Film Lens
Afrique 50 is the first French anti-colonialist film, directed by Paul Vautier. Originally intended to document educational activities by the French League of Schooling in West Africa, Vautier shifted his focus to the realities he observed, including the lack of teachers and doctors in the region. The film presents a stark portrayal of the crimes committed by the French Army in the name of France and the exploitation of colonized peoples.
Vautier's commitment to depicting these harsh truths led to his imprisonment for several months. The film faced significant censorship, being banned from public screening for over 40 years, reflecting the controversial nature of its content and the political climate of the time.
Why Watch
- •See the lack of teachers and doctors in West Africa.
- •Find out about French Army crimes in Africa.
- •Meet Paul Vautier, a filmmaker imprisoned for his work.
Did You Know
•Paul Vautier was imprisoned for several months for his role in the film.
•Afrique 50 was banned from public screening for more than 40 years.
•The film has a runtime of 17 minutes.
•It was produced in France in 1950.
Perfect For
Anti-colonial studiesFrench cinema enthusiastsHistorical documentaries