The photographic works of Pieter Hugo have been around the web for a little while now, and I thought we reviewed them before, but apparently not. So in case you have never seen them, here is a small selection of the unbelievable photographs from Nollywood and The Hyena & Other Men series. Hugo shot these in Africa, during a ‘Documentary Trip’. Each series comes with a long and interesting explanation of where, why, what… Be sure to check all his work (some of it could be chocking): www.pieterhugo.com

The Nollywood Series:

Nollywood is said to be the third largest film industry in the world, releasing onto the home video market approximately 1 000 movies each year. Such abundance is possible since films are realized in conditions that would make most of the western independent directors cringe. Movies are produced and marketed in the space of a week: low cost equipment, very basic scripts, actors cast the day of the shooting, “real life” locations. Despite the improvised production process, they continue to fascinate audiences. Read Full story Here

In Africa, Nollywood movies are a rare instance of self-representation in the mass media.

Hyena & Other Men Serie:

A group of men, a little girl, three hyenas, four monkeys and a few rock pythons – Called ‘Gadawan Kura’ or the Hyena Handlers from Hausa. ‘ They were a group of itinerant minstrels, performers who used the animals to entertain crowds and sell traditional medicines. The animal handlers were all related to each other and were practicing a tradition passed down from generation to generation. I spent eight days traveling with them. ‘ Read full story