‘Samurai Blood’ is a short film inspired by 16th century samurai warrior, Yasuke. Yasuke was brought to Japan in 1579 by a Jesuit priest named Alessandro Valignano, and ended up serving under famous Japanese warlord, Oda Nobunaga. Yasuke’s story is unique and further unveils Africa’s fascinating but obscure history.

Samurai Blood is the third instalment of MANDEM’s black history trilogy, following Dear Mansa Musa and Ghost of Haiti. The film explores the life of a fictional descendent of Yasuke, while also attempting to fill in the missing pages of his incredible story. Watch Samurai Blood below.

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Header image by Olumide Osinoiki