This documentary directed by Marta Pessoa challenges the widely held belief that Portuguese colonialism was a more humane form of imperialism. By focusing on the 1934 Portuguese colonial exhibition in Porto, the film exposes the harsh realities faced by African subjects who were exhibited as part of a human zoo. Through archival materials and photographs, the documentary aims to reveal the underlying racism embedded in this historical event. However, it has been criticized for inadvertently reinforcing the very stereotypes it seeks to dismantle, particularly through its visual representations and lack of diverse voices.

Challenging the Myth of Gentle Colonialism

The documentary opens with a bold statement questioning the notion that Portugal is not a racist country. It delves into the concept of "lusotropicalism," which suggests that Portuguese imperialism was less brutal compared to other European empires. The film then shifts its focus to the 1934 colonial exhibition in Porto, where Indigenous people were placed in recreated native dwellings and made to perform daily rituals for over a million spectators. This spectacle, intended to glorify imperialism, instead serves as a stark reminder of the dehumanizing treatment endured by African subjects. The exhibition essentially functioned as a human zoo, showcasing these individuals in a manner that objectified and exploited them.

To further illustrate the impact of this event, the documentary examines a photograph of an unnamed African woman, referred to only as Rosinha. This image, along with others depicting Black subjects in similar states of nudity, becomes a recurring motif throughout the film. While the intention is to highlight the voyeuristic nature of these photographs, there is a risk of unintentionally perpetuating the very racist gaze they aim to critique. The film's reliance on such visuals raises important questions about the ethics of representation and the potential consequences of revisiting these historical documents without adequate context or critical engagement.

Voices Unheard: The Limitations of Representation

Beyond the visual elements, the documentary also explores the narratives surrounding Portuguese colonialism. It includes excerpts from writings of colonists but notably lacks perspectives from revolutionary Black authors. This imbalance in representation leaves the audience with a one-sided view of history. The film does feature brief interviews and performances by Portuguese individuals of African descent, but these moments are sparse and do not provide sufficient depth to counterbalance the dominant narrative. As a result, the documentary falls short in offering a comprehensive reckoning with Portugal's racist past.

The film's approach to addressing this complex history is marked by moments of introspection and acknowledgment of white guilt. However, this often comes across as passive and disconnected from the lived experiences of those who have been historically marginalized. The absence of alternative voices and the limited exploration of contemporary perspectives hinder the film's ability to fully engage with the legacy of colonialism. Instead of fostering a meaningful dialogue, the documentary risks becoming an inert projection of guilt, failing to challenge the entrenched structures of power and representation that continue to shape societal perceptions today.