African Film Archive

Trailing African Wild Animals

1923 — Martin E. Johnson, Osa Johnson — United States

documentary · documentary, expedition film · pre-history

Documenting a two-year expedition across British East Africa toward Lake Paradise, this silent American documentary follows explorers Martin and Osa Johnson and a safari party of over 100 local guides, porters, and gunbearers capturing footage of lions, elephants, and rhinoceros.

Fun fact: The film climaxes with an elephant charging the camera, stopped within six feet by a shot from Osa Johnson's rifle, a moment contemporary audiences found both thrilling and troubling.

Notes: Non-African-directed American expedition documentary, included per methodology as clearly labeled pre-history era work. Reflects the big-game-hunting expedition genre typical of 1920s American depictions of Africa.

Verification: verified · Sources: [1] [2] [3]

Poster source: AFI Catalog