Film / News
Exploring the unlikely similarities between Bristol and a remote town in the Nigérien Sahel
Back in the 19th century, French army captain Paul Voulet burned his way across West Africa, massacring tens of thousands of people in the name of imperial domination. Today, his grave still dominates the remote town of May Jirgui in Niger. The residents are keen to be rid of this reminder of the man who killed so many of their ancestors. But they face a problem. Sounds familiar?
The connections between the campaign to topple Bristol’s Colston statue and the Nigériens’ desire to rid themselves of Voulet’s legacy will be teased out during a panel discussion at the Arnolfini, following a screening of award-winning director Rob Lemkin’s highly praised documentary, African Apocalypse. Described by the BFI as “a brutal indictment of colonialism”, the film follows writer and activist Femi Nylander as he tucks a copy of Conrad’s Heart of Darkness into his backpack and embarks upon a journey in Voulet’s footsteps, finding communities still traumatised by the violence of more than a century ago.
Moussa Ali (centre), an 84-year-old farmer from Niger, shows filmmakers Femi Nylander (left) and Amina Weira (right) the place where his grandparents resisted French forces but were among 400 people murdered after the battle at the village of Koran Kalgo in July 1899. © LemKino Pictures / African Apocalypse 2021
Organised by Migration Mobilities Bristol with Afrika Eye, the Perivoli Africa Research Centre and the University of Bristol’s Department of Film and Television, the Arnolfini event on July 16 includes filmmakers and commentators, both in person and streamed from Niger, who’ll be exploring the Black Lives Matter and decolonisation movements. Chaired by Peninah Achieng-Kindberg, the panel comprises director Rob Lemkin, filmmaker and writer Imruh Bakari and film participants Amina Weira, Ibro Abdou and Salissou Issa (vice-mayor of the town of May Jirgui). Also taking part is Bristolian Luke Wentworth of the Glad Colston’s Gone solidarity group and founder of the TOPPLE Consultancy.
is needed now More than ever
Tickets are available here. All proceeds go to the Sanctuary Scholars Legal Fund to help pay for legal costs for University of Bristol Sanctuary Scholars.
Main image: Femi Nylander discusses French colonial archives with Nigerien descendants of those who resisted the French invasion of 1899 but were among tens of thousands murdered, maimed and enslaved. © LemKino Pictures/African Apocalypse 2021
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
