Project

Reel Anxieties: film censorship and colonial nervousness in the Belgian Congo (1917-1960)

Code
1101325N
Duration
01 January 2025 → 31 December 2028
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Humanities and the arts
    • African history
    • Postcolonial studies
    • Film studies
  • Social sciences
    • History and philosophy of media and communication
    • Cultural media
Keywords
Media history Belgian Congo Colonial film censorship
 
Project description

The colonial government in the Belgian Congo feared the potentially subversive impact of cinema on the indigenous population, and consequently censored films from 1917 until decolonisation in 1960. Existing research on colonial film cultures has explored viewership and agency but lacks a comprehensive analysis of the specific content subjected to censorship. Rooted in the theoretical paradigm of colonial anxiety and the "nervous state," this research aims to unravel the intricacies of film censorship dynamics. The project will (1) provide a comprehensive longitudinal overview of film censorship practices, (2) analyze problematic film scenes and newsreels thematically to refine the understanding of censorship measures, and (3) explore the relationship between filmmaker André Cauvin and the colonial censorship commission, shedding light on its broader impact on film production, distribution, exhibition contexts, and representation. By employing a multimethodological approach and analyzing archival materials, censored films, and newsreels, this research aims to unveil nuanced insights into power dynamics, cultural resistance, and transformative aspects of film censorship in colonial Congo. The findings will significantly enhance the understanding of colonial film censorship, revealing intricate dynamics of colonial anxiety, white prestige, public order, and challenges to colonization within the Belgian Congo's unique context.