Black Joy (Blaka Koloku)

Black Joy (Blaka Koloku) is Opti’s graduate film and a defining example of their signature style—capturing intimate stories with profound impact. This poetic, Afrofuturistic film explores the quest for independence among Black residents in Amsterdam. Through reflective walks with individuals from diverse subcultures, it sketches a rich portrait of identity and the celebration of Black freedom.

This film was made with the support of EOdocs.

Year: 2023
Length (min): 21’

Directed by: Rafik Opti Selections:

Nederlands Film Festival (Netherlands), Pride Amsterdam 23’ (Netherlands), Studio K —Afrofuturist Program (Netherlands), Africadelic (Netherlands), DBUFF Film Festival (Netherlands), System D Festival (Belgium), Roze Filmdagen (Netherlands), The Black Archives (Netherlands), BLACK BERLIN BLACK (Germany), 100 Manusia Film Festival (Indonesia), Afro Futurist Femmes Festival (USA), Cannes Indie Short Awards (France).