African Apocalypse: A Cinematic Exploration and Discussion of Colonialism, Racism, and Responsibility
Rain for the Sahel and Sahara (RAIN), in collaboration with 3S Artspace and Green Acre, is hosting a film screening of Rob Lemkin’s African Apocalypse followed by a panel discussion. Join us in sparking a conversation about colonialism, the progression of racism and racial equity, and our role and responsibility as global citizens to engage with these matters in a responsible and productive manner. Hear from our panelists Ali Sekou, Najee Brown, and Victoria Carrington on the role of the creative arts in exploring equity and injustice and the importance of bridging global divides through inclusion.
Film Synopsis African Apocalypse tells the story of a young man’s profound journey across Africa driven by his quest to uncover the legacy of colonial horror. Armed with a copy of Conrad’s classic novel, “Heart of Darkness”, British-Nigerien Oxford University student and activist Femi Nylander goes in search of the meaning and legacy of colonial horror in West Africa. He discovers the unknown story of a French army captain, Paul Voulet, who descended into unspeakable barbarity in the conquest of Niger at the very moment Conrad wrote his book. Femi’s exploration sheds light on how Voulet’s damaging actions continue to affect present-day Nigeriens, whose country has been described as the world’s least developed country dates from the moment of Voulet’s arrival in their land. But amidst a tragic history, Femi also encounters a beautiful spirit of hope: young people learning to find a way out of colonialism’s darkness, and a country determined to harness the power of its most precious resource: the light of the sun. He returns to Britain just as a new global confrontation of the legacy of empire and racism emerges in the Black Lives Matter protests, determined to contribute to this global movement against oppression.
Please be advised – this film contains sensitive content and violence and is for mature audiences only.
3S Artspace is located at 319 Vaughan St, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Tickets are available through eventbrite
