Kromdraai: Children from the Cradle of Humankind

is a 2021 French documentary directed by Cédric Robion, featuring paleoanthropologist José Braga. The film explores groundbreaking discoveries at Kromdraai, South Africa, a site within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle of Humankind. 

At Kromdraai, Braga's team unearthed the remains of two children dating back over 2 million years—one belonging to a human ancestor and the other to a Paranthropus, our closest evolutionary cousin. These findings are among the oldest ever discovered and provide significant insights into the origins of the Homo genus. 

The documentary delves into the meticulous excavation and analysis processes, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal discoveries. Through interviews and detailed reconstructions, the film illustrates the significance of these fossils in unraveling the complexities of human evolution.

Kromdraai: Children from the Cradle of Humankind has garnered attention in various film festivals, including the 2022 Arkhaios Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Film Festival, where it was showcased for its contributions to the field. 

For those interested in paleoanthropology and the origins of humanity, this documentary offers a compelling narrative supported by scientific discovery. It underscores the importance of the Cradle of Humankind as a site of continuous revelation about our species' past.

To gain a visual understanding of these discoveries, you can watch the following documentary: