An exciting experimental multi-media initiative takes place this weekend - an exchange between Cape Town and Canada.

Combining film, music, dance and dialogue, the Reel Pan-African Soundscape aims to bring audiences together to explore issues of migration and multiculturalism.

Canadian filmmaker Sarah Van Borek's five short films will be screened at the event.

"Over the past five years, I've had the joy and honour of developing intimate friendships with the musicians featured in the films and have been learning through them about both the richness they bring to South Africa by way of their talent, cultural traditions and important messages, as well as the challenges they face due to discrimination, simply because they are foreigners living in South Africa," she says.

These include performers from across Africa now based in Cape Town, such as Adeson Nchimbi from Tanzania, Sylvestre Kabassidi from the Congo Republic, Xixel Langa from Mozambique, Dingiswayo Juma from Zimbabwe and Adamu from Angola. Each musician will perform at the event.

The films revolve around the pressing issues of immigration, xenophobia, multiculturalism and the role of the artist in promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Using internet video technology, "sister audiences" will be able to connect to those in Vancouver, where the event will also be held.

After each film, Canadian and South African audiences will be able to engage in dialogue on critical issues raised in the films.

One of the first films, Xenophobia Unplugged: Featuring Adeson Nchimbi, has received wide acclaim at film festivals in Canada. South Africa's acclaimed dancer, Bheki Ndlovu, will also be present.

Van Borek commented: "In addition to breaking down barriers between the film's subject and audience, this is about overcoming barriers, such as poverty and immigration bureaucracy, that can prevent immigrant and refugee artists from touring and gaining access to the international market."

The event takes place this Sunday, October 26, at Zula Sound Bar, 194 Long Street, 10pm. R20. Tel: 021-424-2442.