PROF. MANU AMPIM

THE FILM PROJECT:

The Kushite Groups in Gambella Film Project 2025 is part of my larger pioneering effort to document the history of the civilization of KUSH, both ancient and modern. This Gambella documentary project will be filmed in July 2025 by a professional crew in the villages throughout the area, and the documentation will include interviews with various chiefs and elders and filming important traditional lifeways.

MY BODY OF WORK:

I have been a Professor of History and Africana Studies since 1990, and I have written several influential essays and books, including essays in Egypt: Child of Africa (1994), edited by Dr. Ivan Van Sertima, and my latest work is A History of African Civilizations (2nd ed. 2023). I have conducted pioneering primary (first-hand) research on African civilizations in two dozen countries for the past 36 years, led many educational tours to African countries, and I have taught, mentored, and influenced thousands of people in various countries.

In 2012, I co-founded the Save Nubia Project (SNP), a campaign of Advancing The Research focused on preserving the archaeological sites of ancient Kush and Nubia in Northeast Africa that are threatened with flooding due to the construction of large dams. The SNP has had a major impact in exposing this problem and promoting the importance of preserving the evidence of the classical African civilizations in this region.

In Winter 2022, I continued my field research in four East African countries and conducted pioneering primary research among the living indigenous cultures to uncover the historical origins of ancient Kush, which is a field of study I coined as "Kushology" two decades ago.

In Summer 2024, I expanded my fieldwork into Gambella to study the five major groups in this former region on Ancient Kush. In July 2025, I am continuing this primary research in Kushology and sponsoring and directing a pioneering 10-day film project in Gambella to document the history of KUSH.

PROJECT COSTS:

A few days ago, we completed the production phase of this major film project, and the field research and documentation were successful and well received by all local groups and chiefs. The costs for this phase are more than $55,000 for the 9-man crew.

Soon, we will begin the post-production phase of the project by selecting and organizing our nearly 50 hours of raw footage and drone video. The costs are ongoing but this phase will require additional expertise and an estimate of at least $20,000.

The documentary will be available via online streaming, broadcast, and DVD.

Any amount is appreciated and your donation is tax-deductible.

NOTE: No promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe campaign.