Slave Routes: A Global Vision- A documentary
01-12-2010 -UNESCO has produced a documentary about the history of slavery entitled ‘Slave Routes: A Global Vision’. As 2011 is the UN year of the African Diaspora, this documentary is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the subject of slavery, its legacy and the history of the slave trade.
In ‘Slave Routes: A Global Vision’ the multifaceted history and legacy of those whose origins lie in the slave trade and slavery is presented on an international scale. It gives an overview of the massive forced migration of African populations in different sectors of the world, namely North and South America, Europe, the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and Asia.
The DVD pays a lot of attention to the African presence on all continents. The significant contribution of the African Diaspora in societies of the `host country’ is taken into consideration in several areas (art, religion, knowledge, gastronomy, agriculture, behavior and linguistics) but also the racism and the discrimination which have been inherited from this tragic past. The guiding principle of the documentary goes deeper than the trauma of slavery and especially emphasizes the resistance of the enslaved in surviving an inhumane system.
By using means such as images, historical narratives and interviews with experts on all continents, the film shows how enslaved Africans and their ancestors have helped to form the modern world. This stands in contrast to incorrect `racial’ theories. On the site of UNESCO you can find further information (in English) and order the film.