According to the high commissioner for South Africa, Ms Koleka Mqulwana, “we use films to tell a story”.

One of the great stories that South Africa had to tell, she said in introducing the opening film was that “We Embrace” and all the films offered an opportunity to gain an insight into the rich culture and lives of people around the world.

The opening film, “White Wedding”, is the feature debut of South African director Jann Turner.

The high commissioner told the crowd that she had come from the very same township near Cape Town that was depicted in the film, the official submission to the 82nd Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language film.

Ms Mqulwana had been introduced by Tuggeranong Community Arts board member Jenny Hargreaves, who, according to retiring chairman Mick Gentleman, is likely to be his successor, as he had stepped down from the chair to devote himself to political campaigning this year.

As reported earlier in “CityNews”, the popular arts centre will receive funds for a facelift under the coming ACT Budget.

The World Cinema Sessions 2012 series has been organised in association with the diplomatic missions of Argentina, Cuba, Malta, Nigeria, South Africa and Spain, and will take place on the last Tuesdays of each month, until December.

Coming up are: June 26, “Pan Negro” (Black bread) from Spain; July 31,”Los Dioses rotos” from Cuba; August 28, “El Aura” from Argentina; September 25, “Heroes in the Sky” from Malta; with further films from Nigeria, Argentina and Spain.

For full details visit www.tuggeranongarts.com