African Studies Media Catalog
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Arlit: Deuxieme Paris (DVD : 75 min. ) [2004]
DVD 7605
Abstract: Arlit is a case study in environmental racism set in a uranium mining town in the Sahara desert of Niger. Here European corporations extract nuclear power and profits leaving behind disease, contamination and unemployment.
Director: Idrissou Mora Kpai Distributor:California Newsreel
Keywords: Niger, Sahara desert, environment, uranium, nuclear power, economy, business
Geldoff in Africa (DVD : 240 min. ) [2005]
DVD 5559
Abstract: If Bob Geldof had never seen news footage of the horrific famine in Ethiopia back in the mid-'80s, he might have carried on in relative obscurity, making so-so records with his band the Boomtown Rats. But see it he did, which led to Band Aid (and 'Do They Know It's Christmas' ), Live Aid, Live 8, knighthood, and now Geldof in Africa, a profound, provocative, beautifully made six-part series that aired in 2005 on Britain's BBC. Sir Bob, who narrates both on- and off-screen, visited many parts of what he calls the Luminous Continent (as opposed to the Dark Continent moniker that was ironically bestowed on Africa by Europeans whose own countries were often gray and grim), including Somaliland, a sort of non-country whose very existence isn't acknowledged by any other nation; Ghana, from which slaves were once shipped to America and elsewhere; the Congo, the true heart of darkness, which still bears the ugly scars of Belgian colonization; the Sahara desert, where 'you discover the absolute insignificance of you'; Uganda, where a brutal 'rebel leader' abducts children and turns them into sex slaves and soldiers; and Ethiopia, where it all started for Geldof (and where conditions are actually improving). But Geldof and producer-director John Maguire's film is not a travelogue. Nor is it a scientific documentary, although we learn something about geography, anthropology, meteorology, geology, agriculture, history, religion, and, inevitably, politics. What distinguishes Geldof in Africa is the presence of Geldof himself. An excellent writer and articulate speaker, he brings a decidedly subjective point of view to the work. 'I can't do slick television,' he admits; neither cynical nor naïve, he says exactly what he thinks, and expresses his wonder, fascination, rage, grief, sympathy, blame, and hope with a quiet passion that compels the viewer to feel those things as well. The camera work is flawless throughout, with shot after shot of breathtaking beauty, and Pete Briquette's music provides graceful accompaniment. Extras include audio commentary by Geldof and Maguire, deleted scenes, photos, and a Geldof interview. --Sam Graham
Director: John Maguire Distributor:BBC/Warner Vision International
Keywords: Africa, Congo, Ghana, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, charity, development, NGO, travel
Rivers of Sand (Videocassette : 52 min. ) [1991]
VHS 9344
Abstract: The Niger River brings life to the countries on the southern edge of the Sahara, known as the Sahel. Because nomadic herders are losing their grazing land to the desert, plans are being made to divert Niger River water to this area to permit the growing of crops.
Director: Bruno Sorrentino Distributor:NA
Keywords: Mali, Sahel, Sahara, drought, agriculture, development, desertification
Sahara (Videocassette : 97 min. ) [1987]
V. DISC 1011
Abstract: An explosive war story about a ragtag battalion stranded in the great African desert during World War II. With Humphrey Bogart and Lloyd Bridges. [1987 (orig. 1943)]
Director: Zoltan Korda Distributor:RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video
Keywords: World War II, feature film
Tree of Survival (Videocassette : 20 min. ) [1984]
VHS 9349
Abstract: Trees, sorely needed to halt the desertification of the Sahel, are also the only source of energy for an ever-growing population. The delicate ecological balance is in danger. The key to successful efforts to reverse the trend lies with the people of the Sahel; only time will tell whether they will win, or the sand.
Director: Abdellatif Ben Ammar Distributor:First Run, Icarus Films
Keywords: North Africa, Sahara, Sahel, desertification , drought, environment
Page(s): 1
Arlit: Deuxieme Paris (DVD : 75 min. ) [2004]
DVD 7605
Abstract: Arlit is a case study in environmental racism set in a uranium mining town in the Sahara desert of Niger. Here European corporations extract nuclear power and profits leaving behind disease, contamination and unemployment.
Director: Idrissou Mora Kpai Distributor:California Newsreel
Keywords: Niger, Sahara desert, environment, uranium, nuclear power, economy, business
Geldoff in Africa (DVD : 240 min. ) [2005]
DVD 5559
Abstract: If Bob Geldof had never seen news footage of the horrific famine in Ethiopia back in the mid-'80s, he might have carried on in relative obscurity, making so-so records with his band the Boomtown Rats. But see it he did, which led to Band Aid (and 'Do They Know It's Christmas' ), Live Aid, Live 8, knighthood, and now Geldof in Africa, a profound, provocative, beautifully made six-part series that aired in 2005 on Britain's BBC. Sir Bob, who narrates both on- and off-screen, visited many parts of what he calls the Luminous Continent (as opposed to the Dark Continent moniker that was ironically bestowed on Africa by Europeans whose own countries were often gray and grim), including Somaliland, a sort of non-country whose very existence isn't acknowledged by any other nation; Ghana, from which slaves were once shipped to America and elsewhere; the Congo, the true heart of darkness, which still bears the ugly scars of Belgian colonization; the Sahara desert, where 'you discover the absolute insignificance of you'; Uganda, where a brutal 'rebel leader' abducts children and turns them into sex slaves and soldiers; and Ethiopia, where it all started for Geldof (and where conditions are actually improving). But Geldof and producer-director John Maguire's film is not a travelogue. Nor is it a scientific documentary, although we learn something about geography, anthropology, meteorology, geology, agriculture, history, religion, and, inevitably, politics. What distinguishes Geldof in Africa is the presence of Geldof himself. An excellent writer and articulate speaker, he brings a decidedly subjective point of view to the work. 'I can't do slick television,' he admits; neither cynical nor naïve, he says exactly what he thinks, and expresses his wonder, fascination, rage, grief, sympathy, blame, and hope with a quiet passion that compels the viewer to feel those things as well. The camera work is flawless throughout, with shot after shot of breathtaking beauty, and Pete Briquette's music provides graceful accompaniment. Extras include audio commentary by Geldof and Maguire, deleted scenes, photos, and a Geldof interview. --Sam Graham
Director: John Maguire Distributor:BBC/Warner Vision International
Keywords: Africa, Congo, Ghana, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, charity, development, NGO, travel
Rivers of Sand (Videocassette : 52 min. ) [1991]
VHS 9344
Abstract: The Niger River brings life to the countries on the southern edge of the Sahara, known as the Sahel. Because nomadic herders are losing their grazing land to the desert, plans are being made to divert Niger River water to this area to permit the growing of crops.
Director: Bruno Sorrentino Distributor:NA
Keywords: Mali, Sahel, Sahara, drought, agriculture, development, desertification
Sahara (Videocassette : 97 min. ) [1987]
V. DISC 1011
Abstract: An explosive war story about a ragtag battalion stranded in the great African desert during World War II. With Humphrey Bogart and Lloyd Bridges. [1987 (orig. 1943)]
Director: Zoltan Korda Distributor:RCA/Columbia Pictures Home Video
Keywords: World War II, feature film
Tree of Survival (Videocassette : 20 min. ) [1984]
VHS 9349
Abstract: Trees, sorely needed to halt the desertification of the Sahel, are also the only source of energy for an ever-growing population. The delicate ecological balance is in danger. The key to successful efforts to reverse the trend lies with the people of the Sahel; only time will tell whether they will win, or the sand.
Director: Abdellatif Ben Ammar Distributor:First Run, Icarus Films
Keywords: North Africa, Sahara, Sahel, desertification , drought, environment
September 16, 2008: Geoffrey Nyarota
