Adventure of The Gambia 2018: A Film by Anjum-James Francis
Adventure of The Gambia 2018 is a short film by Anjum-James Francis, who first travelled to The Gambia with Newman University Birmingham and Building Futures in The Gambia (BFiG) in January 2017. He returned in 2018, bringing a different perspective and a year of further filmmaking experience.
When we originally published Anjum’s film, what stood out was his wish to portray more than a simple travel itinerary. He wanted to share his own impression of the people and the atmosphere of a country to which he had chosen to return.
Watch: Adventure of The Gambia 2018
A film by Anjum-James Francis, made following his return to The Gambia in 2018. Watch on YouTube.
Why Anjum returned to The Gambia
Anjum’s own introduction explained how his first journey had stayed with him and why he wanted to make a second film. These were his words when the video was shared:
In January 2017, I lived my first African experience in The Gambia on the behalf of BFiG and Newman University. After keeping close contact with the locals I had met, I returned this year, with a different mindset to portray The Gambia as the relaxed, faithful, positive country that it is. Over the last year I think my cinematography skills have dramatically improved. And with last year’s Gambia trip being my first ever travel video… this one, for sure, is very special to me.
His account captures something that is easy to overlook in a short travel video: returning to a place can change how you see it. Familiar faces, friendships and previous experiences can become as important as the scenery, especially when a visitor has stayed in touch with people met on an earlier trip.
Two journeys, two different films
The 2018 film makes an interesting companion to Laura Grace’s GoPro film of Newman University’s January 2017 visit. Laura’s original account centres on visiting schools, learning about education and supporting the charity. Anjum describes a return journey shaped by the connections he had made and by his developing interest in filmmaking.
Both films belong in BFiG’s archive because they record the way visits to The Gambia inspired people to learn more, share their experiences and remain connected with the country.
Discover more of The Gambia
If the film encourages you to explore further, our Discover The Gambia hub brings together articles, videos and photographs covering Gambian communities, history, traditional music and places beyond the familiar coastal resorts.
You might particularly enjoy 15 reasons to venture beyond the Senegambia Strip, or learn about BFiG’s work with the community at Busumbala Nursery School. Our earlier 2014 Newman University and Coleshill School study tour offers another glimpse of these educational connections.
More from Anjum-James Francis
The original article included links to Anjum’s creative work. They are retained as part of the archive, although social-media accounts and content can change over time: Instagram, Twitter/X, and YouTube.
Thank you to Anjum for allowing us to share this lovely record of his return to The Gambia, and to the people and communities who helped make the journey meaningful.
