Togoland Projections explores Germany's colonial history in Africa through films shot in Togo by director Hans Schomburgk and actress Meg Gehrtson before World War I. Over a century later, Jürgen Ellinghaus retraces Schomburgk's footsteps to present these largely unknown films to Togolese audiences for the first time.
The documentary captures audience reactions and discussions following the screenings, sparking debates about tradition, stereotypes, and the colonial perspective. Despite Schomburgk's attempts to portray an idealized version of Togolese village life and present Togo as Germany's "model colony," his films inadvertently reveal the harsh realities of forced labor, humiliation, and imperial arrogance.
Interweaving these contemporary conversations with archival footage and excerpts from Gehrtson's 1913 travel diary, Togoland Projections offers a multifaceted exploration of this painful colonial history from Togo's independent present. The film prompts viewers to reflect on the historical context of these images and challenges the distorted narratives perpetuated by the colonial gaze. With its unique approach, the documentary serves as a potent history lesson, drawing attention to a largely overlooked chapter in Germany's colonial past.
While there are many positive aspects of Togoland Projections, there is a lingering hint of colonial attitudes present in the structure and lack of formal preparation that went into this expedition. Even calling the documentary’s creation an “expedition” makes the whole affair seem somewhat paternalistic in a way I can’t get over, especially when we learn that in many cases, permission to exhibit films, film the documentary, and make arrangements for translators were not done until arriving on site. I understand there are many challenges with shooting in foreign countries, but the way Ellinghaus simply shows up is far too reminiscent of colonial masters coming and going and shows a lack of cultural understanding.
Despite these oversights and missteps, Togoland Projections gives the viewer a glimpse into Togo’s under-studied German occupation before World War I as well as the modern culture of the varied cities and towns of Togo. We see how Christianity, Islam, and French culture have affected the former German colony alongside the remnants of the traditional culture highlighted in some of Schomburgk’s films. For this reason, Togoland Projections will be a hit among those interested in African cultures and documentaries about colonialism. Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Togoland Projections would best be placed on the history and ethnography shelves of a public library due to its focus on the historical and cultural aspects of Togo under colonial rule. History shelves are typically reserved for works that examine past events, political landscapes, and the development of nations. This book, which likely delves into the colonial history of Togo and its interactions with European powers, fits well within that context. Ethnography, on the other hand, involves the study of cultures and societies, often through detailed observation and analysis. If Togoland Projections includes an examination of Togo's people, their customs, and how these were affected or altered by colonialism, the ethnography section would also be appropriate. The intersection of these two categories in the book makes these shelves ideal for attracting readers interested in both history and cultural studies.
What kind of college instructors could use this title?
College instructors who focus on European colonialism in Africa, especially in the context of French colonialism, would find Togoland Projections to be a rich resource for their courses. Professors teaching in areas such as African history, colonial studies, or postcolonial theory would find this book useful as it likely provides insights into the impact of European colonization on the indigenous population, their culture, and the nation's political development. In addition, instructors teaching ethnography, anthropology, or sociology courses that touch on colonial legacies and cultural shifts could also use this book to explore how colonialism shaped the identities and societies of colonized regions. The book could be employed to spark discussion and critical thinking about the complex dynamics between colonizers and the colonized, making it a valuable classroom resource for instructors in a variety of disciplines related to historical and cultural studies.