Beautifully filmed on location in 16 African countries, "The Africans" looks at the many influences that have shaped this complex continent, including indigenous roots, religion, and colonialism. Produced by WETA/Washington, DC, and the BBC. Released: 1986. - (1) Winner of the Japan Prize and a CINE Award (2) Addresses both contemporary problems, such as apartheid and famine, and historical events, including ancient Egypt and the slave trade. (3) Provides invaluable materials for the study of geography, history, anthropology, and comparative religion.
1. The nature of a Continent
Geography's influence on history is the topic of this episode, which explores the roles that water,
desert, and equatorial climate have played in developing African culture and civilization.
2. A Legacy of Lifestyles
What constitutes "family" in African culture? This segment examines matrilineal, patrilineal,
and polygamous traditions as well as the impact of modern cities on family ties.
3. New Gods
The roles of Christina missionaries, Western secularism, Muslim sects, Egyptian Pharaohs, and
native religions are discussed in visits to Senegal, Zaire, and Egypt.
4. Tools of Exploitation
This program traces the colonial economic legacy, the development of slavery, and European
control of Africa's natural resources, with special attention to the roles played by Belgium and
Great Britain.
5. New Conflicts
Urbanization, warrior traditions, European-created national boundaries, the Islamic Jihad
traditions, and nationalist movements are problems of Africa's post-colonial period, examined in
this episode.
6. In Search of Stability
In a continent where more than 70 coups have taken place in the last 30 years, the question of
governing effectively is critical. This segment compares African military regimes, one-party
states, Marxism in Mozambique, and the styles of the presidents of Tanzania and Zaire.
7. A Garden of Eden in Decay?
More than 70 million Africans suffer from malnutrition while their countries export food to
Europe. Economic and agricultural failures and successes are examined in Algeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe.
8. A Clash of Cultures
In every area of life--dress, behavior, law, worship, language--Africans have a triple heritage that often sends conflicting signals. The Africans struggle to evolve new, effective, and essentially
African ways of doing things is the topic of this episode.
9. Global Africa
Africa's role in international politics and economics, from U.N. participation to cobalt production and the political crisis in South Africa, is the focus of this concluding episode. Other
issues include the International Monetary Fund, food aid, and tourism.