Montreal-based filmmaker and actress Benita Jacques has created a documentary titled Africa, Cradle of humankind and modern civilisations. This film is a feature-length documentary that explores Africa’s history before the impacts of slavery, which, according to the film’s premise, disrupted its original history and obscured its significant contributions to humanity.
The Documentary: Africa, Cradle of humankind and modern civilisations
The film follows Jacques as she travels through Africa, beginning her journey at the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, Senegal. Her quest is to find answers about her own origins and to reconstruct the history of her ancestors before they were subjected to deportation. To do this, she consults with experts and researchers who have dedicated their work to studying Africa’s history and civilizations. The documentary takes viewers on a journey through time and space, using spiritual, historical, and scientific testimonies to highlight the “golden age” of the continent.
The documentary has received a positive reception, earning numerous awards and being selected for several international film festivals. It has been described as a “necessary, unifying, and hopeful film” that should be taught in schools.
About the Filmmaker: Benita Jacques
A Haitian-Canadian artist, Benita Jacques holds degrees in Arts and Letters from Marie Victorin College and in Dramatic Arts from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). Her career spans acting, directing, screenwriting, and producing. In addition to her film work, she has appeared in various television and film productions, including 30 Vies, Ruptures, and Mémoires Vives.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Jacques is also a businesswoman and philanthropist, having founded several companies, including Zen Queen Media Production, which is the production company behind her documentary. Her work in film and theater is driven by a desire to innovate and create audiovisual works that promote diversity and foster dialogue.
September 25th – 6:30 PM | In partnership with the Maison de la culture Côte-des-Neiges | Africa, Cradle of humankind and modern civilisations (Bénita Jacques), followed by a discussion hosted by Yvette Mbogo.
