MEASURES OF MEN

Synopsis

Berlin in the late 19th century: Alexander Hoffmann is an ambitious PhD student doing research in the field of ethnology. When a delegation representing the Herero and Nama people travels from Namibia to Berlin during a ‘Colonial Exhibition’ there, Hoffmann takes a special interest in Kezia Kambazembi, a young female translator who becomes the subject of his studies. Impressed by her intellect, Hoffmann begins to question the prevailing racial theories of the day.
In the meantime, the delegation from Africa fails in its attempt to negotiate with the German Kaiser for better treatment. They return to Namibia, where political tensions grow increasingly worse, ultimately culminating in the Herero uprising and subsequent brutal retaliation by the German army. In this tense atmosphere, Hoffmann eagerly joins an ethnological expedition to Namibia to “gather valuable scientific artefacts”, where he hopes to collect further evidence to support his progressive theories and, of course, to find Kezia. While there, Hoffmann witnesses the brutality of war and the massacre of the local population.
Over the course of time, he loses his moral compass, especially as his ambitions depend entirely on support from the opportunistic and deeply racist Professor von Waldstätten. When Hoffmann finally encounters the brutalized Kezia in a concentration camp, he cannot face her – or himself.
He goes on to achieve his career goals by denying what he knows is true, choosing not to speak out against the very theories of white supremacy that will soon contribute to an even darker chapter in German history.