Bushman’s Secret
Bushman's Secret
You don’t take everything away…you give something back. That is nature.
When the pharmaceutical industry got a hold of what is considered a profitable secret - the hoodia plant - it inspired filmmaker Rehad Desai to travel to the Kalahari to investigate global interest in ancient Bushmen knowledge. He meets Jan van der Westhuizen, a fascinating Khomani San traditional healer.
Jan's struggle to live close to nature is hampered by centuries of colonial exploitation. Unable to survive as they once did hunting and gathering, the Khomani now live in a state of poverty that threatens to see the last of this community. Who will pass on the knowledge of the land to its people and who can protect the plants that hold secrets and are a means to their survival?
This is a story of dispossession of the land, its inhabitants, their cultural and agricultural wealth.
Co-Presented by the Reel World Film Festival
Bushman's Secret
You don’t take everything away…you give something back. That is nature.
When the pharmaceutical industry got a hold of what is considered a profitable secret - the hoodia plant - it inspired filmmaker Rehad Desai to travel to the Kalahari to investigate global interest in ancient Bushmen knowledge. He meets Jan van der Westhuizen, a fascinating Khomani San traditional healer.
Jan's struggle to live close to nature is hampered by centuries of colonial exploitation. Unable to survive as they once did hunting and gathering, the Khomani now live in a state of poverty that threatens to see the last of this community. Who will pass on the knowledge of the land to its people and who can protect the plants that hold secrets and are a means to their survival?
This is a story of dispossession of the land, its inhabitants, their cultural and agricultural wealth.
Rehad Desai completed a history degree at the University of Zimbabwe. In 1996 Rehad entered the TV and film industry as a producer and focused much of his energy on historical and socio-political productions. In 1997 he completed his Masters Degree in Social History at the University of the Witwatersrand. In 2000 he completed a postgraduate degree in TV and film producing through AVEA. His previous documentary, Born Into Struggle, screened internationally and garnered several awards.
© 2007 Planet In Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival
One Percent for the Planet is an environmental alliance whose members give back 1% of their sales to environmental organizations worldwide.
Post-screening discussion:
Dear Sir,
A Participation demand in the international festival of the environmental film in its 6th cycle in Kairouan-Tunisia.
The 7th art organization located in Kairouan –Tunisia, organizes the 6th cycle of the international festival of environment film, which will take place from 04 to 09 February 2008.
Participation conditions:
1)-Films should be produced from 2004.
2)-Films have to reach us before 20 December 2007 and the owners of the film would be informed about the result in 04 January 2008 through e-mail.
3)-Films should be: 35 or 16 mm //BETA SP//DVC//HDV//
4)-The film should be accompanied with a copy DVD or VSH for the administration of the festival without exploiting it commercially.
5)-Films have to speak Arabic or French or English.
6)-Two posters for the film to put in the catalogue are needed.
7)-A summary that don’t pass beyond 6 lines for one film.
8)-One photo for the producer or the director.
9)-A short CV that don’t pass beyond 5 lines.
10)-The administration of the festival will undertake plane tickets and the accommodation only for the juries and lecturers.
11)-The festival administration will guarantee the accommodation and the local transport for guests.
12)-Festival rewards:
- The Golden carpet (2.000 TD)
- The Silver carpet (1.500 TD)
- The Bronze carpet (1.000 TD)
13)-There is a possibility to translate films within the competition to any language and to broadcast them through one of the expert companies after getting licenses from its owners.
The administration of the festival cordially invites you.
You are more than welcome,looking forward your response.
Best Regards,
The president of the I.F.E.F
Mr: Amor Nagazi
The 7th Art Organization.
Address: Abi Zamaa El Balaoui Street
KAIROUAN-TUNISIA 3100
Tel: +216 77 238 210 / +216 77 238 220
Fax: +216 77 238 250
Mail : festival_envir@hotmail.fr
Please have a look at the joined documents.
Dear Rehad Desai,
It will be a pleasure if you come to participate in our festival,sorry,we did not find another way for contacting you.
Best Regards,
Mr.Amor Nagazi.