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The assignment requires writing a comprehensive 2-page documentary movie review addressing specific questions about a documentary film. The review must include information such as the documentary's title, producer, year of release, the nature of its sponsorship or production, its informational or promotional intent, its thesis or purpose, the primary target audience, the approach used in filming (e.g., archival footage, interviews), and whether it incorporated fiction or drama. Additionally, the review should analyze its relevance to the course topics, critical perspective, concepts or ideas presented, level of analysis, and any notable issues that were either underrepresented or missing. Personal reflection about its impact, suggestions for improvement, and insights gained should also be included. The review must incorporate at least two credible sources, including the film itself, and adhere to APA, MLA, or Chicago citation styles. The length should be around two pages, formatted in 12-point Times New Roman font, with proper citations and a references page. The purpose is to evaluate, analyze, and reflect on the documentary's content, production qualities, and educational relevance.

Paper For Above Instructions

The chosen documentary for this review is "Africa, the Race of the Century," produced by National Geographic in 2015. This documentary explores the complex history of Africa's colonial past, post-colonial struggles, and the ongoing impacts of colonization on African societies today. It aims to educate viewers on how colonialism has shaped modern Africa, intertwining historical analysis with contemporary interviews and archival footage. The production was sponsored primarily by National Geographic Society, reflecting its emphasis on educational and factual storytelling. The film's purpose is largely informational, seeking to foster understanding rather than promote a specific political agenda. Its thesis revolves around examining the enduring legacy of colonialism and urging viewers to reconsider Africa’s historical narratives critically.

The primary audience for this documentary appears to be students, educators, and viewers with an interest in history, sociology, and African studies. The approach combines archival footage, expert interviews, and narration to construct a comprehensive picture of Africa's colonial and post-colonial experience. It avoids fictional dramatizations, sticking mainly to documentary methods, blending historical re-enactments with current-day interviews. This approach lends credibility and clarity to the presentation, making complex historical processes accessible.

Relevantly, the documentary connects directly to themes in the course, specifically post-colonial theory, historical trauma, and cultural identity. It critically examines the ways colonial powers exploited African resources, imposed cultural hierarchies, and disrupted indigenous governance systems. The analysis primarily adopts a macro-level perspective, assessing national and continental impacts, though it occasionally ventures into micro-level stories of individual loss and resilience. The film effectively highlights issues such as economic dependency, racial hierarchies, and the persistence of colonial languages, which are central concepts in post-colonial discourse.

However, some aspects of the film could have been expanded. For instance, discussions around contemporary African agency and the steps toward decolonization might have been more elaborately addressed, providing a more balanced view of ongoing efforts toward independence and cultural revival. Additionally, it would have been beneficial to include perspectives from African scholars and local voices to deepen the narrative. As a viewer, I found the documentary enlightening but also somewhat weighted toward Western perspectives, which could influence its portrayal of African histories.

Personally, the documentary deepened my understanding of the colonial legacy in Africa and challenged some simplified narratives about African progress. It reinforced the importance of viewing history through a lens that considers both external influences and internal agency. Furthermore, I learned how powerful storytelling through archival footage and expert analysis can effectively convey complex historical processes, which can inspire similar approaches in educational settings.

The review itself has highlighted the necessity of balancing historical data with diverse perspectives to foster a nuanced understanding. For future viewers, I recommend this documentary to anyone interested in African history, post-colonial studies, or global development. Its comprehensive analysis and engaging approach make it a valuable educational tool. Nevertheless, viewers should remain critical and seek supplementary sources, especially local voices, for a more complete picture of Africa’s ongoing transformation.

In conclusion, "Africa, the Race of the Century" serves as an important reflection on colonial history, with significant educational value. It prompts viewers to reconsider historical narratives and recognize Africa’s resilience and agency today. Its well-structured approach, credible sources, and compelling content make it a worthwhile educational resource, fostering a deeper understanding of one of the most complex regions in global history.

References

• National Geographic Society. (2015). Africa, the Race of the Century. [Documentary].
• Asante, M. K. (2007). Postcolonial Africa: A concise introduction. Westview Press.
• Chilton, P. (2004). Critical discourse analysis: A foundational introduction. The Sage handbook of discourse analysis.
• Maldonado-Torres, N. (2007). On the coloniality of being: Contributions to the development of a concept. Cultural Studies, 21(2-3), 240-267.
• Ngugi wa Thiong'o. (1986). Decolonising the mind: The politics of language in African literature. James Currey.
• Mudimbe, V. Y. (1994). The invention of Africa: Gnosis, philosophy, and the order of knowledge. Indiana University Press.
• Fanon, F. (1963). The wretched of the earth. Grove Press.
• Loomba, A. (2015). Colonialism/Postcolonialism. Routledge.
• Williams, P. (2003). Colonial discourses and post-colonial theory. Routledge.
• Young, R. J. C. (2001). Postcolonialism: An historical introduction. Blackwell Publishing.