Deep Dive: Motherland (2010)
Film Lens

Motherland is a documentary that presents an overview of African history from Ancient Egypt to contemporary times, centering the African people in its narrative. Directed by Owen 'Alik Shahadah, the film serves as a sequel to the 2005 documentary 500 Years Later, aiming to provide a comprehensive perspective on the continent's past and present issues.
The film features a diverse cast of influential figures in African politics and culture, including Barack Obama, Jacob Zuma, and Desmond Tutu. It is mixed in 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround, enhancing the viewing experience. The documentary runs for 123 minutes and is produced in both the United Kingdom and the United States, with multiple languages represented, including English, Arabic, and Swahili.
Why Watch
- •Meet influential figures like Harry Belafonte and Jacob Zuma.
- •Find out about Africa's history from Ancient Egypt to now.
- •See the film that was nominated for Best Documentary in 2010.
Did You Know
•Motherland was nominated for Best Diaspora Documentary in 2011.
•The film features stock footage of Barack Obama from his visit to Africa.
•Desmond Tutu appears in the film but was deleted by the directors.
Perfect For
African history enthusiastsDocumentary film loversPolitical science students