feature documentary

African Apocalypse

‘A people’s history of colonialism in the form of an epic journey.’

 

STORY

British Nigerian activist Femi Nylander brings attention to the forgotten victims of colonial atrocity in a new film, ‘African Apocalypse’, from award-winning director Rob Lemkin.

Armed with a copy of Joseph Conrad’s controversial classic Heart of Darkness (1899), Nylander goes in search of the legacy of colonial horror in West Africa and unearths its shocking reality. ‘African Apocalypse’ follows the trail of a 19th century French colonial military commander who burned his way across the continent. Tens of thousands were massacred in the name of imperial domination. With communities devastated by a century-old atrocity now speaking out for the first time, Nylander begins to question his own sense of responsibility.

DETAILS

“African Apocalypse” is directed by Rob Lemkin and produced by Geoff Arbourne, David Upshal and Rob Lemkin. Cinematography by Claude Garnier ASC and edited by multi-award-winning editor David Charap. International Sales at Autlook. 

The film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2020. And raising questions about racism, colonial histories and ongoing legacies, ‘African Apocalypse’ speaks to the movements for decolonisation and Black Lives Matter.

Grierson British Documentary Awards Nominee | Royal Television Society Best Arts Documentary Nominee | Docville 2021 Official Selection | Ji.Hlava 2021 Official Selection | Shanghai 2021 Official Selection | New York African Diaspora Festival 2021 Official Selection | Salem 2021 Official Selection

REVIEW

‘This film is better than a million United Nations reports’ – Professor Fabian Salvioli, UN Special Rapporteur for the Promotion of Truth and Justice

‘An essential and valuable film, for our history and for our future’ – Mamadou Djibo, Minister of Education, Government of the Republic of Niger

‘A brutal and timely indictment of colonialism’ – BFI 2020 London Film Festival

And more reviews can be found here

 

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Producers:

Femi Nylander, Rob Lemkin and Matt McConaghy

Geoff Arbourne, Rob Lemkin and David Upshal