Into Africa, Parts 1 & 2 2000
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry New Hampshire, 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP
Produced by Associated Television International
Director n/a
VHS, color, 45 min.
High School - Adult
Travel and Tourism
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgPart of the Celebrity Journal Series, Into Africa is more travelogue lite than documentary. The celebrities, in this case Robert Duvall, Paul Sorvino, Alan Thicke, and Patrick Macnee add name recognition, not authority. They appear on behalf of the Rhino and Elephant Foundation, a wildlife group that is trying to preserve and protect. Throughout South African reserves white rhino are tracked and elephants and lions are observed. The actors' presence add a "staged" element, which is politically correct yet unexciting. The wildlife footage seems incidental. Ecotourism, bringing people and nature together for the benefit of both, appears as the future of South Africa's safari, and may well be the reserves' salvation. Into Africa also examines South Africa's major cites. Included are Johannesburg, Soweto, Pretoria, and Capetown. Recommended as a marginal purchase.