In late 2018, Alice Mutoni began brewing the idea of a film screening and panel discussion with a simple goal:

“I just wanted to spend time with friends and learn something new,” she says.

A friend suggested the Museum of Impossible Forms in Kontula as a potential venue. Mutoni reached out immediately, and by January 2019, the first Ubuntu Film Club screening was held.

“I realised it’s not as hard as it seems to organise a bigger event. Helsinki has so many groups and associations that offer support and funding,” she says.

Initially, Mutoni planned to cover costs herself, but the cultural centre stepped in to help. Friends Rewina Teklai and Fiona Musanga joined to help, and despite the heavy topic – the Congolese civil war – the event drew young people eager to participate in the panel discussion.

“We created a safe space for people like us to engage and connect,” Rewina Teklai explains.

Creating a space through collaboration

Ubuntu Film Club started with monthly gatherings, showing films like Susani Mahadura’s Kelet, Oscar-winner Moonlight, and Beyoncé’s Homecoming. Their panel discussions addressed topics like violence against women, allyship, and the experiences of being BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour), drawing attendees aged 16 to 25.

“Our principle is that every screening is free, so money is never an issue,” says Fiona Musanga.

Collaboration is at the heart of Ubuntu. They’ve partnered with Fem-R in Tampere and worked with Think Africa and the Free City of Kalasatama initiative in Helsinki to combine film screenings with PoC Open Mic sessions. Events have taken place at venues like the Cultural Centre Stoa, Ateneum Art Museum, and outdoors at Aurinkolahti beach in Vuosaari.

Ubuntu’s mission is to create spaces where everyone feels empowered to speak. “You don’t need to be an expert or use academic terms to share your thoughts. Conversations should feel inclusive, not intimidating,” Teklai explains.

A new direction in life

Organising the events has brought the women a stronger sense of confidence and belonging in Helsinki.

“I used to always feel like I wanted to move abroad, but after starting Ubuntu events, I began to feel at home in Helsinki,” says Mutoni. “We’ve explored the city and discovered so many venues – some are still little-known by people,” adds Musanga.

As a Community Education student, Teklai has seen the importance of creating events for different audiences as the events hosted by existing communities might feel intimidating for some.

Founding Ubuntu Film Club has also strengthened the community of young people of African origin, though Teklai sees more room for growth. “Many haven’t seen their parents set examples of hosting professional events or finding spaces for creative projects,” she notes.

For Musanga, Ubuntu isn’t just about events. “When we take Ubuntu to places like Kontula, we’re reshaping how people see a district that’s unfairly gained a bad reputation, “ she says.

The film club has brought far more to the trio’s lives than they ever expected. “Through Ubuntu Film Club, I’ve found purpose,” Mutoni shares. “I used to wonder what I wanted to do as an adult, but now I know – I want to be a cultural producer and create community-driven projects for people.”