Watch Darwin's Nightmare

Darwin's Nightmare is a powerful documentary film that examines the devastating impact of globalization on the people and environment of Tanzania. Directed by Austrian filmmaker Hubert Sauper, the film takes a searing look at the fishing industry in Lake Victoria, the world's second-largest freshwater lake. The film features Elizabeth 'Eliza' Maganga Nsese, a young girl who lives in Mwanza, the largest city on the shore of Lake Victoria. Eliza dreams of becoming a nurse or a teacher, but her life is overshadowed by the chaos and destruction that surrounds her. Raphael Tukiko Wagara, an airplane pilot, serves as the film's narrator, providing insightful commentary on the situation in Tanzania and the wider world.

The film begins by exploring the history of the Nile Perch, a large, carnivorous fish that was introduced to Lake Victoria in the 1960s. The introduction of the Nile Perch was intended to boost the fishing industry in Tanzania, but it had unintended consequences. The Nile Perch quickly dominated the lake, driving many native fish species to extinction. The film shows footage of giant, bloated fish floating on the surface of the lake, victims of overfishing and environmental degradation.

Sauper also explores the human cost of the fishing industry in Tanzania. The film shows the impoverished communities that exist along the shores of Lake Victoria, where people struggle to make a living. Many of these communities rely on fishing for their livelihoods, but the introduction of the Nile Perch has made fishing more dangerous and less profitable. The film shows fishermen who have lost limbs or been maimed by the giant fish, and it depicts the desperate poverty that many of these communities face.

In addition to exploring the environmental and social impact of the Nile Perch, the film also delves into the political and economic factors that have contributed to the situation in Tanzania. The film exposes the corrupt trade networks that exist in the region, where guns and drugs are exchanged for fish. The film also shows the role that foreign aid organizations have played in the region, providing funding and resources to support the fishing industry. However, in many cases, this aid has only served to perpetuate the cycle of poverty and dependence that exists in Tanzania.

Throughout the film, Sauper uses stunning imagery and evocative soundscapes to create a powerful, immersive experience for the viewer. He juxtaposes haunting footage of the empty, polluted streets of Mwanza with shots of the lush, idyllic landscape that surrounds Lake Victoria. He also employs a range of creative techniques, such as slow motion, time-lapse photography, and aerial shots, to create a cinematic landscape that is both beautiful and devastating.

The film raises profound questions about the future of development and globalization in Africa and around the world. It asks us to consider the ethical implications of our actions, and to question the values and priorities that underpin our economic and political systems. Ultimately, Darwin's Nightmare is a thought-provoking and deeply affecting film that challenges us to confront the harsh realities of the world we inhabit, and to work towards building a more just and sustainable future.