Zeit der Kannibalen is German foreign language film that focuses on corruption inside large international consulting firms in poor countries. Shedding light on the unethical and inhumane practices they perform for the sole purpose of making money.
The film follows the story of two German businessmen as they are involved in making big deals in impoverished countries. With their first dealings in India before they journey onto Lagos, Nigeria.
Synopsis & Themes
Zeit der Kannibalen is a film which shows the reality in which multi-national corporations (MNC's) operate in poor countries. MNC's are notorious for taking advantage of poor countries, their workforce, resources; and not giving much in return. Zeit der Kannibalen certainly touches on this at length.
Furthermore Zeit der Kannibalen depicts the roles of MNC's play as being an extension of colonialism and imperialism through capitalism (neocolonialism). Shady deals are made behind closed doors and decisions are made which benefit Western counterparts.
All while the abuse poor workers continues and their patrons tell them it's for their own good; that they should be grateful for Western help.
More Important Themes
Continuing, there is a constant theme of Western white supremacy in the global South. This is iterated through the consultants doing whatever they please because they have worth, status and money.
They view that they are entitled to their pleasures and that these poor countries and the bodies of their women are their playground. This white entitlement is prevalent throughout the entirety of the film and is paired with the narrative of "white salvation" in Africa.
Zeit der Kannibalen sheds light on the narrative we accept about the continent of Africa. We generalize an entire continent and view it as "uncivilized", full with rebels, unrest and constant conflict. That the people there are helpless and should be honoured that white Westerners are there to grow their businesses. That these businesses are in Africa to revitalize the economy and save the entirety of the continent.
When in reality they follow their own agendas, use and abuse African economies, governments and their citizens.
These actions are like modern day conquests. Where white men can do as they please with Africans under the false pretense of bettering the region, taking advantage of their status as Western educated men.
Conclusion
As a whole Zeit der Kannibalen was a good watch and is an important example of how MNC's work from the top down.
There is tons of satire throughout the film which fits the brief for many dark comedies produced out of Northern Europe.
Zeit der Kannibalen is a film that tests it's viewers and shows the stark realities of how big MNC's are operated in many majority world countries. While still telling an entertaining story and dives into the complicated relationships shared between the main characters in the film.
By all means put it on your watch list, it's an example of a pretty multidimensional and entertaining film.
