Between two worlds

‘Between two worlds’ by documentary filmmaker Bettina Haasen is a ethnografical road movie which offers a confidential glance in the rural life of the Wodaabe tribe. The plot turns around Bettina’s desire to locate an old friend, Musa Daurido, who lives as a Wodabee nomad between the Sahara and the savannah in Nigeria (See map). The filmmaker studied African languages and culture in Berlin and speaks the local dialect. This enables her to create an intimate atmosphere with the people she meets and interviews.

Social interest

The Wodaabe (or Bororo) are are traditionally nomadic cattle-herders and traders in the Sahel, with migrations stretching from southern Niger, through northern Nigeria, northeastern Cameroon, and the western region of the Central African Republic. The number of Wodaabe was estimated in 1983 to be 45,000. They are known for their beauty (both men and women), elaborate attire and rich cultural ceremonies.