Das Fest des Huhnes

Das Fest des Huhnes is a thought-provoking and provocative movie from 1992, that takes a sardonic look at anthropology, critically examining the Western perspective of unfamiliar cultures. Directed by Walter Wippersberg, the film integrates fiction and documentary – a docufiction genre - that offers a deep-seated message to its viewers. Prominent actors Frank Oladeinde, El Hadji Malick Cisse, and Klaus Fenzl contribute significantly to the complex and intricate narrative, enhancing the ominous undertones of the movie.

The film takes a whole other approach by offering an inverted narrative, setting the stage in Europe, with an anthropological expedition hailing from Africa to study the tribes and natives of Austria. Oladeinde, a Nigerian actor, leads the way as a documentary filmmaker, while Malick Cisse and Klaus Fenzl aid him in the expedition with memorable performances in their roles.

An African team of anthropologists travels to Austria, intending to understand and analyze the behavioral patterns and cultural customs of the 'exotic' Austrian tribes. Armed with a camera, Oladeinde sets out to capture the 'primitive' rituals and traditions of the people, honing in on bizarre aspects of Austrian society.

With the pervasive and recurrent theme of a 'Chicken Festival', marked by the copious consumption of chicken, the film obtains its name from these observations made by the anthropologists in the Austrian tribe. The inherent sarcasm and satire offer a much deeper reflection of our own societal norms, biases, and perceptions about cultural differences that we often overlook in our day to day lives.

The fascinating technique of reversing the usual North-South gaze – common in anthropologic investigations – is a potent tool that the director uses to strip us of our pretensions and prejudices. Observations drawn during this reversed cultural exploration pushes the boundaries of typical anthropological study, in the particular context of post-colonial discourse, encouraging viewers to reflect and question their culturally ingrained biases and prejudices.

Das Fest des Huhnes goes beyond a simple storyline – it reflects the director’s adept handling of an innovative approach. Each fabricated detail adds up, poignantly striking at the cores of prejudice that have been normalized for so long. The Africans appear to be enamored by the 'strange' and 'exotic' Austrian rituals, thereby effectively highlighting the blind, one-dimensional assumptions that the West often holds regarding African culture and society.

The cinematography of the film elicits its essence, underscoring the stark contrast between the vibrant Austrian landscape and the gaze of the African anthropologists. The acting performances breathe life into this ambitious project. Frank Oladeinde captures the nuances of an inquisitive, open-minded, and often bewildered anthropologist with a depth and sincerity that is hard to miss. El Hadji Malick Cisse and Klaus Fenzl carry out their roles with a blend of subtlety and intensity that allows audiences to remain engaged and intrigued throughout the film.

Through this movie, audiences are more inclined to question their ingrained notions of what is considered 'alien' or 'strange'. It playfully mirrors our tendency to exoticize and thereby otherize cultures that are different from our own, such as our assumptions about African societies.

An engrossing blend of satire, wit, and reflexivity, Das Fest des Huhnes succeeds in challenging the viewer's reflections and perceptions, essentially urging them to question their subconscious stereotypes. It's a film that's as engaging as it is enlightening, defying conventional storytelling norms and offering viewers a fresh lens to view the world with.

The film's underrated narrative packed with humor, satire, and a distinct perspective, makes Das Fest des Huhnes a unique viewing experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a cinematic journey that leaves you reflecting on your own perceptions and biases about cultures outside your own, a critical viewing for anyone interested in exploring themes of anthropology, ethnography, and cultural analysis.