Africa, in the Footsteps of the First Humans screening and discussion at Bioscope

On 15 April 2026, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), in collaboration with IFAS-Research, hosted a screening of the documentary Africa, in the Footsteps of the First Humans at The Bioscope Independent Cinema in Johannesburg. The event brought together audiences for an evening of film and discussion centred on recent perspectives in archaeology and human origins.

Directed by Anthony Binst, the documentary follows an archaeological and speleological investigation into early human presence in southern Africa. Drawing on recent research, the film challenges long-standing theories of a single cradle of humankind, highlighting the complexity and diversity of early human development across the region.

The screening was followed by a panel discussion with archaeologist Laurent Bruxelles (IFAS-Research, CNRS), who expanded on the themes explored in the film. The conversation offered additional insight into current research methodologies and findings, while engaging the audience in questions around scientific interpretation and the evolving understanding of human history.

Watch the film on Daily Motion (in French) here.