Motherland is the most powerful documentary on Africa. Fusing history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues, Motherland sweeps across Africa to tell a new story of a dynamic continent.... Read allMotherland is the most powerful documentary on Africa. Fusing history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues, Motherland sweeps across Africa to tell a new story of a dynamic continent. From the glory and majesty of Africa's past through its complex history. Africa as you ha... Read allMotherland is the most powerful documentary on Africa. Fusing history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues, Motherland sweeps across Africa to tell a new story of a dynamic continent. From the glory and majesty of Africa's past through its complex history. Africa as you have never seen it. From multi-award winning director 'Alik Shahadah (500 Years Later.)
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Featured reviews
The Motherland is all about the African journey to the present day.Those who see it should leave with an understanding of the past, and hope for the future.
Even if you are not of African decent, it should be of interest to you to watch. What we do not realize is that the world world is connected in some way. Migration took place and is still taking place, movement of people from one continent to another is happening all the time. Therefore it is in the best interest of most people to understand history and African History.
I recommend this film is shown in schools, universities and all over the globe.
Patricia Harrington
This film is the most flawless example of Pan-Africanism. When an Ethiopian first sees this film he is attracted to it because they see their prime Minister and their culture. After watching the film they know more about their culture and the broader culture of Africa and the Pan-African struggle.
When a person from South Africa watches this film they are learning about Ethiopia and Kenya, and Rwanda. And they all see their inter- connections beyond nationalities and ethnic groups. It is only a film that could do this. Not only imparting information but building a social place where people gather to see this film, and further interacting and understanding the challenges that face their lives as Africans.
The plethora of voices from African-Americans, Ghanians, Malians enriches the story of Africa in the most beautiful way. Someone is strong on politics, and another is strong of culture, these various and differing people however harmonize in one Pan-African song to sing through the negative media image of Africa and speak in dignity reaffirming terms about their own story.
Motherland is a beautifully crafted, ambitious production that critically and unapologetically examines the beautiful complexity of African culture. Destined to become required viewing for students of African civilizations, history, politics, economics and religion, it is massive in scope. Be prepared to learn volumes.
ever there was a film that could be called the greatest social African documentary this would be it. As never have I seen one body of work which chronicles in a cohesive way the collective history of African people in the Diaspora in context and with dignity. Not only does Motherland document it lays pathways for solutions to the crisis, the film takes responsibility for not only being a mirror on a problem but more than that. This is why it is more than a film.
Did you know
- TriviaThe producers decided to remove the interview with Desmond Tutu after his negative remarks regarding Zimbabwe. The director felt his stance in Africa was not in line with the Pan-Africanism the film promotes.
- Quotes
Barack Obama: The world will be what you make of it, you have the power to hold your leaders accountable and build institutions that serve the people.
Barack Obama: You can conquer disease and make change from the bottom up. You can do it, yes you can.
- ConnectionsFollows 500 Years Later (2005)
- SoundtracksKwaMashu
Written by Owen Alik Shahadah
Performed by Ocacia
Courtesy of SoulJazzFunk Records, a Division of Halaqah Films
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $2,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 3 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1