A tale of Kalahari Desert Bushmen: “The Great Dance – the Story of !Nqate”

"The Great Dance” is a fascinating documentary that examines the unique relationship between Kalahari Desert Bushmen, or the San people, and the harsh landscape of the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa.

Filmed through the eyes of !Nqate, a hunter and one of the Kalahari Desert bushmen, “The Great Dance” follows the life of !Nqate as a hunter and tracker. It’s a raw and poignant story of !Nqate’s survival, as told in his own words.

A collaboration between Dutch and South African filmmakers, the film is a 35mm feature-length documentary directed by South African brothers Craig and Damon Foster, produced by Ellen Windemuth and written by Jeremy Evans. Its use of specially-adapted mini-cam technology and never-before-seen footage of the death-defying 'chasing hunt' for which Kalahari Desert Bushmen are famous for, makes this a unique and remarkable cinematic experience.

“The Great Dance” has been the recipient of many film awards worldwide, including awards at the Wildscreen Film Festival in the UK, and at other international film festivals in Canada, the US and Europe. “The Great Dance” is also available on DVD.

This is a film dedicated to the ancient !Xo San people, whose harmony with this vast Kalahari desert landscape inspired the movie. Use this site to learn more about the movie and the !Xo San - the Kalahari Desert Bushmen - or to travel into their minds, hearts and landscapes through the unique images.