Darwin’s Nightmare

Darwin’s Nightmare takes a look at the social and environmental consequences of the fishing industry around Lake Victoria in Tanzania. After the Nile perch was introduced to the lake for export to lucrative European markets, hundreds of other endemic species became extinct. Fish-processing factories prefer to send the catch overseas for higher returns, forcing surrounding communities to survive on the carcasses of gutted fish.

The documentary also investigates the underground weapons trade in Africa and how it fuels ongoing violence across the continent. The connection to the fishing industry lies in the aircraft used to transport fish to Europe, which are often the same planes that deliver arms to Africa. As a result of poverty and conflict, many local children fall into drug use and turn to prostitution in order to survive.

The film explores the correlation between the arms trade and Nile perch exports, highlighting that while European aid is provided to Africa, European arms dealers are simultaneously reaping financial benefits and enabling violence and substandard living conditions to persist in parts of the continent.