Film Lens

Marfil is a documentary that focuses on the history and impact of cinema in Equatorial Guinea. It begins by noting that the first filmmaker arrived in the country in 1904, marking the start of cinematic presence in the region. The film contrasts this early arrival with the closure of the last movie theatre in Malabo during the 1990s, illustrating a significant decline in local film culture.
The narrative centers around the reopening of the Marfil Movie Theatre during the II African Film Festival of Equatorial Guinea in 2011. Through the experiences of individuals like Florencio, Ángel, and Estrada, the film conveys how cinema has been an integral part of their lives, reflecting both personal and cultural connections to film in a changing society.
Why Watch
- •See Florencio, Ángel, and Estrada's stories about cinema.
- •Find out about the history of film in Equatorial Guinea.
- •Watch the reopening of the Marfil Movie Theatre.
Did You Know
•The first filmmaker arrived in Equatorial Guinea in 1904.
•The last movie theatre in Malabo closed in the 1990s.
•The Marfil Movie Theatre reopened in 2011 during the II African Film Festival.
Perfect For
Film history enthusiastsEquatorial Guinea cultureAfrican cinema fans