The article I wrote for you addresses the subject of the controversy surrounding the film Hannibal produced by Netflix, which features the emblematic Carthaginian general of Antiquity. This announcement sparked strong reactions in Tunisia, with some Tunisian Internet users questioning the choice of American actor Denzel Washington to play Hannibal. According to them, Denzel Washington would be too old for the role, Hannibal having been around thirty years old during his military campaigns.
This controversy highlights the debate between Afrocentrism and Africanism. Some see it as a manifestation of Afrocentrism, a movement that seeks to highlight African identity and contributions in world history. This movement notably theorizes that Egyptian civilization has an exclusively African origin, a theory contested by historians.
On top of that, the controversy raises questions about American cultural appropriation of North African history. According to Meryem Belkaïd, associate professor of Francophone and postcolonial studies at Bowdoin University in the United States, the West has difficulty telling cinematic stories where it does not play a central role. So, as soon as a film leaves Western borders, it often sparks controversy due to the lack of stories representing minorities.
Hannibal fans, organized into clubs and associations, are very attached to the historical character and ensure that his cinematographic representation is faithful. In 2002, when another actor, Vin Diesel, attempted to portray Hannibal as a bloodthirsty hero, these fans sent a letter to the production to criticize this biased vision of the story.
The controversy surrounding the film Hannibal is a reminder of the extent to which casting choices and cinematic representations can be sensitive and subject to interpretation. It is important to take into account the expectations and sensitivities of different communities and to ensure that history and cultural diversity are faithfully represented.
This controversy should prompt producers and directors to be more careful about how they choose their actors and how they tell stories. A balanced and respectful representation of history and diversity will contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of our common heritage.