ASA WashU

Introducing our 2026–2027 Executive Board! ⭐️ Congratulations to this amazing team! We’re so excited for all that’s ahead this upcoming year! ✨🤎

Small glimpse of an unforgettable night 🥰
Recap of ASA’s Senior send off celebration!

Thank you to everyone who came to support our amazing seniors 🔥👏
To our lovely graduates, we will miss you all SOO much🥰

thank you to everyone who came out to our final roundtable of the semester! we’re so grateful for the thoughtful conversations and engagement around the rise of AI and its impact on development in africa. a special thank you to dr. alvitta ottley for sharing her insights and guiding such a meaningful discussion!

Welcome, Class of 2030!

We are excited to welcome you to WashU and into the ASA community. Whether you are looking to stay updated on events, meet fellow African students, or find your place on campus, we are here for you.

Join us through the link in our bio (or scan the QR codes) to be added to our mailing list, group chat, and more!

ASA’s Senior Sendoff 2026 is almost here!! Join us at Clark Fox Forum on April 25th with your BEST cultural and/or formal wear! 🥳 RSVP BY APRIL 18TH‼️

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 20th annual African Film Festival!

From opening night to the final screening, we appreciate everyone who showed up, supported the films, and made the experience meaningful. We hope you enjoyed the stories, discussions, and community that was present throughout the weekend.

Thank you to everyone who came out to ASA Music Madness! We hope you had fun enjoying food, guessing songs, and testing your music knowledge. Stay tuned for our upcoming events!

The time is almost here!! ASA welcomes you to Ubuntu Day 2026 on Saturday, April 18th at University City Library in St. Louis!! 📚 Join us to play, learn, and connect young students to the richness of African culture through fun activities! Link in our bio to sign up to volunteer!!

Now introducing the films for the final day of the African Film Festival.

The first film, My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies, will be shown at 3 PM. Set in Nigeria during the 1993 election crisis, the film follows two young brothers as they navigate Lagos with their estranged father, witnessing both the vibrancy of the city and the tensions of political unrest. The film has received major recognition, including a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut and the Golden Camera at Cannes.

Later in the evening, the festival continues with Gaaday, a short film from Senegal directed by Awa Coulibaly. It follows a man who returns home after more than ten years, only to discover that his younger brother has taken his place in his family, raising questions of identity and belonging.

The final film of the festival, Cotton Queen, directed by Suzannah Mirghani, takes place in a cotton-farming village in Sudan. It follows Nafisa, whose quiet life shaped by tradition begins to shift with the arrival of a businessman. The film was awarded International Competition Winner at the Thessaloniki Film Festival in 2025.

Now introducing our guest speakers for the African Film Festival.

We are honored to welcome Amira-Géhanne Khalfallah, a filmmaker and writer whose work spans film, theater, and literature. A graduate of the University of Constantine, her creative work has received international recognition, including her film Esseghayra (Miss), which was selected at the Berlin International Film Festival and awarded a Special Mention by the Children’s Jury. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Bourse du Centre National du Livre in France for her literary work, and her writing has been published internationally.

Joining us is Ekwa Msangi, a Tanzanian-American filmmaker whose acclaimed debut feature Farewell Amor premiered at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. The film went on to receive widespread critical acclaim and multiple awards, including Best Screenplay at the Durban International Film Festival and the Indie Spirit “Someone to Watch” Award. Her work across film and television reflects a deep commitment to telling nuanced stories about migration, identity, and family.

We are also excited to host Ntobeko Sishi, one of South Africa’s most dynamic emerging creatives. Known for his breakout role as Ntokozo in the acclaimed series Gomora, he has gained recognition for his emotionally grounded performances. In addition to acting, he is an accomplished musician and songwriter, and holds degrees in Economics and Finance from the University of Cape Town, reflecting both his artistic and academic range.

Finally, we welcome Nicolas Sawalo Cissé, a Senegalese architect, filmmaker, and cultural leader. He has played a significant role in advancing cultural policy across Africa, serving as president of the Association of African Designers and leading national coalitions for cultural diversity. His work in film includes La mémoire du manguier (2025) and Blissi N’Diaye ou la visite de la dame (2011), as well as Mbeubeuss, le Terreau de l’espoir, recognized as the first African film dedicated entirely to environmental issues. He is a recipient of the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from the French Republic and has served in national leadership roles in Senegal.