African Studies Media Catalog


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Angel Returns: Changing the Tradition of Female Circumcision (The) (Videocassette : 50 min. )  [2002]
VHS 9170/ DVD 8084
Abstract: This colorfully photographed film is set in Somalia, where the tradition of female circumcision is firmly entrenched. Isnino Ahmed Musso, a determined and articulate woman, wants change. More than most other films on this subject, this documentary shows clearly what problems a reformer faces. Circumcision is a tradition of family honor, a marketable commodity for dowries, a religious rite, a means to control women's sexuality, and what is often not expressed, a livelihood for the many women who perform this ritual. Circumcisers are viewed with respect and paid for their services. They lobby fiercely against its abolition. Isnino uses all methods at her disposal to change the mindset of her people, including radio debates, which is an effective way to reach an illiterate population. But often, after meeting with religious leaders and elders in villages, she realizes that her best hope is to encourage a transition from a full Pharaonic circumcision to the lesser Sunna-type, consisting of just a few small cuts. In Somali with English subtitles. Also available in DVD format (DVD 8084).
Director: Jacqueline Bakker Distributor:Filmakers Library, NY
Keywords:
Somalia, female circumcision, initiation rites, religion, clitoridectomy, ceremonies, media, social change, women, gender

Angel Returns: Changing the Tradition of Female Circumcision, The (DVD : 50 min. )  [2002]
DVD 8084/ VHS 9170
Abstract: This colorfully photographed film is set in Somalia, where the tradition of female circumcision is firmly entrenched. Isnino Ahmed Musso, a determined and articulate woman, wants change. More than most other films on this subject, this shows clearly what problems a reformer faces. Circumcision is a tradition of family honor, a marketable commodity for dowries, a religious rite, a means to control women's sexuality, and what is often not expressed, a livelihood for the many women who perform this ritual. Circumcisers are viewed with respect and paid for their services. They lobby fiercely against its abolition. Isnino uses all methods at her disposal to change the mindset of her people, including radio debates, which is an effective way to reach an illiterate population. But often, after meeting with religious leaders and elders in villages, she realizes that her best hope is to encourage a transition from a full Pharaonic circumcision to the lesser Sunna-type of just a few small cuts. Also available in videocassette format (VHS 9170).
Director: Jacqueline Bakker Distributor:Filmmakers Library
Keywords:
Somalia, female circumcision, initiation rites, religion, clitoridectomy, ceremonies, media, social change, women, gender

Cutting Edge (The) (Videocassette : 10 min. )  [1996]
V. CASS. VHS 3804
Abstract: Documentary film, shot in the Kapchorway region of Uganda, looks at the success story of the REACH project in northern Uganda which replaces the dangerous practice of female genital mutilation with ceremonies for the exchange of cattle and gifts to welcome young girls into the adult community. Producer/director: Charlotte Metcalf. [See also Welcome to Womanhood, a follow up to this film].
Director: Charlotte Metcalf Distributor:Bullfrog Films
Keywords:
Uganda, women, social conditions, initiation rites, development projects, female circumcision

Monday's Girls (Videocassette : 49 min. )  [1993]
V. CASS. VHS 2585
Abstract: A grandmother named Monday Moses in Ogoloma, Nigeria is responsible for taking the young girls of the village through the rites of passage into womanhood so that they will be ready for marriage. Producer: Lloyd Gardner.
Director: Ngozi Omwurah Distributor:California Newsreel
Keywords:
Nigeria, initiation, marriage, women

Ndebele Women and the Rituals of Rebellion (Videocassette : 60 min. )  [1995]
V. CASS. VHS 3320
Abstract: Ndebele men's and women's initiation rites and performance art are explored. Includes discussion of house structure and women's house painting.
Director: Peter Rich Distributor:Filmakers Library
Keywords:
South Africa, Ndebele, women, rites and ceremonies, art

Our Way of Loving (Videocassette : 50 min. )  [1994]
V. CASS. VHS 3281
Abstract: The third program in a trilogy focusing on the Hamar, an isolated people of Southwestern Ethiopia. This film shows Duka, now a mother with two young children. Her life is dominated by caring for them and her husband, Sago. Although Sago and Duka seem to have an affectionate marriage, he beats her when provoked. She accepts this behavior for she believes it is a man's way of loving. Film also shows the ceremony of Sago's cousin's initiation into manhood. Producer: Chris Curling. (Part of the Hamar Trilogy. Other titles include: The Women Who Smile and Two Girls Go Hunting.)
Director: NA Distributor:Filmakers Library
Keywords:
Ethiopia, Hamar, women, social conditions, family, marriage, gender, rites and ceremonies

Rites (Videocassette : 52 min. )  [1991]
VHS 9191
Abstract: This program explores the custom of female circumcision which has been commonplace throughout history. Today it is still practiced in many cultures, particularly in Africa. This program shows the efforts of women throughout the world to stop the practice. It considers three major contexts in which 'female genital mutilation' (FGM) occurs. The first context is 'cosmetic,' while the second one is 'punitive.' Medical historian Dr. Ornella Moscurri describes how women in the late 19th and early 20th century were subjected to FGM if they stepped out of line. The third context is part of the cultural transition to adulthood and initiation into female life. Routine 'mutilation' has been fiercely attacked by Western observers, although such attacks have themselves been the subject of accusations of cultural imperialism.
Director: Penny Dedman Distributor:Filmakers Library, NY
Keywords:
female circumcision, infibulation, rites of passage, women