Crisis Urbanism and Postcolonial African Cities in Postmillennial Cinema

This book offers a fresh perspective on postcoloniality and urbanism from African perspectives,using postmillennial films to decode contemporary cultures of African cities. It argues that crisis has become a mainstay reality of African cities and occupies a central place in the way these cities may be theorized or imagined. The book considers crises of six African cities,offering valuable insights on African cities today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking work offers a fresh and compelling perspective on postcoloniality and urbanism, shedding light on these complex phenomena from an African lens. By bringing together multidisciplinary perspectives on African crises through postmillennial films, the book addresses the urgent need to place global south cultural studies within the vibrant and diverse region of Africa. Through the lens of film criticism and semiotics, the book delves into the intricate cultural tapestry of African cities, with a particular focus on the pervasive crises that shape their existence. Drawing on a rich array of contemporary theories on cities in the global south, particularly Africa, the book skillfully sifts through the nuances of crisis urbanism within the vibrant tapestry of postmillennial African films. In doing so, it presents unique insights that transcend the boundaries of traditional sociological or anthropological studies of cities. The book argues forcefully that crisis has become an integral part of the daily lives of African cities, occupying a central position in our understanding and imagination of these urban landscapes. By examining the crises of six African cities—including Johannesburg in the aftermath of apartheid, Kinshasa in the midst of laissez-faire economies, Nairobi in the embrace of urban commons, Monrovia in the aftermath of war, Cairo in the throes of latent revolt, and Luanda in the aftermath of war—the book provides invaluable insights into the contemporary realities of African cities. This work will appeal to students and scholars of urban studies, urban geography, urban sociology, cultural studies, and media studies, as it offers a rich and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of postcoloniality and urbanism in Africa.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367640859