Under Our Skin International Film Festival brings some of the most important human rights stories to a Kenyan audience. This June, it succeeded in bringing together stakeholders, filmmakers, and donors to collectively explore the role of art and film in influencing policy, raising awareness, and catalyzing positive change in society.

As part of the festival, they chose to screen our WHY POVERTY? film Stealing Africa where filmmaker Christopher Guldbrandsen investigates the Glencore mining corporation and its control of copper in Zambia. The film reveals that in spite of the continent’s many resources, systematic exploitation continues to keep Africa poor.

This is a prominent topic in Africa, as the United Nations Environment Programme states:

A significant share of these resources is, however, used unsustainably while others are lost through illegal activities, meaning that the stream of benefits generated from these resources is being reduced over time. Africa loses an estimated USD 195 billion annually of its natural capital through illicit financial flows, illegal mining, illegal logging, the illegal trade in wildlife, unregulated fishing and environmental degradation and loss.

This film initiates conversations that raise awareness about governance issues in Africa. The screening event additionally provided an opportunity to express gratitude to donors and filmmakers who have been instrumental in supporting the festival's mission while also serving as a platform to present the roadmap for 2023, outlining the festival's focus on governance.

During the post-screening dialogue, various activities were organized to enhance engagement and facilitate meaningful discussions related to the film including a Panel Discussion, a Q&A session, open floor discussions, and networking opportunities after the event. Coordinator Beatrice Waruinge commented that the film ignited a sense of urgency and responsibility among the attendees:

It encouraged them to take a closer look at the socio-political landscape and examine their own roles in effecting change,” she said, ‘It stimulated conversations around transparency, accountability, and equitable resource distribution, urging individuals and communities to become more engaged in advocating for fair governance practices.

By shedding light on the issues of governance and resource exploitation in Africa, the documentary sparked thought-provoking discussions and raised awareness about systemic challenges faced by the continent, and most importantly, how to move forward.

You can watch the documentary Stealing Africa on our YouTube Channel.

Stealing Africa ⎜WHY POVERTY? ⎜(Documentary)

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