Beyond the Plains

Sayallel is a Maasai boy born on the remote plains of Tanzania. He saw his first white manat age 10 when he was sent off to school many miles from his home. Sayallel was chosenfor schooling by his father who, despite his desire to keep Sayallel at home to tend thecattle, had to obey government law which requires every family to send at least one child toschool.
 
 This was Sayallel's first step in a  bewildering journey into the modern world. During this time, he reassesses his traditional Maasai beliefs with those of the Christians who teach him; his concept of social organization with those of the Tanzanian nation which incorporates many different tribal groups; and his concept of politics with the idea of nationhood and economic productivity.
 

In fact, everything that his people have adhered to for centuries will be overturned in the course of Sayallel's epic journey to bigger and more sophisticated schools in bigger and more sophisticated towns, until he enters university to study economics in the capital of Dar es Salaam.

Sayallel's story is one of development in Africa with all of the upheavals that this must inevitably bring with it. Sayallel is not against development. He realizes it is an inescapable necessity, and his greatest desire is to help his people make the transition. 

Available in English, VHS NTSC and PAL - 53 minutes

Produced by Michael Raeburn.