Born Slave 2003
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Helen Aastrup-Samuels and Bo Harringer
Directed by Helen Aastrup-Samuels and Bo Harringer
VHS, color, 52 min.
Sr. High - Adult
African Studies, Human Rights
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Kenneth Schlesinger, LaGuardia Community College/CUNYEven though slavery was outlawed in the West African nation of Mauritania in 1981, there were still an estimated 90,000 slaves in the country in 1982. The practice continues today, with individuals kidnapped in the rural southern region, subjected to inhumane work hours, bare subsistence of food and shelter, along with physical abuse and intimidation. The children of enslaved women are considered slaves as well. Through interviews with escaped slaves and members of the anti-slavery advocacy organization, SOS Slave, the documentary explores this everyday cruelty, along with the shocking indifference and denial of the present government, intent on maintaining the country’s international trade of its rich mineral and fishing resources.
While made under unusual and demanding conditions – the filmmakers posed as tourists in order to capture the footage – the documentary is still crudely made, and its tone more listless and apathetic than outraged. Arbitrary footage often accompanies the narration, and subtitles are needlessly repeated. Loose and sloppy editing undermines what should be an urgent call to action.
Not recommended. It would be better to wait for a more persuasive recounting of this horror.