Film Lens
Statues Also Die is a short documentary that examines the devaluation of African art within colonial and museum contexts. It questions why African artworks are often relegated to ethnographic displays, while art from cultures such as Greece and Egypt receives celebration and prominence. This critical perspective positions the film as a significant work in anti-colonial cinema.
The film was commissioned by the journal Présence Africaine and addresses the alienation of African art, culminating in its ban in France for eight years. Through its focused critique, the documentary challenges viewers to reconsider the narratives surrounding art and cultural representation.
Why Watch
- •See why African art is often marginalized in museums.
- •Find out how colonial contexts affect cultural representation.
- •Meet the filmmakers who challenged colonial narratives.
Did You Know
•The film was banned in France for eight years after its release in 1953.
•Statues Also Die was commissioned by the journal Présence Africaine.
•The documentary has a runtime of 30 minutes.
Perfect For
Anti-colonial cinema enthusiastsAfrican art scholarsMuseum studies students