‘Killing the Shepherd’ Shows Some Solutions to Poaching in Africa (Movie Review)
By Mike Szymanski
Killing the Shepherd
Rating: 8/10
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/473140879
Director, Writer & Narrator: Ta Opre
Style: Documentary
Website: www.killingtheshepherd.com
This human rights documentary shows how fragile the animal kingdom is becoming in Africa, and it shows a series of solutions that seems to be working that maybe can be replicated in other parts of the world.
After dramatic reception and winning awards at dozens of film festival throughout the world, “Killing the Shepherd” gives a rare look at tribal communities of Africa, and the world of poachers.
In one case, a princess of an African community is interviewed and during the course of making the documentary, she is mysteriously poisoned and killed. There are also concerns about witchcraft, medicine men and the general brutality of man against animals as well as against each other.
The princess tries to break her people out of poverty by fighting the wildlife poachers and the land speculators in South Africa. The big problem, however, is that outsiders have come into these tribal communities and explained to them that they cannot take full advantage of the wildlife and environment all around them and that they have used for centuries.
The history of poaching is explained very clearly in a series of drawings like petroglyph cave drawings. It shows the history of the continent, and use of animals in human culture, and how they are a commodity. Will the animals survive?
The beautiful scenery of Zambia, and the camera shots of the animals are stunning throughout the movie.
Ta Opre, the filmmaker does some of the narrating himself and he explains how some of the residents in some of the remote areas have never seen a white man before, and how this area was once teeming with lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants and more. Hunting safaris and poaching became a lucrative way of life for the African communities and the Zambian government knew what was going on for decades.
The royal highness who does not speak English, and never went to school, but is so very wise in her ways and words, is an inspiration for the community. Her surprising and mysterious death is a dramatic and sad moment in the documentary.
There are tough moments to watch, such as the multitude of snares and the carcasses that are found after the poachers have come through certain areas.
The documentary paints a difficult picture for the people of Africa. The men are shown to have serious alcohol problems, and often attend “beer parties,” which are excuses for being lazy.
The solutions come in small ways. Fishermen are shown how to cultivate and release fish into local rivers rather than overfish and deplete the fish population. They use dams and stock waters with more fish. They teach them how to catch fish by hooks and not allow nets, so they keep the villagers from over-harvesting.
Only two medical clinics are in this part of the wilderness and for some people it’s good, because then they don’t have to go to witch doctors who have sometimes unsavory and unsafe practices.
The filmmakers get into dangerous situations, such as the poachers themselves, who force young girls into relationships and forced marriage. One girl interviewed says she’s only 19 years old, but the documentarian thinks she is 14 and she is pregnant for the second time. The obvious mistrust of the documentarians by some of the Africans, and some of the poachers, is shown, and disconcerting.
Ex poachers help track the illegal poachers, and rough illegal gangs who have control of the areas also create fear among the villages. Conversations among the townspeople are also shown in great detail. One man complains about selective anti-poaching enforcement and says, “you are my brother-in-law!”
One of the criticisms perhaps of the documentary is that it shows a white wealthy family helping the poor black tribal communities how to help themselves. The family of Roland, Allister and Anne Norton are portrayed as heroes, but they do address this racial issue in the documentary. It is more than the “wealthy white man coming in to save the poor black community” and the suspicion of the Norton’s is also addressed in the film.
“We have to keep the courage of convictions, the beautiful animals,” says Roland Norton. “Without people like us there will be no more wildlife in these environments.”
Some of the statements come across as arrogant. “Wildlife faces extinctions that they can’t benefit from their own lands. It’s beyond their comprehension, and that has to change and they have to chart a new path,” says Norton, who has helped the communities manage their wildlife and secured developments through land leases.
It’s a documentary that presents solutions, but also shows some of the ugly sides of the solutions. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in conservation and animals.
This documentary has already one a slew of honors, including Best of Festival Social Issues at the Doctors Without Borders Film Festival; and honors and entries at festivals throughout the world, including Canada, India, Turkey, Africa, England and more.
The film is available in theaters and for digital release on Nov. 27, 2021.
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