Adult

Fatherland Group explores the theme of African identity, historical oppression, and the quest for self-determination. It presents a critical view of colonialism, explaining how Africa’s political and economic structures were designed to keep it dependent on former colonizers. The narrative emphasizes the loss of indigenous governance, the erasure of African identity through slavery and imposed cultural norms, and the consequences of being grouped into artificial nations.

The discussion in the classroom highlights the tension between traditional African identity and modern global perspectives. Some students argue for the importance of ancestral ties and cultural heritage, while others believe in moving beyond racial and national identities in favour of a global human identity. The lecturer uses the metaphor of an orange to illustrate the coexistence of Africa’s original nations before European disruption.

The film also reflects on historical African civilizations, their contributions to the world, and how colonial interference disrupted their progress. It critiques the ongoing neocolonial influence, suggesting that true African emancipation lies in reclaiming its indigenous identities and governance structures.

Ultimately, African identity presents a call to rediscover and embrace African heritage as a means of breaking free from historical oppression and achieving sustainable development.

Children

A wise teacher and students in a classroom talk about Africa’s past, present, and future. The teacher explains that Africa used to be full of strong and independent nations, coexisting each like the small fruits inside an orange. But then, outsiders came and forced different groups together in ways that made it hard for them to work together.

The students discuss how Africa was once rich in culture, knowledge, and power, but outsiders took control, making people forget their true identity. One student, Susan, realizes she never really thought about where she comes from and how her ancestors connect to who she is today.

The class learns that slavery wasn’t just about taking people away—it was the beginning of a bigger plan to keep Africa weak. Even after slavery ended, the outsiders continued to control Africa’s lands, governments, and even the way people see themselves.

The teacher shows them an orange to explain a lesson: Just like an orange is made of many small fruits inside one peel, Africa has many different nations inside one continent. The students start to see that understanding their real identity is the first step to making Africa strong again.

In the end, they are left with a big question: Who are we, really? And how do we find our way back to our true selves?