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Motherland Series
Two films on DNA Searches
| Released: | 2006 |
1. Motherland: A Genetic Journey
Motherland: A Genetic Journey is the story of three people given the opportunity, through DNA searchers, to reconnect to their African roots. With a swab of a person's cheek, their lineage can be traced back as many as thirteen generations to determine the tribe of their ancestors.
Mark's search leads him from London to southern Niger to reconnect with the Kanuri tribe. Jacqueline's exploration reveals that her family comes from Jamaica. After learning her mixed-raced ancestry includes a slave owner, she visits what was once his sugar plantation. Beaula has always felt a deep affinity for Africa. Her test results lead her to the island of Bioko in Equatorial Guinea where the Bubi tribe still resides and welcomes her as a sister. For each person, the reconnection is emotional, but weighted with unanticipated cultural barriers.
Motherland explores the emotional terrain of being cut off from one’s roots. By following these intense journeys of rediscovery and reconnection, the film captures a wide range of identity issues in the African Diaspora.
2. Motherland: Moving On
Motherland: Moving On continues the story two years later. Shot in the United Kingdom, United States, Africa, and Jamaica, this moving sequel captures the next steps in these soul-searching journeys, raising fundamental questions about defining heritage.
Mark discovers that his ancestors belonged to the Kanuri tribe. When he connects with them, the language barrier prevents them from fully communicating. After going through an emotional naming ceremony, he discovers that he has mistakenly chosen a name that belongs to the slave catchers that oppressed his people. Beaula learns that her ancestors belonged to more than one tribe, and many of the tribe’s people are only interested in the gifts she brings them. Meanwhile, Jacqueline visits England to meet distant cousins. All three participants feel enriched by their new connections but understand that DNA tracing can lead to complicated emotional discoveries.
The film includes interviews with Dr. Rich Kittle of Howard University, Fatimah Jackson of the University of Maryland, and other experts.
Motherland: A Genetic Journey is the story of three people given the opportunity, through DNA searchers, to reconnect to their African roots. With a swab of a person's cheek, their lineage can be traced back as many as thirteen generations to determine the tribe of their ancestors.
Mark's search leads him from London to southern Niger to reconnect with the Kanuri tribe. Jacqueline's exploration reveals that her family comes from Jamaica. After learning her mixed-raced ancestry includes a slave owner, she visits what was once his sugar plantation. Beaula has always felt a deep affinity for Africa. Her test results lead her to the island of Bioko in Equatorial Guinea where the Bubi tribe still resides and welcomes her as a sister. For each person, the reconnection is emotional, but weighted with unanticipated cultural barriers.
Motherland explores the emotional terrain of being cut off from one’s roots. By following these intense journeys of rediscovery and reconnection, the film captures a wide range of identity issues in the African Diaspora.
2. Motherland: Moving On
Motherland: Moving On continues the story two years later. Shot in the United Kingdom, United States, Africa, and Jamaica, this moving sequel captures the next steps in these soul-searching journeys, raising fundamental questions about defining heritage.
Mark discovers that his ancestors belonged to the Kanuri tribe. When he connects with them, the language barrier prevents them from fully communicating. After going through an emotional naming ceremony, he discovers that he has mistakenly chosen a name that belongs to the slave catchers that oppressed his people. Beaula learns that her ancestors belonged to more than one tribe, and many of the tribe’s people are only interested in the gifts she brings them. Meanwhile, Jacqueline visits England to meet distant cousins. All three participants feel enriched by their new connections but understand that DNA tracing can lead to complicated emotional discoveries.
The film includes interviews with Dr. Rich Kittle of Howard University, Fatimah Jackson of the University of Maryland, and other experts.
Films in this series:
• Motherland: A Genetic Journey
• Motherland: Moving On
"Interesting for presenting insights into genetics, history and culture. . . A good fit for high school and college collections."
‒Booklist
"Ground-breaking"
‒The Times (London)
‒Booklist
"Ground-breaking"
‒The Times (London)
