FIVE (5) RARE, CONTROVERSIAL, AND IMPORTANT EARLY AFRICAN TRIBE DOCUMENTARY FILMS

(circa 1930-1967)

A RARE COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL FILMS DOCUMENTING THE RITUALS AND TRIBAL LIFE OF PYGMIES, BUSHMEN AND THE CULTURE OF AFRICA DURING THE EARLY PART OF THE 20TH CENTURY.

DVD #1

WILD MEN OF THE KALAHARI (1930)
APPROX. RUN TIME: 30 MINUTES : B/W : W/SOUND

This amazing film documents the Kung Bushmen's first encounter with Western man and is one  the earliest "talking pictures" shot in western Africa.

CONTENT ADVISORY: NARRATION IS CONTROVERSIAL TO SAY THE LEAST

Expedition leader and lecturer Dr. C. Ernest Cadle of the Cameron-Cadle expedition describes the Kung Bushmen as "among the most treacherous creatures on earth". He then "baited them as we would an animal" to gather them for camera shots, and noted their eating habits ("he doesn't chew, but simply swallows like a dog").

****

AFRICAN PYGMY THRILLS (1930)
APPROX. RUN TIME: 10 MINUTES : B/W : W/SOUND

Although condescending to present-day sensibilities, authentic tribal music and the real life documentary aspect of this footage is historically important and represents an authentic (yet campy) attempt to portray significant elements of the African Pygmy culture.

CONTENT ADVISORY: NARRATION IS SOMEWHAT CONDESCENDING

****

WHEELS ACROSS AFRICA (1936)
APPROX. RUN TIME: 51 MINUTES : B/W : W/SOUND

Impressive images of animals, landscape and a positive portrayal of the people highlight this educational footage. This film is a documentary of the Sahara desert/Congo expedition carried out by Armand Davis (sponsored by Dodge trucks) in 1935-36 and features snake charmers, glass eaters and an abundance of wildlife.

DVD #2

AFRICA SPEAKS (1930)
APPROX. RUN TIME: 50 MINUTES : B/W : W/SOUND

"The Strangest Adventure Ever Filmed"

A captivating documentary film packed with interesting information about Pygmies, the Masai, their culture and their skills. Some of the narration is a bit controversial (like when they joke about how the native's treat women like commodities) but this movie has plenty of action and many picturesque scenes of wildlife and tribal functions.

****

IN THE NEWS (1953-67)
APPROX. RUN TIME: 15 MINUTES : B/W : W/SOUND

The final film in this set is a compilation of historical newsreel footage describing the military events that molded North African nations during the middle part of the 20th century.

****

FIVE (5) *RARE* AFRICAN TRIBE & PYGMY CULTURAL FILMS

A final word about these films... They are old, unedited, original films created between 41 and 78 years ago so please don't expect them to have the same production quality as you would find in a feature film produced using today's technology.