I decided to do this documentary - African Movie to showcase the positive side of Africa because I got fed up of seeing only the negative side of Africa portrayed by the media over and over again. Most of the stories and news about Africa are full of negative images and videos showing war torn regions, chaos, decadence, poverty, AIDS and violence. I thought to myself and said to my friends:
"How would any one that has never been to Africa ever want to have anything to do with Africa or even think of visiting Africa after seeing all these negative content on the continent?"
Somebody has to tell the truth and show the other side of Africa - The side of Africa that millions of people live through each and everyday, the side of Africa that will set Africa free.
So I embarked on this African documentary project, which took me over two years to make. I focused mainly on three countries in Africa namely; Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa. This was not because I planned to exclude the other African countries, but mainly because in these countries I had the resources and organizational capacity to achieve my objectives of showing the other side of Africa. Besides, the population of these 3 countries equates to almost one quarter (25%) of the total population of the African continent.
Nigeria is the most populated African country (1 out of every 4 black person in the world is Nigerian), while South Africa is the most economically advanced with the best infrastructural setup. On the other hand, Goree Island in Senegal was a major transit spot for African slaves out of Africa during the Trans Atlantic slave trade era. In fact, the impoverishment brought about by the Trans Atlantic slave trade era still devastates most of the countries in West Africa till this very day.
Nigeria is the most populated African country (1 out of every 4 black person in the world is Nigerian), while South Africa is the most economically advanced with the best infrastructural setup. On the other hand, Goree Island in Senegal was a major transit spot for African slaves out of Africa during the Trans Atlantic slave trade era. In fact, the impoverishment brought about by the Trans Atlantic slave trade era still devastates most of the countries in West Africa till this very day.
Shooting the movie was challenging as I did not have very many cameras or a large crew. In fact, in some locations, I was the only one armed with my digital high definition camera (the life of a documentary film maker). But in general, it was very exciting. I got to visit places and see stuff that I probably would not have seen if I had just been on vacation.
Some of the places I shot at where very emotional spots like the “Door of no Return” at Goree Island. This was the last bus stop for millions of African slaves out of the continent of Africa to the Americas and Europe. Imagine standing at the same spot that a lot of slaves stood hopelessly in chains, afraid and in a complete state of despair several hundred years ago, knowing fully well that they were never going to return to Africa in their life time.
Some of the places I shot at where very emotional spots like the “Door of no Return” at Goree Island. This was the last bus stop for millions of African slaves out of the continent of Africa to the Americas and Europe. Imagine standing at the same spot that a lot of slaves stood hopelessly in chains, afraid and in a complete state of despair several hundred years ago, knowing fully well that they were never going to return to Africa in their life time.
Other places, like Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River state of Nigeria and Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa where very scenic locations with breath taking views and showcased the peacefulness and beautiful landscape scenery of Africa. I also interviewed a lot of important people trying to make a difference in their own ways to the state of affairs in Africa.
After I completed shooting, I realized that the work was just half done. There was another whole world of post production. Here, I worked tirelessly with the editor and composer to edit the picture and compose the score and soundtrack music for the African Side movie.
For the soundtrack, I ended up writing the lyrics and performing the songs in the African music song style of Afro Talk. I must say this part of the process was very exciting as I could assume a totally different character (Georgy B) and create something unique (Afro Talk Music) using the rhythmic African style of story telling. Getting to act like a music artist, instead of just singing in the shower like most of us do :-) was actually a lot of fun. I was finally able to create and record an African music album/CD that is now been played all over the world.
In all, I was finally happy to complete this African movie documentary project and African music soundtrack and it was a great learning and rewarding experience. My style is to provide to you content in a manner that is entertaining, educational and informative that will allow for better assimilation, enjoyment and retention.
When I set out to do this documentary project, my main goal was to provide a professional high quality African movie that showcases Africa in a positive light and highlights all the great things about the ancient African traditions and cultures from an African’s perspective. I believe I have accomplished that goal, the rest is for you the audience to decide if you like what you see and hear by joining the conversation at the African Forum.
For the soundtrack, I ended up writing the lyrics and performing the songs in the African music song style of Afro Talk. I must say this part of the process was very exciting as I could assume a totally different character (Georgy B) and create something unique (Afro Talk Music) using the rhythmic African style of story telling. Getting to act like a music artist, instead of just singing in the shower like most of us do :-) was actually a lot of fun. I was finally able to create and record an African music album/CD that is now been played all over the world.
In all, I was finally happy to complete this African movie documentary project and African music soundtrack and it was a great learning and rewarding experience. My style is to provide to you content in a manner that is entertaining, educational and informative that will allow for better assimilation, enjoyment and retention.
When I set out to do this documentary project, my main goal was to provide a professional high quality African movie that showcases Africa in a positive light and highlights all the great things about the ancient African traditions and cultures from an African’s perspective. I believe I have accomplished that goal, the rest is for you the audience to decide if you like what you see and hear by joining the conversation at the African Forum.
George Egbuonu
Director – The African Side
Hollywood, California
Hollywood, California
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