In a groundbreaking move, Channel 4 has greenlit a revelatory one part historical documentary, “Britain’s Human Zoos,” to delve into the disturbing history of the country’s fascination with ‘human zoos.’ This macabre cultural phenomenon, prevalent from the late Victorian era to the twentieth century, will be scrutinised by Booker Prize shortlisted author Nadifa Mohamed in collaboration with Red Bicycle and Milk & Honey.
The documentary, part of Channel 4’s Secret History strand, promises a deep dive into the unsettling practices of transporting African and Asian people to Britain under dubious circumstances. Through never-before-seen archive footage, audio, and stills, Nadifa Mohamed will unearth the stories of individuals subjected to pseudo-scientific experimentation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Shaminder Nahal, Head of Specialist Factual at Channel 4, emphasises the necessity of this revelation: “Nadifa brings the power of a master storyteller to these shocking buried histories. As she explores a love story that caused a scandal, an array of fascinating lost figures, and the disturbing realities of imperialist fantasy dressed up as anthropology, we come face to face with hard questions about the past that reverberate to the present day.”
Paul Berczeller, Managing Director of Red Bicycle, acknowledges the challenges in crafting the documentary but underscores its importance: “Nadifa handles the subject with such depth and sensitivity. We hope the documentary serves as an important reminder that we still have a long way to go.”
Nadifa Mohamed reflects on her journey, stating, “Going on this journey has afforded me the chance to shed some of the secrecy and find stories that were touching and upsetting, but that also went against my own preconceptions. To give light, agency, and dignity to members of these Human Zoos who came here in a vastly different time is a real privilege.”
Lucy Pilkington, Founder and Managing Director of Milk and Honey Productions, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the recovery of these stories as integral to the intertwined histories of Britain and Africa.
As Britain’s Human Zoos sets to air, it brings to the forefront a chapter of history long shrouded in darkness, aiming not only to educate but to prompt reflection on the lasting impact of such disturbing practices in modern Britain.
