feature: the documentation of the gadawan kura, nigeria’s ‘hyena boys’

In 2007, South African photographer Pieter Hugo released his photo book ‘The Hyena and Other Men’; a series on Nigeria’s Gadawan Kura (hyena handlers). Now documentary filmmaker Tarryn Crossman, who cites Hugo’s series as her inspiration, has released a short film about the elusive nomadic animal handlers. The film is the result of a three day shoot which saw Crossman and her crew intergratring into the Gadawan Kura community, observing their way of life. Watch the trailer for the film below, plus Pieter Hugo’s famous captures.

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Photographer

Hyena Boys trailer (official) from TIA Productions on Vimeo.

UPDATE: The ‘Hyena Boys’ DVD is now for sale @  http://tiaproductions.com/ and will be screening in Cape town Oct 21 at the shortandsweet festival. 

Images from Pieter Hugo’s Photography Book ‘The Hyena and Other Men’ (2007):