Werner Grusch

This film was made entirely in Ghana and consists of documentary scenes and a fictitious story about a British engineer who wants to import microchips to Africa. But the reaction of the blacks to his plans to build a fully automatic plastic furniture factory surprises him. His faith in technocracy stands opposed to what they know about the environment. When the conflict has reached its climax, a spell is cast upon him... finally, he gives up... but his attitude toward Africa has changed for the better.

This documentary film without commentary examines and describes the confrontation of (white) tourists with the still "undiscovered" North Camaroon. A combination of documentation, acting by lay people, interviews and self-portrayals are used. It is shown above all from the viewpoint of black Africans and narrated by four natives. The chief of an untouched village high in the Mandara mountains represents the "original" Africa; Christophe Colombe plays the guide in his native village, Rhumsiki; an African who has visited Europe and has got to know white people; and finally, the famous poet, René Philombé, recites poems.