west african

The Dark Side of Chocolate

Tue, 16 Mar 2010

A team of journalists investigate how human trafficking and child labor in the Ivory Coast fuels the worldwide chocolate industry. The crew interview both proponents and opponents of these alleged practices, and use hidden camera techniques to delve into the gritty world of cocoa plantations.

Destiny

Tue, 27 May 1997

Though gay-themed stories about "coming out" and accepting one's sexuality are not uncommon in Western countries, such tales are still rare in many conservative African nations. Considered a ground-breaking film in its native Guinea, and filmed amidst a storm of controversy, Mohamed Camara's Dakan is the first of its nations films to directly address issues surrounding homosexuality. The story centers on the romance between two 20-year-old men, Manga and Sory who are first seen making out in a car. The trouble begins when Manga tells his widowed mother about his love for Sory, who is busy contending with his outraged father. The parents insist that the two never see each other again. Manga's mother then uses witchcraft to cleanse her son and change him into a heterosexual. Time passes and eventually Manga begins to date a girl. But it soon becomes apparent that try as he might, Manga's heart belongs to Sory.

Mami Wata

Fri, 08 Sep 2023

In the oceanside village of Iyi, the revered Mama Efe acts as an intermediary between the people and the all-powerful water deity Mami Wata. But when a young boy is lost to a virus, Efe’s devoted but rebellious daughter Zinwe and skeptical protégé Prisca warn Efe about unrest among the villagers. With the sudden arrival of a mysterious rebel deserter named Jasper, a conflict erupts, leading to a violent clash of ideologies and a crisis of faith for the people of Iyi.

Refuge(e)

Thu, 14 Mar 2019

Refuge(e) traces the incredible journey of two refugees, Alpha and Zeferino. Each fled violent threats to their lives in their home countries and presented themselves at the US border asking for political asylum, only to be incarcerated in a for-profit prison for months on end without having committed any crime. Thousands more like them can't tell their stories.

Shady Chocolate

Sat, 08 Dec 2012

Ever since it was revealed that the chocolate industry is involved with child slavery in the Ivory Coast, the industry has been busy – due to consumer demands – explaining what exactly it does to actively fight trafficking and child labour. But does the industry live up to its own promises?In this investigative film, director Miki Mistrati tries to find out, if the chocolate industry – which is one of the largest corporations in the world – speak the truth, when they say that they provide education, medical care etc for the children of the Ivory Coast. But the project runs into trouble already from the get-go, because the embassy of the Ivory Coast won’t let Miki enter the country until he has an invitation – from the chocolate industry.

The Wind

Sat, 24 Sep 1983

Two Malian teenagers, Bah and Batrou, from different backgrounds, meet at secondary school. Bah is the descendent of a great tribal chieftain. Batrous father, a provincial military governor, represents the new ruling power. The two teenagers are part of a generation that rejects the established order and challenges the society in which they live.

Anansi the Spider

Wed, 01 Jan 1969

A West African folk tale about a spider who is presented with a dilemma when each of his six sons saves his life and he must determine which one he should reward.

Nana Benz

Sun, 01 Jan 2012

Nana Benz is the story of the legendary queens of the West African mercer, self-made women, coming out of nowhere, building empires. These women were heroes to the people, Mercedes driver at the West African coast. They influenced the history of Togo and were witnesses of the fights for independence, the dictatorship till the globalization nowadays. Thomas Böltken manages to establish closure to the protagonists by letting their heirs - grandchildren, widows, lovers - speak.

Togo, le foot et la politique ne font qu'un

Tue, 01 Jan 2008

Who to Blame?

Sat, 07 Mar 2020

Filmed in and created by people in the small west African nation of The Gambia. An exciting mystery that showcases many aspects of Gambian culture.

eXport

Sun, 17 Dec 2017

Based on true events, eXport is an adventure into kidnapping, human trafficking and sacrifice. Hundreds of thousands of young men and women have vanished from their everyday lives-forced by violence into a hellish existence. They're a profitable commodity in the multi-billion-dollar industry of modern slavery. The underworld calls them human traffic.

Dial Diali

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Dial Diali slightly lifts the veil behind which Senegalese women secretly hide traditional artifices (small loincloths, pearl belts, henna and incense) that highlight their charm and eroticism, to accentuate their power of seduction on men. In Africa, a therapeutic and symbolic aspect of things is often hidden behind aesthetics. Olaf Diali pays tribute to the beauty, grace, finesse and intelligence of African women.

Atumpan: The Talking Drums of Ghana

Wed, 01 Jan 1964

This classic documentary features the story and sounds of the talking master drums of the Ashanti. Filmed in Ghana and narrated by Mantle Hood