See Benda Bilili! on Thursday 19 August.

THURSDAY 12 – SUNDAY 22 AUGUST
Rialto/Marie Heinekenplein, various times, various prices

When it comes to world cinema in Amsterdam, Rialto boasts one of the strongest pedigrees of promoting independent feature films from around the world. This summer they look set to strengthen that image by launching the World Cinema Amsterdam festival, which will screen features and short films from Latin America, Asia and Africa.

The festival itself is an extension of their annual internationally-focussed programmes such as ‘Cinema South Africa’ and ‘New Malaysian Cinema’. As such, a core aspect of this larger festival is the programme ‘Mexican Landscapes’, designed to showcase the best of contemporary Mexican cinema.

Weekend programmes also take to the Marie Heinekenplein for free summer screenings (let’s hope they enjoy better luck with the weather than Pluk de Nacht has endured). These free movies include: Anita (Friday 20 August), Ó Paí, Ó (Saturday 21 August), Retratos en un mar de mentiras (Sunday 22 August) and Benda Bilili! (Thursday 19 August).

The festival opens on Thursday 12 August with a screening of the Cannes award-winning father and son drama Un homme qui crie .