Dar premiere sparks strong reaction to PanAfrican documentary

DAR ES SALAAM: THE premiere of the documentary “ICC: Universal Justice Without Universality” in Dar es Salaam drew strong reactions from Tanzania’s creative and diplomatic circles.

Produced by Pan-African activist Bakary Kante, the 38-minute film examines the International Criminal Court (ICC) and what it calls a “selective lens” that often targets Africa. Dr Mona Mwakalinga, chair of the Tanzania Film Board, praised the film and urged filmmakers to focus on African stories.

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She said: “I urge filmmakers in Tanzania and across Africa to invest heavily in content that reflects our true cultures, our history and the reality of African life.” Burundian Ambassador to Tanzania, Léontine Nzeyimana, said the film highlighted the need for African unity.

She said: “For Africa to thrive, there is an urgent need for unity to protect continental interests and withstand the overwhelming tide of foreign cultural influences.” The documentary includes insights from Tibebu Belete and communication expert Ezra Ejigu, arguing that while “international justice” sounds good on paper, it has often been unbalanced in practice.