We Were Here dives explores the histories and stories of well-known figures like Alessandro De' Medici, Juan de Pareja, João de Sá Panasco, and Saint Benedict of Palermo. Shot across iconic locations in Europe and Brazil with a roster of multi-lingual experts in art and history, this educational documentary does an excellent job of condensing the lives and stories of a handful of notable Africans in Renaissance Europe and how their presence and skills shaped history and the visuals of Europe’s most famous art movement. Combining reenactments and animations with the experts' passionate explanations of history and Renaissance society, We Were Here gives a surprisingly deep and enjoyable journey through an important and understudied aspect of art history.
We Were Here is an incredibly well-researched documentary with dozens of scholarly sources and expert voices added to the film. Unveiled at the 60th International Art Exhibition la Biennale Venezia in 2024, this film joins a long tradition of studying the African presence in Europe through the lens of art and history. Fred Kuwornu, an Afro-Italian filmmaker and educator, leads the documentary from subject to subject, expert to expert, filling in the expert analysis with thoughts about the subjects and their portrayals in different works of art: Some show them darker or lighter skinned while others exaggerate or diminish certain facial features.
With his long work in the field of socio-cultural optics regarding Africans and their descendants, Kuwornu is a bit of an expert himself, and fans of his previous films Blaxploitalian and Inside Buffalo will see his hand at work in We Were Here. The only issue with the film are the asides about time and place that take up a lot of space but don’t really add much to the documentary. Any professors teaching art history, Black history, or European history will find a way to use We Were Here in the classroom.
We Were Here: The Untold Story of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe is an eye-opening journey that not only challenges the conventional narratives of European history but also redefines the way we view the contributions of Black Africans to art, diplomacy, and scholarship during the Renaissance. Highly recommended.
Learn more about We Were Here by reading the Press Kit here
How can We Were Here be integrated into public libraries’ collection development?
We Were Here would make an excellent addition to public libraries’ collections, particularly in the context of educational resources on history, art, and African diaspora studies. Libraries could offer the documentary in both DVD and streaming formats to make it accessible to a broad audience. It could also serve as a resource for book clubs, school projects, and programs focused on art history, Renaissance Europe, and Black history. Additionally, libraries could host screenings and discussions of the documentary to engage patrons in meaningful dialogues about underrepresented topics in art and history.
What college courses and majors could benefit from using We Were Here?
We Were Here would be valuable in a variety of college courses, especially those in the fields of art history, Black studies, European history, and cultural studies. Majors such as History, Art History, African American Studies, and Sociology would greatly benefit from using the film as a resource. The documentary provides a unique lens on the African presence in Renaissance Europe, making it an excellent supplemental material for courses focused on the history of art, the African diaspora, or racial representation in historical narratives.
How could Parks and Recreation programs use We Were Here in their educational initiatives?
Parks and Recreation programs focused on community education could use We Were Here to promote cultural awareness and diversity. The documentary could be shown during local history or cultural events, followed by discussions to highlight the contributions of Africans to European art and society. It could also be used to educate young people about the importance of inclusivity and the diverse histories that shape our collective culture. The use of animations and reenactments makes it an engaging tool for programs aimed at all age groups.
How could We Were Here enhance special events on college campuses?
We Were Here could be a centerpiece for special events on college campuses focused on art history, African culture, or diversity in historical narratives. The film could be used for screenings during Black History Month, art exhibitions, or events centered on Renaissance art and European history. It would also make a great addition to conferences, panel discussions, or classes about art, race, and history, offering a unique perspective on the African influence in Renaissance Europe.