REPLY: Film for teaching African history

Mel Page (PAGEM@ETSUARTS.EAST-TENN-ST.EDU)
Wed, 17 May 1995 07:55:14 GMT-5

Date sent: Tue, 16 May 1995
From: Bob LaRue, Fairview High School
<larue@bvsd.k12.co.us>

A thank you to Les Witz for his contribution on using film for African
studies. As a high school teacher, I frequently use films to supplement
my learning activities. Along the analytical-didactic path I show some
segments from Mazuri's Triple Heritage series.

I always get requests to show "The Gods Must Be Crazy." I seldom give
in, but to better prepare students for viewing this film critically,
I have begun to collect critical articles on the film. When it opened
here in Boulder, CO ten or so years ago, there was substantial
brew-ha about the film. I have recovered some of the clippings from
the debates over the "accuracy" and evil elements of the film. I
would be very interested in comments, suggestions for using this film
responsibly. Please post me either citations for
historical/political/anthropological/etc. articles about the film
and/or its light weight sequel. Thanks.