You are here:

Afronauts

Name: Afronauts
Director: Nuotama Bodomo
Released: 2014
Duration: 14 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

2014

Director

Nuotama Bodomo

Runtime

14 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Afronauts is a sophisticated example of Afrofuturism that successfully shifts the focus away from the Western perspective. By presenting a parallel timeline, the film highlights African ability to act within a speculative framework. The production excels in its racial and cultural representation, using a parallel timeline to challenge the idea that Western countries dominate technological progress. It offers a fresh look at the history of space exploration. While the film challenges traditional gender roles through female leadership, it lacks visible LGBTQ+ characters or relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight. Additionally, there is no clear representation of disabilities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Afronauts have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not include explicit LGBTQ+ characters or relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight. The narrative focuses mainly on the scientific goals of the Zambian team.

How does Afronauts portray gender?

Good

Women play important roles in science and leadership, challenging traditional gender hierarchies. This portrayal of women's intelligence counters the patriarchal structures often seen in science fiction.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Afronauts?

Excellent

The film stands out by featuring an all-Black cast and an African-centric storyline. It uses Afrofuturism to show African nations as key players in technological advancements.

How does Afronauts represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story questions the Western monopoly on scientific progress by presenting a different timeline. It emphasizes a non-Western viewpoint on achievement and independence.

Does Afronauts include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no clear evidence of visible or invisible disabilities in the film, so no assessment can be made regarding their representation.

Present on Screen

Features an all-Black cast to reclaim the space race narrative.
Challenges traditional gender roles by putting women in leadership positions.
Uses Afrofuturism effectively to question Western-centric historical narratives.

Limited or Absent

Does not include visible LGBTQ+ characters or relationships that go beyond the assumption that everyone is straight.
No clear evidence of visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

16th July 1969: America prepares to launch Apollo 11. Thousands of kilometers away, a ragtag group of Zambian exiles is trying to beat America to the Moon.

How are these scores produced? →