by MATTHEW HAYS

This marks the 20th anniversary of Vues D'Afrique, the massive cultural festival that digs deep into the African diaspora. And the organizers certainly deserve a standing ovation. This festival was born out of a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the city's festival landscape; people felt that not nearly enough culture authored by those of African descent was being showcased. They were right.

And it's a tribute to their concept and their dedication to it that Vues has proven so hugely successful. The festival continues to grow, including visual arts exhibits and concerts as well as a huge film contingent. What follows are a few of the highlights.

One of the most eagerly anticipated entries this year comes from South Africa: Norman Maake's Soldiers of the Rock. The film pits the old world against the new, as a young student, Vuyo, returns to his home town after securing a progressive university education in business. Years before, Vuyo's father had worked desperately long hours as a coal miner to make sure his son would get an education and not have to suffer such a gruelling existence. His father would die in a mine accident while working for Vuyo's future. Vuyo finds himself working with the miners in a last-ditch effort to save their trade while upgrading safety conditions, by chipping in and buying their own mine. The film was hit at last year's Toronto International Film Festival, where it played as part of the prestigious Planet Africa section.

Also from South Africa is Zola Maseko's Children of the Revolution, a follow-up documentary focusing on the lives of various South Africans who were forced to live in exile when their country was ruled under Apartheid. The film now catches up with five of these folks as they talk about their return to the new South Africa and how their years of exile have shaped their lives and views of their country. Interview subjects range from an unemployed artist to a bank clerk and a bank robber.

African-American content is highlighted by the critically acclaimed documentary Afro-Punk: The "Rock and Roll Nigger" Experience, by James Spooner. This doc examines questions of race identity within the punk milieu, focusing on four people who are black but who identify as part of the punk community (which is predominantly white). Cipher, Ten Grand and Bad Brains all perform in the film.

An intriguing locally produced entry is Condoms, Fish & Circus Tricks, Robert and Brenda Rooney's 48-minute investigation into the devastating effects of AIDS on African society. We are introduced to a small Northern Malawi village where volunteers struggle against the effects of the disease, caring for the dying and their orphans without the luxuries of clean water or even basic medical supplies. The filmmakers also venture to the Kafue Flats where 10,000 nomads also grapple with the virus, so poor they are often forced to prostitute in exchange for fish.

Vues D'Afrique screens from this Friday, April 16 to April 24, at the NFB, Cinéma Beaubien and at Concordia. Info: 990-3201 or www.vuesdafrique.org

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