This film documents major struggles for independence in African countries such as Ghana, Algeria, Kenya, Mozambique and Belgian Congo. It gives focus to the vision of Pan-Africanism by Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah. Events that led to the attainment of Ghana’s independence are documented. Similar uprisings in Belgian Congo, Kenya, Algeria, Mozambique and Guinea Bissau are also highlighted in this film. The film features the organization for African Unity (OAU) and the end of Apartheid in South Africa.
The narrators raise a number of issues in this film. First is the origination of African Nationalism which occurred mainly after World War II when Africans fought alongside Europeans. The issue of economic relations between Africa and Europe are also raised in the film. For example, Guinea Bissau had to turn to communist aid after the West denied them aid. This is one example of the Cold War intrigues as African countries had to align themselves with either communism or capitalism. The film also documents the rise of political forces and parties that demanded self-government. These forces were part of the greater movements that had taken up arms against the colonial forces such as the Mau Mau in Kenya and the FRELIMO in Mozambique.
This film adequately explores into the struggles for independence and the rise of African Nationalism. It is important to note that the film makes some correct observations about post-independence issues. One, many African countries experienced coups and military interventions. Also, they did not take revenge on the European settlers after independence but a rather reconciliatory mode was present. The mention of Neo-Colonialism could not be left out as countries had to depend on their former colonizers for aid and setting up of institutions. In conclusion, the film clearly depicts the rise of African Nationalism.
Works Cited
Davidson, Basil. Africa-A Voyage of Discovery: The Rise of Nationalism. Youtube, 2013. Web. 04 Feb., 2014. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV__Tvv02KU
