Dictators and Pop Stars
A number of North American pop artists have lent their star power to African dictators.
9 Article(s) by:
Allison Swank
Allison Swank is a film and video producer based in South Africa.
Madagascar at the Oscars
A French filmmaker witnesses a "the turning of the dead people" ceremony in Madagascar. Amazingly, the film explores this event without necessarily exoticizing it.
A familiar narrative about Madagascar
As part of our series on how Western filmmakers portray African countries and people, a piece on the children's film, "Madagascar."
Congo: The benefit of the doubt has expired
Anyone who knows anything about Cold War politics, knows the CIA had a hand in Lumumba's murder. The only difference now is that it's been proven.
Africa on Film: Out of Africa
Our film critic, Allison Swank, rewatches the 1985 film. Her verdict: "Out of Africa" is a media nostalgia piece for a time when whites ruled in Africa.
Coming to America
How much damage, if any, did "Coming to America" do to a generation of young Americans' views of Africa and Africans?
Africa on Film: The “Tarzan” Films
The "Tarzan" films, which dates back to the beginnings of Hollywood, are a perfect visual representation of colonialism in Africa.
Introducing our new series: Africa on Film
Over the next few months, Allison Swank will commence a new weekly series on popular (and not-so-popular) films in the United States 'about' Africa.
Mandela’s Children
Alexandra Fuller highlights the deeply ingrained sociological, economic, and political problems that still persist in South Africa as a result of apartheid.