Sanders of the River

Sanders of the River (1935) is a British film directed by the visionary Zoltan Korda that centers around the unique intersection of British colonialism and native African tribal life during the late 1930s. The film stars renowned African American singer, actor, and social activist Paul Robeson, alongside British actors Leslie Banks and Nina Mae McKinney. While the film has attracted a deal of controversy for its celebration of British colonialism and the racist underpinnings that notion carries, there is no denying the spectacle and cinematic grandeur it possesses, with arresting cinematography and musical scoring.

The film casts its eye onto the 'Niger Movement' of West Africa with Leslie Banks playing the titular character of Lord Sanders, a top-level administrator for the British Empire. Sanders is tasked with keeping the peace and ensuring the orderly governance of the region, which at the time was rife with tribal war and conflicts. The character is often seen navigating the delicate tightrope walk of maintaining the thin balance between control and respect for the different tribes under his jurisdiction.

Paul Robeson breathes life into the character of Bosambo, an African tribal leader who’s cunning, brave and loyal to his people. Robeson’s role is especially noted for the potent portrayal of an intellectually potent African character, a rarity in cinema at the time. In a dazzling display of charisma and gusto, Bosambo manages to unify his tribe and some others, creating a formidable alliance.

Sanders recognizes Bosambo's leadership acumen and the mutual respect between the two sets the stage for a compelling dynamic throughout the film. Nina Mae McKinney plays Bosambo's wife, Lilongo, adding another heartfelt layer to the African tribal narratives with her grace and intensity.

One of the main visual attractions of Sanders of the River is its significant portions filmed in Technicolor, a novel and expensive technology at the time. Most of these Technicolor scenes are dedicated to stunning African landscapes and spirited tribal events. Zoltan Korda was particularly keen on showcasing Africa with an authentic visual representation, opting to film various scenes in Congo and Sudan.

Alongside the visual appeal, the movie is also noteworthy for its mesmerizing soundscape. Paul Robeson, being a celebrated singer, delivers several powerful musical performances throughout the movie. His booming baritone voice gracefully articulates the spirit and mood of Africa, coupled with the authentic chorus of native African singers, the film’s aural ingredients compounded the visual in creating a unique cinematic experience.

Nevertheless, the authenticity that Sanders of the River strived for in its cinematography and music faced significant backlash for its story’s portrayal of Africans and the glorification of colonialism. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the film that elicits both admiration and critique, making it a crucial piece in the discourse of the representation of colonial attitudes in cinema.

Despite the controversies, and in part because of it, Sanders of The River presents as an intriguing study in early British cinema. Towing away from the common path of British imperial films, the film distinctively skewers towards American-style spectacle, while integrating the native cultures and peoples of Africa in Technicolor brilliance. Robeson's performance stands out as he strolls through a role that exhibits dignity and intelligence even under the constraints of the controversial narrative.

Sanders of the River thus offers not just a cinematic experience but also serves as a window for viewers to catch a glimpse of a historical era marked by the vibrance of African tribal life and the complexities of colonial oversight during the height of British Imperialism. Consequently, it remains an essential artifact in the historical archive of British Cinema.