Cinema series focuses on work of Africans

? “Contemporary African Cinema,” an independent film and video series, will be offered at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St. The events, at 7 p.m., are free.

The series includes “Life on Earth” by Abderrahmane Sissako and “These Hands” by Flora M’mbugu-Schelling, Friday; “Experimental African Cinema,” a lecture by filmmaker Aboubakar Sidiki Sanogo, Sept. 20; viewing of “Postcard” by Goddy Leye, “Even in the Wind” by Laurence Attali, “Angano Angano Tales From Madagascar” by Cesar Paes and “Baobab” by Laurence Attali, Sept. 27. The screenings are in conjunction with “Art of the Lega: Meaning and Metaphor in Central Africa,” an exhibit scheduled Oct. 5-May 4 at the museum.