Motherland (2010) User Reviews (8)

A film to see

[juneparris5 · 10/10 · 13 May 2010]

What a wonderful piece of art from Shahadah and his team. For those of you who want to see the truth about Africa then this is the film to see.

It is a combination of knowledge and experience from the director and some of the best intellectuals minds of African decent. It is suitable for people of all ages and cultures. I recommend this film to all audiences.

Shahadah has done it again. His usual quest for the truth is evident in this work. Films about Africa have never been approached in this context.

I congratulate the directors , the writers and the actors that have all made this work of art.

The most concise, polished cinematic representation of the African continent to date!!

[chicanestar · 10/10 · 12 June 2010]

THE best doc film i have seen on representing the continent of Africa. A portrayal of the Africa people which educates, enlightens, empowers and necessarily criticises all areas of the 'Motherland'. A must see! For once Africa is represented with pride, passion and sophistication - we see the picture of Africa as it really is, and uniquely this is at last the story of Africa told BY Africans. This is the perfect sequel to 500 years later, and collectively these films address key underlying problems within the African psyche, both on the continent and in the diaspora. But crucially not only does Motherland present these issues, it offers ways of resolution through constructive criticism and the systematic presentation of the aspects of African history that are so commonly omitted by other parts of the world.

Living breathing Pan-Africanism on screen | Excellent!

[sales-246 · 10/10 · 13 May 2010]

PAN-AFRICAISM REVIEW

This film is the most flawless example of Pan-Africanism. When an Ethiopian first sees this film he is attracted to it because they see their prime Minister and their culture. After watching the film they know more about their culture and the broader culture of Africa and the Pan-African struggle.

When a person from South Africa watches this film they are learning about Ethiopia and Kenya, and Rwanda. And they all see their inter- connections beyond nationalities and ethnic groups. It is only a film that could do this. Not only imparting information but building a social place where people gather to see this film, and further interacting and understanding the challenges that face their lives as Africans.

The plethora of voices from African-Americans, Ghanians, Malians enriches the story of Africa in the most beautiful way. Someone is strong on politics, and another is strong of culture, these various and differing people however harmonize in one Pan-African song to sing through the negative media image of Africa and speak in dignity reaffirming terms about their own story.

Critical viewing , a MUST see | Avoid Spike reviews

[ocacia · 10/10 · 13 May 2010]

Motherland is so powerful that it upsets the status Quo. So you get a lot of spike/revenge votes of 1/10. Anytime you do that you attract the haters who will deliberately do everything (like in slavery and apartheid) to destroy the work. So some have not seen the film, but they know what it represents and they vote 1/10. But this has done nothing to affect the film.

Motherland is a beautifully crafted, ambitious production that critically and unapologetically examines the beautiful complexity of African culture. Destined to become required viewing for students of African civilizations, history, politics, economics and religion, it is massive in scope. Be prepared to learn volumes.

ever there was a film that could be called the greatest social African documentary this would be it. As never have I seen one body of work which chronicles in a cohesive way the collective history of African people in the Diaspora in context and with dignity. Not only does Motherland document it lays pathways for solutions to the crisis, the film takes responsibility for not only being a mirror on a problem but more than that. This is why it is more than a film.

Add this to be Best of Best collection

[info-16592 · 10/10 · 13 May 2010]

Say it with my people in L.A. and we all agree Wow! they did it with 500 Years Later and now again? Wow and Wow. While 500 Years Later completely destroys the myth of history is in the past and that slavery was a long time ago. This film repositions the image of Africa in such a bold and progressive way. The same formula as 500 years Later. A bunch of educated Black folk from all areas (many academics verse artist and silly celebrities) speaking on the different areas of Africa.

I particularly like the final message of the film, which I will not disclose. But It is funny how when I watch films on Africa I always came away feeling sad. Now these films I don't know who made them. But when I watch Motherland it discusses things good and bad but yet I do not come away feeling sorry for Africa, why is that. Maybe because this film is made and produced by conscious African people. Who really identify with the continent or the African people culturally. And it shows, because when you watch this film, just like 500 Years Later, you realize only an African director would have made these directions in the questions asked to the way the history is projected.

Well done, what next? Ill do my part and tell everyone about this project.

Fabulous

[parrisjune51 · 10/10 · 2 August 2012]

I have seen this film several times. I am still fascinated by the content, the color and the score.

The Motherland is all about the African journey to the present day.Those who see it should leave with an understanding of the past, and hope for the future.

Even if you are not of African decent, it should be of interest to you to watch. What we do not realize is that the world world is connected in some way. Migration took place and is still taking place, movement of people from one continent to another is happening all the time. Therefore it is in the best interest of most people to understand history and African History.

I recommend this film is shown in schools, universities and all over the globe.

Patricia Harrington

A best buy!!!

[sekhemra · 10/10 · 20 July 2015]

Motherland is a more up to date view of Afraka. Sometimes these documentaries makes Afraka and its history seem so distant. This film should be a standard in school systems world wide. The section or scene that they discuss what is an Afrakan is great. Afrakans are a bio cultural race not a color. Also, the rejection of a European standards of what an Afrakan should be. Everyone also wants to know why Afrakans or Afraka is poor. Real detail reasons are given. The film also doesn't depress you either. So a lot of people are sick of hearing about Afraka and being depressed, by disease etc. This DVD or film is not just for Afrakans but for all people.

http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/banning-exonyms

Up to date info,not generic, on Africa's past and present

[khepri-neteru-917-814827 · 10/10 · 6 February 2014]

Was a great up to date film on Afraka! The visuals was great! Love the insertion of the Amharic language.The best side of the film is the economic chapter, to help people understand what is going with Afraka financially. This should be watched by High School and College kids to help there understand of the continent of Afraka. Afrakans from all over the world, will enjoy this film. A great quote from the film was, that of Malcolm X, on Afrakans hating themselves. And also Black vs African. Black is a made up term that stems from European thought. There is no race that is all one color or even black. Hopefully this film will strike a chord in a lot of minds.