Starting in the 1890s, millions of Europeans and Americans encountered “native” Africans for the first time in person – in so-called “human zoos.” This deeply strange but once hugely popular form of “entertainment” starring trafficked people has been all but forgotten. Until now.
In her first documentary, acclaimed Somali-British novelist Nadifa Mohamed takes us on a remarkable journey, recreating what it was like to live in a human zoo. She unearths hidden documents, discovers never before broadcast early film and audio of the performers and tracks down their descendants. Then, in a shocking climax, Nadifa reveals how they were used for pseudo scientific race experiments – and exposes how some of their remains can be found in museums to this day.
"Extraordinary [stories]."
THE RADIO TIMES
"Picks of the day."
THE TIMES
"Picks of the weekend."
THE I
"Startling."
THE GUARDIAN
"Fascinating but distressing film."
THE GUARDIAN
"Pick of the day."
THE GUARDIAN
"Pick of the day - deeply affecting."
THE SUN
"What to watch this week."
THE BRITISH BLACK LIST
"Pick of the day."
TV & SATELLITE WEEK
"Picks of the week."
TOTAL TV GUIDE
"Shocking expose."
CLOSER MAGAZINE
"Top 20 TV Picks."
CLOSER MAGAZINE
**** [Four Stars]
IRISH INDEPENDENT
"Startling."
IRISH INDEPENDENT
"Fascinating."
WHAT'S ON TV
"Pick of the day."
WHAT'S ON TV