When the curtain rises on the world of martial arts films, what images dance before your eyes? The epitome of mastery, Bruce Lee clad in his striking yellow jumpsuit? The awe-inspiring stunts of the indomitable Jackie Chan? Or perhaps the fierce brawl of a bloodied Jean-Claude Van Damme in a gritty Thai fight club? These cinematic legends have brought the thrilling spectacle of martial arts to the masses, but allow me to draw your attention to a gem of a short film: *Elephant Food is for the Strongest Teeth*, crafted by the visionary minds of co-directors Michael Kinsella-Perks and Will McBain. This film dares to offer a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the heart of Nigeria’s Dambe.
Like many of you, I was oblivious to the existence of Dambe until I encountered the enlightening documentary by Kinsella-Perks and McBain. This harrowing and intense combat sport has roots that stretch back centuries, featuring two opponents locked in a visceral showdown over three electrifying rounds. With their hands wrapped for battle—the right hand, known as the “spear”, unleashed as a fist of fury, while the left, the “shield,” stands in defense—fighters aim to “kill” (or rather, knock down) their adversaries. Yet, *Elephant Food is for the Strongest Teeth* transcends mere sport; it seeks to explore the very essence of Dambe, immersing itself in the rituals and profound sense of community that envelop this compelling tradition.
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The artisans behind this film describe it as a “passion project born out of two friends’ shared love of film, music, and boxing.” Kinsella-Perks and McBain were ignited by a desire to immortalize Dambe on screen, recognizing that it had rarely been celebrated in moving images—especially in a manner that encapsulated the nuance, emotion, and spirituality inherent in this breathtaking sport. With a zealous commitment to amplifying local voices, the duo turned to the vast expanse of the internet, embarking on a quest to find individuals who could weave an authentic narrative from the very hearts of those who live and breathe this ancient and noble art.
One remarkable figure in this tale is the talented author and journalist Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, who played a pivotal role in connecting Kinsella-Perks and McBain with the focal point of their documentary, the fighter known as Ebola. With their research meticulously gathered, they were ready to embark on a journey to Africa to commence filming, yet the road ahead was fraught with challenges.
“In 2018, the Nigerian army reignited its offensive against Boko Haram,” the duo recounted dramatically. “The heartlands of Dambe, located in Nigeria’s northern territory, found themselves ensnared in this tumultuous conflict, and kidnapping had become an all too common threat. After weighing the perilous security landscape, we made the audacious decision to invest our own funds into the most economical flights we could uncover and ventured forth, undeterred by prudent counsel! Will’s familial ties to West Africa paved the way for us to connect with Daniel Israel, a former BBC Hausa cameraman turned engineer, whose expertise was crucial in navigating the intricate paths between Kano, Abuja, and Kaduna. Additionally, Israel introduced us to a retired Major in the Nigerian army, a veritable guardian angel who provided us with daily security updates.”
The film that emerged, crafted with borrowed equipment and around their demanding day jobs, was undoubtedly worth the inherent risks. Not only does it offer an evocative and enlightening window into the world of Dambe, but it also serves as an impressive testament to its creators. When discussing their aspirations for the short film, they expressed a desire for it to “cross borders” and “shine a spotlight onto this spiritually rooted martial art,” a hope that I believe has been triumphantly realized. - Rob Munday, S/W Curator
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