’s previously announced post-Afghanistan War documentary One Bullet and Vanessa Hope’s IDFA closing night documentary Invisible Nation, a profile of Taiwanese first female president Tsai Ing-wen.

Running January 19-25 in person and January 22-28 online, this year’s event returns to Yarrow Hotel in Park City where the festival launched and will showcase 32 features, of which 17 are world premieres, as well as 75 shorts, and five episodics.

Festival organisers said this year...