New Film Exposes Devastating Effects of World Bank, IMF Policies on Africa

Christian Aid has teamed up with Britain's leading Muslim magazine, Q-News, to host a special screening of a film that highlights the devastating effects of the World Bank and IMF policies imposed on African countries.

Bamako will feature at the Curzon Mayfair on 12 February 2007.

The film is set in Mali, which is 90 per cent Muslim, but is intended to represent all of African society.

One by one ordinary Africans put the World Bank, IMF and WTO on trial as they voice their anger at the disastrous policies which have led to increased debt, unfair trade rules and privatisation across the continent.

"This film expresses the anger and frustration many African people rightly feel towards international bodies like the IMF and World Bank," said Dionne Gravesande, head of church networks at Christian Aid.

"It delves into the reasons why the continent is facing such huge economic problems and it's a film everyone who wants to know more about Africa's struggle should see. Bamako definitely pushes the boundaries of debate - in this case, the relationships between powerful rich nations and the developing world."

Q-News editor, Fareena Alam, said: "Unscripted, raw, utterly human - Bamako takes on the policies of World Bank and the IMF with clarity and emotional punch.

"It's a powerful statement from Africa's people about the ravaging effects of globalisation and international debt, the privatisation of their natural resources such as water and the 'war on terror' fear-mongering that is used as an excuse for world domination.

"It is a call to action that cannot be ignored. We are proud to stand with Christian Aid in making sure the greatest number of people see this film and are compelled to act."

After the screening Charles Abugre, Christian Aid's head of policy, will be joined by Malian director Abderrahmane Sissako and actor Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon and Dream Girls) who makes a special appearance in the film, for an open debate on the issues raised by the film. The discussion will be chaired by actress Adjoa Andoh (Casualty and Dr Who).

The debate will continue online through the Bamako Petition calling upon Chancellor Gordon Brown and Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for International Development, to push for fundamental reform of the IMF and World Bank. It will be delivered to the IMF and World Bank meeting in Washington DC in April 2007.