Film company releases DVD and Discussion Guide about African Americans who are migrating back to Africa

 

Indianapolis, IN (BlackNews.com) –  The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education have designated November 15-19 as International Education Week with the aim of promoting international education and responsible participation in an increasingly globalized world. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

Inspire Film Productions is using the medium of video to encourage others to gain a deeper understanding of different cultural realities of African-Americans by presenting short films about their experiences here in the US and abroad. In their film, “An African-American Quest for Authenticity”, viewers are drawn into the lives of 16 people who have reconnected with their African heritage and are living a peaceful, fulfilling life in Ghana, West Africa.

The film is an insightful and engaging documentary of a few African-Americans “repatriates” — those who chose to migrated back to Africa. The film attempts to capture the true spirit, challenges and joys of these repatriates as they live their authentic life reconnecting to the Motherland — Africa. “Could this 21st Century migration be linked to their continuing quest to live a self-fulfilling, self-determining, and authentic life in Africa as an African-American”? Audiences will hear how these repatriates tell why they consider Africa ‘home’ and what attracted them to Ghana. Audiences will learn how they contrast living in Africa with living in America. Viewers will also discover for themselves how the African-American sense of self and identity is strongly linked to Africa and how this reality might impact their experience in America.

The Discussion Guide:

The newly created Discussion Guide engages audiences of all backgrounds and educational levels in exploring universal themes of ancestral identity and African-Americans living a culturally authentic life in the land of their ancestors. The guide provides standards-based, structured learning experiences that support core learning goals in the 6-12 curriculum. The discussion may also be adapted to stimulate dialogue with college students, civic groups, afterschool youth groups, and church congregations. The guide also provides:

* A brief background history of the story behind the films, including information about the geography, history and cultural setting, the filmmaker’s statement and biography, definition of terms, talking points about the cultural context and guiding questions.

* Post screening resources for teachers including theme based discussion questions to encourage a deeper understanding of the people, their stories, recommended readings and web-based information to extend the cultural context presented by the film.

* A cultural awareness assessment survey, which can be administered prior to and after viewing the film, prompts students to reflect on their awareness of their own and other people’s cultures. The assessment survey can be administered hard copy or electronically.

* Activities that reinforce reading, writing, and presentation skills are included in the guide.

* Introductory activities to set the context for the film are suggested.

* Post-screening discussion questions driven by essential messages brought out in the film.

* A correlation to US Common Core State Standards and Indiana Academic Standards are included.

* Suggestions and guidelines are offered to help instructors engage audiences of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences.

* Maps of Africa and Ghana are included to support the Geographic reference to the story.

To order these educational resources or arrange a film screening and discussion in your community at your school, for your organization or at your church, contact us at 317-979-0231 or via email cindyball@sbcglobal.net or visit our website at www.inspirefilms.net.