"The Story of Bamba is a drama filmed in Africa by Ray L. Garner for the Harmon Foundation in New York. This reviewer calls the production a film drama advisedly, for, although it is made as a report of the medical work of a missionary group in Africa, the picture is, in itself, an entertaining photoplay. The boy, Bamba, is the nephew of the tribal witch doctor who cures sickness with his fetishes. Bamba is to become the medicine man's successor, but he falls ill with the fever and is deserted by the tribe when they hurriedly flee their village to rid themselves of a plague. Rescued and cured by the native representative of the missionary medical center, Bamba is sent to school so that he too, can cure in the white man's way. An adult, he returns to his own tribe, where he meets and finally overcomes the resistance of his uncle. Thus, the plot unfolds clearly and entertainingly, yet the story does not interfere with a complete exposition of the medical work of missionaries. Skillful handling of native actors is apparent in every scene, for there is scarcely an unconvincing piece of business in the whole film. Camera treatment is matter of fact but adequate." Movie Makers, Dec. 1939, 637.
"Through the eyes and experiences of Matsela, a statuesque native of Basutoland, South Africa, Lewis Lewis reveals a stirring story of the triumph of modern agricultural science over the warring elements of nature. The account of how Matsela and his people all but perish in the dust bowl created by malevolent storms and drought, how he studies under a government program of soil reclamation and triumphantly puts his new training to work, provides an absorbing drama and an enlightening document on one of the world's grave problems. Although dealing with literal facts, Mr. Lewis dramatizes the incidents in his story with telling skill. Superb camera work and an attractive variety of viewpoints aid the dramatic effect, while a fascinating score of native songs further enhances the presentation. Save as a scientific record, the film is somewhat overlong, with the second of three 900 foot reels regrettably slow paced after the swift excitement of the opening chapter." Movie Makers, Dec. 1949, 455.
"They Brought India With Them is the story of many of the natives of India who have moved to South Africa to make their home. This film points out that they didn't take to So. African ways as much as they brought their own ways and customs with them" PSA Journal, Aug. 1967, 37.
"The Tombs Of The Nobles, 400 ft., 16mm., is distinguished both in its subject matter and technical triumph over seemingly insuperable photographic odds. In it Mr. Hansen has achieved a clear and valuable record of Egyptian art and history as he found them presented on the interior walls of countless Egyptian tombs. Only by a careful placing and manipulation of sheets and mirrors in the cramped space of each tomb was Mr. Hansen able to cast sufficient light from the doorways onto the hundreds of paintings which he photographed. The film's continuity has been planned and edited in a simple, documentary style, adapted for use as an informal lecture subject. Its technical accomplishment seems unparalleled in the annals of amateur filming and has been well employed in recording subject matter entirely different from the general amateur picture." Movie Makers, Dec. 1931, 658.
"Tsavo by G. Christopher Bonar of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Chris presents a fine study of the disappearing animal species of Africa. Tsavo is one of the game preserves established to try to halt this disappearance. This 14-minute 16mm film was awarded the Charles A. Kinsley Memorial Award for PSA-MPD Film of the Year, the Golden Microphone Award and the Nature Film Award" PSA Journal, Nov. 1971, 42.
"Under Sheltering Skies reminds us that the Africa of today will not exist much longer because of the many forces of change working against it. Poaches are attacking the abundant wild life, and the civilization is remolding village huts and village life. Here, then, is a look at the Africa today from the village to the wild life sanctuary where wild animals still roam. Flawless photography gives this film a unique charm and judicious cutting lets us see only the finest shots of numerous animals still roaming "under sheltering skies" PSA Journal, Sept. 1964, 50.
"Documentary: Depicts experiences of a new missionary as he gains self-confidence in his work in the Belgian Congo where the people are suspicious and only slowly accept the mission." National Archives.
"The solid splendor of Dutch colonial existence in South Africa is attractively recreated in White Gables, by G. Brian McIntosh. Moving out from Capetown, the film carries one swiftly over the barrier crags of Table Mountain into the fertile valley beyond. Here, surrounded by its flowers and fields of grape, stands Groot Constantia, the great and graceful manor house built by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1685. Mr. Mcintosh presents it with sympathy, imagination and skill. Scene flows into scene, sequence into sequence, with a suave progression which could have been achieved only by the most cunning advanced plan. A gracious lady in 17th Century dress moves through the terraced grounds on the gentle errands of that leisured age. White Gables is a bright and glowing evocation of mood and manner which now are history." Movie Makers, Dec. 1946, 489.
"Wild Dogs of Africa is a film by a perennial winner, Fred Harshbarger of Colton, Calif. Most of us have seen films made in Africa but this nine minutes is not about the "run-of-the-mill" African animals that one expects. Who would think of making a film about wild dogs? Well Fred did - and because of it we all know just a little more of that part of the world. Naturally it's in color and shot with the usual Harshbarger "know-how". Winning the Nature Award was a natural for this picture" PSA Journal, Nov. 1969, 56.
"This amateur film captures Edwin and Minnie Mayer’s worldwide adventure across Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe in the 1950s. This segment documents stops in Thailand, India, Egypt, Greece, Vatican City, Italy, the Netherlands, and England" Texas Archive of the Moving Image.
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Amateur Cinema