Films at the Schomburg: Sembene!

Sembene! tells the story of the self-taught novelist and filmmaker Ousmane Sembène, who fought–against enormous odds–a 50-year battle to give Africans the power to tell their own stories. The film is told through the never-before-seen archival and verite footage of colleague and biographer Samba Gadjigo. It follows an ordinary man who transforms himself from a manual laborer into a fearless and often polarizing spokesman for the marginalized, becoming a hero to millions. Director Samba Gadjigo will join us for a post-screening discussion.

Watch the trailer. 

@SchomburgCenter #Sembene

First come, first seated

For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. All registered seats are released 15 to 30 minutes before start time, so we recommend that you arrive early.

For Guests

Holding seats in the Langston Hughes Auditorium is strictly prohibited and no food or drinks are allowed anywhere in the Schomburg Center.

Press

Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc.) at least 24 hours before the day of the program to Adenike Olanrewaju at adenikeolanrewaju@nypl.org.

Professional photography and video recordings are also prohibited without expressed consent.