High School

High School

AFRICA: VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY

with Basil Davidson MBT/MR Arts, 1984. Each segment is 56:00.

M, HS, Adult

The author of more than 30 books on Africa, Basil Davidson guides viewers through a comprehensive overview of African history, culture, and geography from ancient Africa to the present.

The New York Times described this series as "stunning."

Cassette 1

Part One: Different But Equal

Examines the rise of ancient African kingdoms, especially Egypt and Nubia, and the origins of European racial prejudice towards Africa.

Part Two: Mastering a Continent

Examines how Africans in three societies have made a living from diverse and often hostile environments.

Cassette 2

Part Three: Caravans of Gold

Traces the roots of the medieval gold trade from Africa to India, China, and Italy; focuses on the kingdoms of Ghana and Mali.

Part Four: Kings and Cities

Explores the functioning of traditional African kingdoms, with a focus on Kano in northern Nigeria.

Cassette 3

Part Five: The Bible & the Gun

Deals briefly with the slave trade itself; focuses on explorers, missionaries, and colonizers.

Part Six: The Magnificent African Cake

Examines the European "Scramble for Africa." Covers the conquest, the forms of colonial control, and the colonial extraction of wealth.

Cassette 4

Part Seven: The Rise of Nationalism

Explores the struggle for independence in several African colonies, including the Gold Coast (Ghana), Kenya, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), and the Belgian Congo.

Part Eight: The Legacy

Discusses the aftermath of colonial rule, and examines contemporary problems of independent African nations.

? AFRICA ON THE MOVE

The Bullfrog Project, 1991. 55:00 (in three parts).

M, HS, Adults. With study guide.

A remarkable new look at Africa which goes beyond the stereotypical images and allows Africans to speak for themselves. Through scenes of a farming family in Uganda and through brief interviews with Ugandan leaders, we come to see such families as agents of change.

THE AFRICANS

producer: Ali Mazrui, The Annenberg/CPB Collection. 1986. Each program is 60:00

HS., Adult

From the history of Egyptian pharaohs, matriarchal social systems and the slave trade to contemporary political crises, Dr. Mazrui discusses African developments from the perspective of its triple heritage: its indigenous culture, Islam and the impact of the West. Note: We own three of the nine videos in the series

Program 4: Tools of Exploitation

This video traces the colonial economic legacy, the development of slavery and European control of Africa's natural resources.

Program 5: New Conflicts

This video examines urbanization, warrior tradition, European-created national boundaries, the Islamic jihad tradition and nationalist movements in Africa.

Program 6: In Search of Stability

This video compares African military regimes, one-party states, Marxism in Mozambique and the different policies of the presidents of Tanzania and former Zaire.

? THE AMERICAN CONNECTION

The American Labor Education Center. 27:00. 1980s.

HS, Adult

Addresses the role of the U.S. in South Africa, especially issues of corporate investment and labor conditions.

THE AMISTAD REVOLT

Producer: Andrea Haas Hubbell. 1995. 33:00.

M, HS, Adult

The true story of 53 Africans who, in the 1830s, revolted and seized the slave ship La Amistad . Thwarted in their plans to return home, they were captured and charged with murder and piracy. They won their freedom through the courts.

ASIMBONANGA

Producer: Imagery Films. 1989. 7:00

Song performed by Joan Baez.

M, HS, Adult

Combines still photos, cell animation, live action, and optical effects, all choreographed to the song Asimbonanga - to act as a reminder of the daily oppression faced by black South Africans.

THE AVOIDABLE FAMINE

Producer: Yorkshire Television. 1988. 20:00.

HS, Adult. Study guide.

Sudan, the largest nation in Africa, has produced enough food for its own needs plus export. Changing crops and farming technique produced famine and stripping of the land. This film examines the reasons behind these changes and looks at how the Sudanese economy has responded to the destruction of the traditional way of life. Accompanied by study materials.

BANKING ON LIFE AND DEBT

Maryknoll World Production. 1995. 30:00.

HS, Adult

This documentary traces the post-World War II changes which led to the current world economic order. It focuses on the policies of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Ghana, Brazil and the Philippines.

BIKO: BREAKING THE SILENCE

Producers: O. Maruma, E. Spicer, R. Wickstead and M. Kaplan, 1988 52:00.

HS, Adult

Shows how student leader Steve Biko fostered the Black Consciousness Movement in South Africa, and encouraged black South Africans to think of themselves as a people with a distinct identity and destiny.

? CHANTAL'S CHOICE

Producers: C. Saltman & P. Hinkley, 1990. 29:00

M, HS, Adult

The story of an African girl grappling with traditional marriage expectations within a modern and changing environment. Written and presented by secondary school students in Burkina Faso.

? COLD WATER

Producer: Noriko Ogami, Boston University. 1987. 48:00

HS, Adult

International students (including one from Zaire) and experts describe their experiences here, commenting on the nature of U.S. culture and the process of adjustment to a new culture.

? CONSUMING HUNGER

Maryknoll World Video Library. 1988. Three 29:00 segments.

HS, Adult

PART ONE: GETTING THE STORY

Explores the question: why does it take the American media so long to cover African famines?

PART TWO: SHAPING THE IMAGE

Explores the question: what happened to our images of Africa once starving Africans dominated television's portrayal of the continent?

PART THREE: SELLING THE FEELING

Explores the question: what did the "Hands Across America" mega-event tell us about hunger in America and the images that we have created of our own hungry and homeless?

CORRIDORS OF FREEDOM

Producer: Ingrid Sinclair (UK), 1987. 52:00

HS, Adult

Examines how South Africa has tried to control the economies of its neighboring countries and how these countries have responded with their own efforts to develop independently.

DELTA FORCE

Director: Glenn Ellis. 1994. 54:00.

HS, Adult

This powerful documentary discusses the ecological, economic and social turmoil caused by Shell Oil and the Nigerian government in Ogoniland. Graphic footage and powerful interviews (including murdered poet Ken- Saro Wiwa) makes this film highly provocative and informative.

THE EARTH THAT FEEDS US

Beacon Films. 1990. 15:00.

M, HS

A compelling look at environmental problems experienced by African farmers in recent years. Explores how Africans might strike a balance between ecological conservation and economic development. Draws comparisons with environmental problems facing the U.S. Includes brief lesson plan.

FACING THE FUTURE

Beacon Films. 1990. 15:00

M, HS

Asks the question what does it mean to be modern? Examines the influence of western values and technology on Africans, and how Africans are creating a balance between traditional and modern ways.

FAMILY ACROSS THE SEA

1991 56:00 Producer: Tim Carrier. South Carolina Educational TV.

HS, Adult

Told as a historical and linguistic detective story. Traces the connections between the Gullah people, brought to South Carolina as slaves, and Sierra Leone. Powerfully shows the continuation of cultural ties through speech, songs and culture.

? FAMINE AND CHRONIC PERSISTENT HUNGER: A LIFE AND DEATH DISTINCTION

Also shown as "End the Hunger." Producer: The Hunger Project. 1989, 11:00.M,

HS, Adult

This video makes graphically clear, by focusing on different case studies of Third World nations, the critical distinction between famine and chronic hunger-and what needs to be done to end each.

? FROM SUN UP

Maryknoll World Video Library. 28:00

HS, Adult

Produced by a Tanzanian woman, Flora M'mbugu, and shot in Tanzania by an all-African crew. This beautifully photographed work portrays women's multiple roles as provider, mother, water-carrier, wood-gatherer, cook and entrepreneur. It dramatically illustrates that the source of women's hope and sense of the future lies in their support for each other.

u GELEDE: A YORUBA MASQUERADE

1969. 23:00.

HS, Adult. Special rate: see last page

Documentary of a Yoruba communal festival. Emphasizes the importance of this festival in providing coherence to the community and its culture.

GENERATIONS OF RESISTANCE

Producer: The UN, 1980. 52:00

HS, Adult

A definitive history of South African resistance to white rule from Bambata's Rebellion of 1906 to the uprisings of 1976.

GIRLS APART

Producers: C. Sheppard & C. Savageot, 1987. 38:00

M, HS, Adult

A powerful documentary of two South African school girls, one white and one black, who the viewer into their lives and homes.

GOOD HEALTH STARTS AT HOME

Beacon Films. 1990. 15:00.

M, HS.

Examines how Africa is working to improve its health care systems both through health care workshops and through certified traditional healers. Emphasizes preventive medicine.

? HARVEST OF HUNGER

OXFAM, 1987. 20:00.

HS, Adult

Creative graphics to Jackson Browne music combine with stunning photos of overseas projects in this exploration of the underlying causes of world hunger. Excellent for high school, college, and community groups; includes teacher's guide with quizzes, exercises, and maps.

HYENAS

Director: Djibril Diop Mambety. 1992. Wolof with subtitles. 113:00.

HS, Adult

A scorned lover returns to her village as the richest woman in the world and offers the villagers a trillion dollars to execute the man who betrayed her. An adaptation of the Swiss parable, "The Visit of the Old Woman," this drama is a biting satire of today's Africa --betraying the hopes of independence for the false promises of Western materialism.

KEITA

Director: Dani Kouyate. Burkina Faso. 1994. In Jula and French with subtitles. (94:00).

HS, Adult

This film introduces the viewer to one of the most important works of African oral literature, The Sundjata Epic. The film frames its dramatization of this legend within the story of a contemporary young African's initiation into the history of his family. When a djeliba, a master griot or bard, arrives mysteriously at the home of Mabo Keita to teach him "the meaning of his name," boy and griot are inevitably brought into conflict with his Westernized mother and schoolteacher, who have rejected African tradition.

? KONKOMBE: THE NIGERIAN POP MUSIC SCENE

Producer: Jerry Marre Harcart Films, 1988.

Grades 4 to Adult

Lively documentary of Nigerian popular music, featuring artists such as Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, and Sonny Okosun, in performance and in their communities.

LAGOS: RICH MAN, POOR MAN

Geographical Eye Over Africa. 1994. 20:00.

M, HS, Adult

This program shows the enourmous contrast between the lives of two children in Nigeria's bustling metropolis, thereby illustrating how the city works and its people survive.

? MA JOURN?E EN FRAN?AIS

PICS. French. 30:00

Elementary - HS

This video contains six 5-minute sections on Benin, Senegal, and Reunion in Africa, as well as Lebanon, Martinique, and Corsica. Each segment is narrated by a child who describes a typical day in his or her country. Narrated in simple French with a written transcript and lesson plan provided.

? MANDELA

Producer: Home Box Office Inc. 1987. 2:15

M, HS, Adult

Documentary/ drama featuring Danny Glover in the role of Nelson Mandela; part biography and part history of the ANC.

MAPANTSULA

Producer: Max Motoechio. 1988. 90:00

In English, Zulu and Sotho w/subtitles.

HS, Adult

The first anti-apartheid feature film told from the perspective of black South Africans. Banned by the apartheid Government. The story of "Panic" (a petty criminal), his life in a black township, and his transformation into a man who takes a stand against apartheid.

MOVING ON: THE HUNGER FOR LAND

California Newsreel. 1982. 54:10.

HS, Adult

An examination of the colonial history of Zimbabwe and the challenges facing newly independent nations, especially the land question.

? NIGERIA

1984. 15:00 (transferred from filmstrip)

M, HS

Provides an introductory overview of the history, geography, and politics of Nigeria.

SECOND NATURE

Cyprus Productions. 1997. 40:00.

HS, Adult

This video examines how the forest in West Africa is actually on the increase, due to the farmers' skill in transforming savanna into forest. It shows how easily experts can reach incorrect conclusions if local knowledge and history are not taken into account.

A SON OF AFRICA:
THE SLAVE NARRATIVE OF OLAUDAH EQUIANO

Producer: Aimimage/BBC. 1996. 28:00.

M, HS (brief scene of bare breasts), Adult

Based on the first widely read slave autobiography from 1789, this video dramatically portrays Equiano's life. Additional archival material and brief interviews with scholars such as Stuart Hall and Ian Duffield reveal the social and economic context of the 18th century slave trade.

SPEAR OF THE NATION

Thames Television, BELBO, and NOVIB. 1986. 50:00

HS, Adult

History of resistance to apartheid by the African National Congress.

? STETSASONIC, A.F.R.I.C.A.

(Music Video) Warner Bros. Records, 1988. Time: 4:25:00

HS, Adult

Music video by popular hip hop band Stetsasonic, with an educational focus. Primarily concerned with South Africa's neighbors and their resistance to apartheid. Accompanied by a study guide which helps students to understand the politics, geography, and history of southern Africa.

? STOP THE VIOLENCE

Global Vision for the Africa Fund. 1992. 14:00

HS, Adult

Based on footage from "A Savage War of Peace" by Video News Service in South Africa.

TEXTBOOKS AND DREAMS

Beacon Films. 1990. 15:00.

M, HS.

Describes Africans' pride in education and explores different forms of education in Africa.

THREE TALES FROM SENEGAL

Directors: Djibril Diop Mambety and Mansour Sora Wade. 1994. Wolof with subtitles. 82:00 (45:00; 20:00; 17:00)

HS, Adult

Le Fanc is the whimsical but sardonic parable about the plight of everday Africans buffeted by the changing winds of the international monetary system. Picc Mi (Little Bird) is a touching fable revealing the exploitation of children in Africa's teeming cities. Fary l'Anesse (Fary, the Donkey) is the tale of a man led into folly by his pursuit of the "perfect" woman.

A TOY IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

UNICEF: 25:00

Age 6 and up

This video was filmed primarily in Kenya. Lively and engaging, it features vignettes of family and school life in both urban and rural settings. It focuses primarily on children at play and making their own toys.

Narrated by Liv Ullmann.

* Only the first half on rural Kenyan children is appropriate for elementary school children.

? TRAINING FOR TRAVEL TO AFRICA

Colorado State University TV. 29:30.

HS, Adult

Using a series of dramatized incidents, the video explores different types of miscommunications that can take place between Westerners and Africans, because of different cultural assumptions that these two groups have.

UNDERSTANDING EACH OTHER

Beacon Films. Time: 15:00. 1990.

M, HS

With wonderful spirit, a Zimbabwean teenage actress introduces Africa's diverse geography and cultures and dispels many misconceptions along the way. An outstanding video.

UNHEARD VOICES: CELEBRATING CULTURES OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD

Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Madison, Wisconsin. 1:42

HS, Adult

Interview with African citizens of Tunisia, Kenya, Somalia and Liberia currently living and working in the U. S. Recollections of selected life experiences.

WEND KUUNI (GOD'S GIFT)

Producer/Director: Gaston Kabore. Burkina Faso. 1982

More, subtitled, 70:00 HS, Adult

A feature film on a pastoral romance before the coming of Islam and Christianity. A mute, memoryless child is found under a tree and is adopted by the village and named Wend Kuuni. Through flashbacks, the audience learns about compassion through the medium of hate. The boy finds community and recovers his ability to communicate. This fable demonstrates how traditional Mossi values can heal and unify a modern African state beset by dislocation, refugees, and social conflict. Kabore adapted the measured rhythms and formal compositions of oral story telling to make this film accessible to people seeing a movie for the first time.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT AFRICA

Boston University African Outreach Center. 1995: 25:00

HS, Adult

Converted from the popular slide-tape show, this video question our conscious and unconscious stereotypes held about Africa. It stimulates critical thinking and serves as an introduction to units in social studies, geography, history and anthropology.

Video also comes with an outstanding detailed curriculum guide.

WITNESS TO APARTHEID

California Newsreel. 1986. 56:00

HS, AdultV Tells the story of black children under apartheid and their detention and torture by South African Security forces.

WOMEN: CHANGING OUR ROLES

Beacon Films. 15:00. 1990

M, HS

Explores the traditional expectations of women and their evolving opportunities in marriage, education, and work.

ZAJOTA AND THE BOOGIE SPIRIT

1990, 20:00 Producer: Ayoka Chenzira

M, HS, Adult

This vibrant film, produced in colorful animation, recapitulates in folktale form the saga of black people. The story takes the audience on a journey from Africa and traditional way of life , through the disruption of slavery to the pursuit for equality in the Civil Rights Movement.