Witchdoctors: A Day in the Other Africa (NR)

synopsis

Boniface Wewe is a man of many traits. He's worked at the Brooklyn Public Library since 1993 and written three books, and somehow he still manages to find the time to independently produce documentary films. "Witchdoctors: A Day in the Other Africa" is his fifth production, following the theme of Western education on African tradition. As co-narrator, along with his daughter Barbara Wewe, Boniface takes us on location to West Central and Southern Africa to give us a first hand look at some of the people and the professions that play a role in the culture of the African people. We're introduced to palm wine tapping, the Hlahlindlela High School choir, and a group of musicians using an interesting hand made instrument called a 'lap piano'. But the most interesting of them all are the witchdoctors. Rituals rooted in African religions are dissected and displayed as Boniface meets with some of Africa's most renowned witchdoctors, including Nokusho Bhengu, who's been profiled in the Wall Street journal for her collaboration with President Bush and an American program which sees a partnership between Western and traditional doctors in South Africa. We also meet a variety of people who have trained under Ma Bhengu.