FILM / VIDEO

CITY OF DREAMS
A Film by Ruby Ofori & Edward Scott
(52 minutes / 2005)

Tuesday, July17, 11:45 a.m.

In City of Dreams Architect Naigzy Gebremedhin takes the audience on a tour of his beloved city, Asmara, in Eritrea, showcasing the stunning rationalist architecture left by Italian colonizers from the 1930’s, and the lifestyle of Asmarinos living in and around these buildings. Inspired by Mussolini’s dream of recreating the Roman Empire in Africa, Asmara and her architectural splendors now symbolize something totally opposite to what the Fascist regime had in mind. The city has survived 30 years of civil war but may now become a victim of the decaying effects of poverty and time. City of Dreams explores the ambiguities of the city’s architectural legacy which, though treasured by her inhabitants, also holds bitter memories of racial segregation, memories that are recalled through personal testimony and stunning archival footage.

“City of Dreams captures in a very tangible way the remarkable architectural heritage of Asmara, and its place within the social fabric of the city.” —Educational Media Reviews Online

“ A fascinating journey through the architectural wonders of the Eritrean city of Asmara.” —Azure Magazine

“ City of Dreams shows how African architects are involved in the renovation work of their own heritage and are doing this with care for the existing buildings… It is to be hoped that this film will be shown all around the continent, to show that this approach can lead to the development of a nation’s own culture and identity.” —Archiafrika.org

..........................................................................................................................