The British Library will host a special in‑person screening of the acclaimed documentary African Apocalypse on Friday, 7 November, from 17:00 to 18:30, held in the Brontë Room of the Knowledge Centre in London.

African Apocalypse, directed by Rob Lemkin, follows British‑Nigerian student and activist Femi Nylander embarking on a journey through West Africa to retrace the brutal trail of 19th‑century colonial violence. Nylander carries a copy of Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, echoing the way Conrad wrote against the real-life atrocities unfolding across the continent. The film situates the fictional horrors of Conrad alongside the devastating conquest led by French colonial officer Paul Voulet, whose bloody campaign left tens of thousands dead.

After the screening, director Rob Lemkin will take part in a candid discussion exploring the enduring impact of Joseph Conrad’s influence, navigating themes of colonial legacy and identity. Lemkin, known for powerful documentaries such as Enemies of the People, brings a deep investigative lens guided by empathy and historical scrutiny.

• Witness a powerful narrative: This isn’t just a film – it’s a reckoning, drawing on intergenerational memory to expose colonial atrocities that still shape the present.
• Gain perspective: See the way a literary classic meets lived history, and join the conversation on how art can challenge imperial amnesia.
• Engage directly with the filmmaker: Rob Lemkin’s reflections promise nuanced insight into storytelling, representation, and confronting uncomfortable truths.

Tickets and info here

7/11 17.00-18.30

Location: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd., London NW1 2DB

In partnership with the Polish Cultural Institute.