“Grasshopper Republic” is a 2023 documentary directed by Daniel McCabe (“This Is Congo,” 2017) that offers a unique perspective on the grasshopper harvesting industry in Uganda. The film was shot over three seasons and employs a verité style that immerses the audience in the daily lives and challenges of the harvesters. Its exploration of the industry’s complex nature is a welcome departure from typical representations of rural Africa that often focus on single stories.
The documentary is inspired by the photographic book “Nsenene” by Michele Sibiloni, who serves as a producer and cinematographer for the film. Sibiloni’s established contacts with the harvesters allowed for a collaborative approach to the film’s production. The filmmakers earned the trust of the local community over a significant period to avoid potential issues of cultural appropriation.
This becomes evident in the documentary’s use of vérité style to great effect. It follows the harvesters as they go about their daily lives, from building traps to cooking and eating the grasshoppers. The film does not shy away from showing the harvesters’ struggles and challenges, such as the long hours of work, the physical demands of the job, and the financial risks involved.
The style allows the audience to experience the harvesters’ world firsthand. We see the beauty of the natural environment, the harshness of the working conditions, and the resilience of the people who make their living harvesting grasshoppers.
They are a group of people who are intimately connected to the natural world. They depend on the grasshoppers for their livelihoods, but they also know that they need to be careful not to overharvest the insects. If they do, they could damage the environment and make it harder for the grasshoppers to survive.
The film highlights the complexities of this relationship. The harvesters are using sustainable practices, such as building traps that are designed to catch the grasshoppers without harming them. They are also working with conservationists to learn more about the grasshoppers and how to protect them.
Its exploration of this relationship is particularly relevant in today’s world. As the human population continues to grow, we are putting more and more pressure on the environment. We need to find ways to balance our needs with the needs of our communities.
“Grasshopper Republic” also examines the economic and social impact of the harvesting industry on the communities where it is practiced. The film shows how the industry provides employment and income for the harvesters and the people who sell the insects. It also explores the cultural significance of grasshoppers as a delicacy in Ugandan cuisine. This aspect underscores the industry’s importance in the region and the need to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations.
Interviews with the harvesters themselves provide unique and authentic perspectives. The harvesters share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the human side of the industry. This approach is particularly valuable because it allows viewers to hear directly from the people who are most affected by the industry.
Additionally, the film’s seamless editing interweaving human and animal interactions with a synth-heavy, electronic soundtrack at times creates an otherworldly and futuristic ambiance that captures the trapping of insects at nightfall.
“Grasshopper Republic” is thought-provoking and engaging, offering a fresh perspective on a little-known industry. The film’s vérité style, exploration of the complex relationship between humans and the environment, and interviews with the harvesters make it a valuable contribution to the documentary genre.
Overall, it’s a welcome addition to the discourse on sustainability, economic development, and cultural heritage in Africa.
“Grasshopper Republic” makes its world premiere this week in the International Competition at Visions du Réel documentary festival in Switzerland. It has been acquired by Taskovski Films, a London-based world film sales company.