Chad
Chad: A Filmmaker's Oasis in Africa
In the year 2000, acclaimed Chadian producer and director, Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, returned to his homeland from France after a prolonged absence. Explaining to his relatives that he was now a filmmaker was met with scepticism. His father encapsulated the prevailing sentiment in Chad since the 1980s, bluntly stating, “You hide behind your dramas because reality scares you. I am not a fictional character.”
Against daunting odds, Mahamat-Saleh Haroun held a visionary dream of establishing a cinema in Chad’s capital, N’Djaména. Despite the country’s tumultuous history, including civil wars, terrorist threats, an influx of Sudanese refugees, and the decline of the local film industry, Haroun embarked on a journey across Chad, exploring its remarkable film locations, inspired by Isabelle, a young woman living with HIV/AIDS who wanted to share her story.
Cultural Kaleidoscope
The Republic of Chad, often called the “Babel Tower of the World,” boasts unparalleled cultural diversity. With over 200 ethnic groups and 100 languages, including Arabic and French as the official languages, Chad is a cultural mosaic. It is landlocked and shares borders with Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, and Nigeria and Cameroon to the southwest, making it a unique crossroads of Africa.
Varied Landscapes
Chad’s diverse landscapes are equally captivating. In the north, the Sahara Desert dominates, with the striking Tibesti Mountains featuring canyons, rock faces, and dormant volcanoes. This region is home to the Toubou tribe, renowned for having the world’s most exceptional camel racers.
The central region lies within the Sahel Belt and enjoys a more tropical climate. It is home to 18 lakes teeming with hippos and crocodiles. The Zakouma National Park serves as one of the last refuges for wildlife in Central Africa.
Festivals and Traditions
Chad’s rich cultural tapestry is adorned with unique traditions. The Gerewol Festival, held annually between August and September, features the nomadic Wodaabe people. This courtship competition among young men, adorned in elaborate traditional attire and ornaments, culminates with a dance competition. The festival, attracting clans from Niger, concludes with the women of marriageable age selecting three winners who become their husbands.
In the fertile southern savannah region, lush cotton and sugarcane fields stretch from N’Djaména to Lake Chad, the second largest lake in Africa. This region is steeped in history and culture, with Lake Chad itself being a remnant of the Mega-Chad, an inland sea from around 5,000 B.C.
Your Dream Filming Journey with African Fixer
African Fixer is your ticket to embark on a cinematic adventure in Chad. We guarantee that this journey will be an unforgettable experience, offering a unique and inspiring backdrop for your film. Embrace the opportunity to illuminate Chad’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and the resilience of its people through the lens.
It’s time to capture the untold stories of Chad, and African Fixer is here to guide your way. Get in touch!