Based on the films screened in class and the readings covered till week 7, write an essay on how African films can be viewed as “the night school of the people.” From your perspective, how did African filmmakers try to present histories of African freedom struggles, the emergence of new democracies in Africa, and African postcolonial lives and lifeworlds? How did some historical fiction and newsreel films inform or challenge your understanding of African political history, social practices, and histories? And how were they different from Western systems of representation of Africa and Africans? Please cite at least three-four examples from the films that you have watched in class, and you must also reference at least three texts. You can also mention scenes that have specifically informed or altered your visual perception of Africa.
You are expected to write a well-formulated essay (5-pages double spaced, Times New Roman, size 12, 1-inch margin). Your references and citation will be included in the 6th page. Remember to title your essay
Your term paper submission will be graded on the following:
Quality of description
Research and thematic approach
Comparative analysis of films
Use and understanding of relevant contexts and examples of African cinema. Include at least (3-4 different sources from films) watched in class. And at least three citations from in-class readings. You can use additional external sources to augment your arguments, but do cite them properly.
One of the readings is here:
https://africasacountry.com/2022/10/frantz-fanon-unveiled
The other readings are attached below.
Films watched in class are the following
Black Girl by Sembene
Battle of Algiers
Firestone by Dr. Samuel Anderson
Lumumba
A United Kingdom by Amma Asante – I cant find a link for this movie but it is available on Netflix and other streaming platforms if the writer has them.
Comments from Customer
Discipline: African Cinema – History/film
