Mr. Curzan
AFAM
NAME: ________________________________ DATE: ________________ PER: ____
Sankofa: Movie Questions
1. During the opening credits, pictures of African sculptures, including the Sankofa bird,
are shown with African chanting and drums playing. The narrator (Sankofa's
interpreter) begins speaking. What seems to be the message? Write down some
phrases.
2. What is at the top of Sankofa the Divine Drummer’s staff?
3. Who does the tour guide say Sankofa believes he is communicating with when he
plays his drums?
4. Why does the drummer tell Mona to go back to her past?
5. As she is dragged away, Mona yells, "You're making a mistake! Stop! I'm not an
____." What is Mona refusing to identify with? How is this significant?
6. How does Mona become Shola?
7. Discuss the power hierarchy on the plantation. How do the various characters fit onto
the power ladder?
8. Who is Shola’s love interest? How are they different? How are they alike?
9. Describe how Nunu is different from others on the plantation? What does she
represent for Shola/Mona?
10. Who is Joe and what is his conflict? Why is his story an important one? Who is in
love with Joe?
11. What is Nobel Ali’s job on the plantation?
12. Why does Kuta run away?
13. What does Shango represent for the other characters and for us?
14. How is Shola different from the other slaves she has contact with?
15. Who are the people in the hills? What is their purpose?
16. What is Joe’s and Father Raphael’s relationship?
17. What does the master (Mr. Lafeyette) do the Shola throughout the film?
18. Why does Shola run and why do Father Raphael and Mr. Lafeyette treat her that way?
19. How does Shola’s spirit return back home to Africa?
20. Why does Mona see Nunu at the end of the film?
21. How has Mona's perception of her identity changed by the end of the movie?
22. How does this film portray European-Americans (i.e., Whites)? What do you think of
this portrayal?
PARAGRAPH RESPONSE:
23. In the Akan language the word Sankofa literally means “go back to fetch it”, and can
be interpreted as, lLooking back in order to look forward."
How does the film's "Sankofa" message relate to the issue of slavery? How does the
film want us to think of slavery's legacy? This is a film about a distant time, but it's
also to some extent a film about today. Who is the intended audience of this film?
After watching this movie, briefly describe any questions or observations that you have. (have at least 2)