Darwin’s Nightmare

Darwin’s Nightmare presents a stark portrayal of the ecological and social consequences of introducing the Nile perch into Lake Victoria, Tanzania. It showcases how the Nile perch, artificially introduced in the 1960s, has decimated the native fish population, leading to a monoculture that serves the demands of European markets. While the export of Nile perch fillets has become Tanzania’s primary export, the local population faces severe food insecurity, often subsisting on the discarded fish carcasses.

The film reveals the stark contrast between the thriving fish processing industry and the widespread poverty in the region. Local communities struggle with poverty, malnutrition, and social issues, subsisting on fish scraps while prime fillets are shipped abroad. It also uncovers a disturbing connection between the fish trade and the weapons trade, suggesting that cargo planes arriving empty to transport fish may actually be carrying weapons to fuel conflicts in Africa.

Through interviews with fishermen, factory workers, cargo pilots, and local residents, the documentary paints a complex picture of how global economic forces impact a vulnerable community. It illustrates the unintended consequences of economic policies and environmental manipulation, showing how attempts to improve the local economy have instead led to ecological devastation and social upheaval.