Savages: The Story of Human Zoos 2018
"The barbarian is, first and foremost, the man who believes in barbarism"
A shocking yet essential documentary by Pascal Blanchard, *Savages: The Story of Human Zoos* (2018) exposes the dark legacy of colonialism through the barbaric practice of displaying enslaved people in human zoos.
Director: Pascal Blanchard
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savages: The Story of Human Zoos (2018) about?
*Savages: The Story of Human Zoos* reveals how colonial powers from the 19th to early 20th centuries exhibited kidnapped people in human zoos across Europe and America. The film documents this systemic dehumanization, where victims were paraded as exotic curiosities to reinforce racist ideologies and entertain mass audiences.
Who directed Savages: The Story of Human Zoos?
The film was directed by Pascal Blanchard, a historian specializing in colonial history and visual culture.
Who stars in Savages: The Story of Human Zoos?
Key figures featured include historians Lilian Thuram and Abd Al Malik, along with researchers Sandrine Lemaire and Nicolas Bancel, who lend expert insights into this harrowing subject.
Is Savages: The Story of Human Zoos (2018) worth watching?
As a history documentary tackling a deeply uncomfortable yet vital topic, *Savages* scores high on educational value despite its grim subject matter. Its blend of expert commentary and archival evidence makes it a compelling watch, especially for fans of confrontational historical narratives.
How long is Savages: The Story of Human Zoos?
The film runs for 92 minutes.
About Savages: The Story of Human Zoos (2018) — A Shocking History Documentary You Need to See
A shocking yet essential documentary by Pascal Blanchard, *Savages: The Story of Human Zoos* (2018) exposes the dark legacy of colonialism through the barbaric practice of displaying enslaved people in human zoos. This 92-minute history film dives into a century-long shame—where victims from Africa, Asia, and the Americas were forced into cages as entertainment for European and American audiences, treated as subhuman curiosities rather than people with dignity. Through interviews with historians like Lilian Thuram and filmmakers including Abd Al Malik, the documentary blends archival footage with urgent narration to recreate the atmosphere of exploitation and resistance.
The film doesn't shy away from uncomfortable truths, framing this era as a moral stain on humanity. By juxtaposing historical accounts with modern reflections, it invites viewers to question how far society has truly come. A haunting exploration of racism, power, and colonial violence, *Savages: The Story of Human Zoos* is both an indictment and a call for reckoning.