About the Project
Centering African voices in a contested geological age
Eight episodes exploring African experiences of unprecedented environmental and social change
In a time of instability and dramatic change, of fragile and often degenerating ecosystems, our need for stories is greater than ever. The African in the Anthropocene series seeks to document and elevate stories from across the continent, examining how communities are experiencing and responding to unprecedented change.
Through intimate portraits and thoughtful conversations filmed across multiple African nations, we're creating a documentary series that highlights both shared experiences and unique local perspectives, contributing African voices to global conversations about our changing world.
Through intimate portraits and thoughtful conversations filmed across multiple African nations, we're creating a documentary series that highlights both shared experiences and unique local perspectives, contributing African voices to global conversations about our changing world.
African in the Anthropocene
Teaser Trailer, 2025
What do we mean by 'Anthropocene'?
While scientists debate definitions and timelines, for people across Africa, the Anthropocene is not an abstract concept but a daily reality. They feel it through changing weather patterns, economic pressures and transforming landscapes.
But, the discussions about this age, its consequences, and who created it rarely emerge from the African continent. The term Anthropocene implicates all of us but we did not all create it equally. These emergencies are driven by historical processes rooted in colonialism and racialised capitalism. However, dominant narratives often homogenise the experience of living in the Anthropocene.
The Anthropocene is more than environmental crises, climate catastrophe or biodiversity loss. We need more than greater efficiencies or renewable technologies. We need new narratives about how we relate to each other, how we distribute resources, and how we achieve justice. For all of our collective presents, pasts and futures, our goal in this series is to explore what it means to be African in the Anthropocene.
But, the discussions about this age, its consequences, and who created it rarely emerge from the African continent. The term Anthropocene implicates all of us but we did not all create it equally. These emergencies are driven by historical processes rooted in colonialism and racialised capitalism. However, dominant narratives often homogenise the experience of living in the Anthropocene.
The Anthropocene is more than environmental crises, climate catastrophe or biodiversity loss. We need more than greater efficiencies or renewable technologies. We need new narratives about how we relate to each other, how we distribute resources, and how we achieve justice. For all of our collective presents, pasts and futures, our goal in this series is to explore what it means to be African in the Anthropocene.
Proudly Presented By
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Production Progress
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We're currently in the post-production phase, weaving together the narratives that were captured by numerous in-country teams across the continent:
- 100%Pre-ProductionConcept development, team assembly, and location planning completed.
- 100%FilmingCountry teams completed filming across seven African countries.
- 55%Post-ProductionThematic editing of multiple episodes underway.
Emerging Themes
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Rather than following a prescriptive structure, we're letting themes emerge organically from the stories our teams are capturing. These interconnected topics are shaping the series as filming progresses.
Material + Memory
African Artists in the Anthropocene: creative expression as resistance, documentation, and hope—how artists across Africa are responding to and shaping their changing world.
The Inaccesible Climate
How persons with disabilities navigate changing urban and rural environments, and the intersection of accessibility with development.
Construction Boom + Concrete
The rapid transformation of African cities and landscapes, exploring how new infrastructure shapes communities and daily life.
Debt + Inequality
The structural challenges facing nations, and the creative ways people navigate economic constraints and systemic barriers.
Displacement + Migration
Stories of forced and chosen movement as communities respond to environmental, economic, and social vulnerabilities across the continent.
Fishers, Farmers + Miners
The backbone of many African economies; stories of those working the land, waters, and earth as environmental and economic conditions shift.
Love + Relationships
How intimate bonds, family structures, and community connections adapt and endure through times of unprecedented change.
Reproductive Health
Access to health care and reproductive justice in conditions of worsening social and environmental conditions