Watch African style and history entwine in Wax Print’s colourful trailer
Independent filmmaker Aiwan Obinyan has released a new trailer for her documentary uncovering the history of traditional African clothing.
Wax Print: From the Cradle to the Grave is an intimate look at the style, history and symbolism of ankara (aka Dutch wax-print) fabrics. Obinyan is planning to take the film on a global tour next year.
The British-Nigerian filmmaker travelled to Manchester, the Netherlands and Ghana, uncovering the story of African clothing as a means of communication, expression and identity.
Along the way, she met with artisan clothing makers, designers, traders, writers, historians, and proud wearers of wax print.
Take a look at the trailer for glimpse of some of the colourful personalities featured.
Earlier this year, Obinyan held preview screenings for Wax Print at the Bradford Literature Festival and the Young Vic in London.
Speaking about the reaction so far, she told Fringe Frequency: “The response has been overwhelmingly positive with a lot of intense dialogue surrounding the themes of the film, including identity, authenticity and who gets to decide what is and isn’t authentic. As well as what it means to be African.”
Another preview screening of Wax Print is due to take place at Leeds University on December 3. You can register for tickets here.
Image: Aiwan Obinyan