FILMAKERS LIBRARY
AFRICA
Man, God and Africa
Directed by Don Boyd for New Era Productions
- "A remarkable demonstration of the tendency of every aith to appropriate
the habits and ceremonials of precedent and even quite inimical religions"
- The London Times
While
the media has focused on the violent history of South Africa, it has paid little
attention to a social phenomenon of great importance. Some nine-million South
African blacks live with a strong commitment to their religion, Pentecostal
Christianity. Their faith has enabled them to survive appalling hardship and
deprivation. Their religion is a blend of deep-rooted African traditions and
the imported values of Christianity. This commitment could be a stabilizing
force in the new South Africa.
This film captures the joyous singing and rhythmic movement that is common
to the various black churches. It shows the African influence on funerals, baptisms,
and weddings. Through these ceremonies the churches foster a sense of community
and pride at being black South African. Adherents cut across all social classes.
One sees an educated civil rights lawyer practice centuries-old healing practices.
We hear from representatives of the traditional Church hierarchy, such as Archbishop
Tutu and Alan Boesack, who have a profound respect for the adaptation of Christianity
to the African culture.
Finalist, WorldFest, 1993
Certificate of Merit, Houston Documentary Festival, 1993
51 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $75.
Filmakers Library
124 East 40th Street, NY, NY 10016
Phone 212-808-4980, fax 212-808-4983
e-mail: info@filmakers.com