Banned in Cameroon,The Big Banana illustrates the poor working conditions in banana plantations in the Plantation du Haut Penja (PHP) and exposes the adverse impact of corporatocracy government on the people, while reaping super profits for corporations.

The side effects of plantation corporations on the people of Africa are abject poverty and environment degradation from chemical fumigation.The Institute for Policy Studies’ Foreign Policy in Focus project joins with the International Labor Rights Forum, TransAfrica Forum, and The Center for Food Safety for a screening of The Big Banana, a film challenging issues of food sovereignty and outlining unjust land rights and land grabbing tactics of the Plantation du Haut Penja (PHP)’s in the new scramble for Africa. This documentary focuses on the fate of nearly 6,000 workers working in poor conditions in PHP. These workers work up to fifteen hours a day for a miserable salary of 25,000 CFA francs per month. Despite the fact that legislation in Cameroon guarantees the freedom of association, within the PHP workers aren’t authorized to get together and voice their concerns through proper channels such as the workers union. Inhuman treatment and abusive termination perpetuated at the PHP are also described in The Big Banana.

A discussion led by director Franck Bieleu will follow the film screening. Bieleu is a young filmmaker of Cameroonian origin. He graduated from London Metropolitan University with a degree in film studies, then moved back to Cameroon to produce films that address issues of social justice. His first film was entitled What Hope for the African Youth?” The Big Banana is his second feature length documentary.

A suggested donation of $5 to help with the space will be appreciated but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please RSVP to netfa@ips-dc.org