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"American documentary filmmaker detained in Port Harcourt, Nigeria" NEW YORK, September 2, 2008 Ð Andrew Berends, an established, award-winning American filmmaker and journalist from New York, was detained Sunday August 31st by the Nigerian military along with his translator, Samuel George, and Joe Bussio, the manager of a local bar. Andrew entered Nigeria legally in April 2008 to complete a documentary film. To learn more, visit: |
Delta Boys explores the untold stories of the Niger Delta and the Niger Delta militancy. This intimate look at the militias, their goals, and their global impact, follows the lives of two militants: Ateke Tom, the ÒGodfatherÓ of the Niger Delta Vigilante Force, and Chima, a 21-year-old who escaped prison with Ateke's help. The film also documents life in a tiny fishing village where Mama, a 22-year-old, struggles to give birth to her first child with the help of a traditional midwife and no access to modern medical care, while raids are launched from a militant camp across the river. The personal stories of Chima, Ateke, and Mama reflect a broader global struggle, one between entrenched power and corporate interests and an underserved population. Nigeria is the world's eighth largest exporter of oil. Yet, despite this natural wealth, the majority of Niger Deltans continue to live in poverty. Ateke's militants, along with other groups, have called for a greater distribution of wealth and jobs. When their requests have been ignored, they've attacked oil installations and pipelines, kidnapped foreigners, and made the entire Delta a no-go zone. But many feel that while the Niger Delta struggle is legitimate, the militants' motives are not so pure. |
Director Andrew Berends previous work includes: The Blood of My Brother |
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contact: andrewberends (@) gmail.com |
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