‘SLAVERY ROUTES - DANIEL CATTIER, JUAN GELAS & FANNY GLISSANT’

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In the presence of Daniel Cattier and Annabella Nezri (producer). 

The history of slavery did not begin in the cotton fields. It is a much more ancient tragedy, one played out since the dawn of humanity.  
From the 7th century, and for more than 1,200 years, Africa was the epicentre of a gigantic trade in human beings that stretched across the globe.  
Nubians, Peuls, Mandinkas, Songhais, Sosos, Akans, Yoruba, Ibos, Kongos, Yao, Somalis... In all, more than 20 million Africans were deported, sold and reduced to slavery. A criminal system that  brought riches and laid the foundations of the world's biggest empires. The scale of this slave trade is such that for a long time it was impossible to explain its mechanisms. Yet its history raises one fundamental question: How did Africa find itself at the heart of the slave routes?  

Daniel Cattier – co-director
Coming from an international background, Daniel Cattier is a Media Consultant with an expertise in intercultural communication and a Film Director. Trained as a Historian and Political Scientist, he started his career as a researcher for Channel 4. Although born in Belgium and educated in the UK, his lineage can be traced back to Southern Africa. He’s the director of the series “Kongo – The Great Illusion” – broadcasted on Arte, TV5 Monde, RTBF, Histoire and Canvas. 

Juan Gélas – co-director 
Juan Gélas is author and director of documentaries. Since 25 years he has been directing films and reports for French and British broadcasters (Arte, France Télévisions, BBC, Channel 4…). He directed the TV series “Black France/Noirs de France” – broadcasted on France 5 and Aljazeera English – “Lagos Airport” – broadcasted on Channel 4 – and “Painting the Weather” (BBC 4) . 

Co-production: Kwassa Films