Slave Ship Mutiny

Gr 9 Up—In 1766, at the height of the slave trade system in Dutch-occupied South Africa, a slave ship was en route from Madagascar with 140 prisoners. The slaves mutinied and took control of the ship, but were eventually tricked by the crew, retaken captive, and the ship's officers and the rebellion leader Massava were put on trial. This relatively unheralded story is movingly retold based on written archival transcripts of the trials. The film utilizes a blend of live-action recreations, vintage stills, crisp graphics, and expert commentaries by historians and archeologists from around the world. Particularly appealing is the manner in which the film's producers have masterfully created a credible view of the reality of slavery's cruel economic basis as well as its horrifying destruction of native societies. A secondary thread focuses on the attempt to locate the remains of the wrecked ship off South Africa's coast with the assistance of modern technology. Options include English language subtitles and scene selection. A wonderful addition to media collections for both individual and classroom use.—Dwain Thomas, formerly of Lake Park High School, Roselle, IL