Anders Kullang & Bruno Berglund – Mohamed Amin: Dokumentując Safari Rally

Car 4 Anders Kullang & Bruno Berglund Opel Ascona 400 CS16 at Nakuru in Kenya. Kenya’s renowned photojournalist Mohamed Amin, one of his favourite jobs, was the East African Safari Rally. During the five-day, 3,500-mile event, Mo (also known as ‘Six Camera Mo’) and his Camerapix crew would work flat out to deliver on time. Often they slept out in their battered Land Cruiser, miles from the beaten track, in order to claim the best position for filming. Mo covered this gruelling test of endurance for more than 25 years, and his film reports of the rally achieved legendary status. Sometimes in his desire to get as close as possible to the action, he made the news himself. In March 1978 he parked his vehicle next to a flooded track and, together with his new partner, Duncan Willetts, set up his tripod and camera on the roof to capture the cars as they sped past at 80 mph, spewing sheets of water on either side. For Willetts it was a dramatic introduction to his first Safari Rally. Suddenly Japanese driver Yoshio Iwashita arrived on the scene and broadsided out of control. The careering car hurtled off the road, rammed into the Land Cruiser, and pitched Mo and Willetts into a mud-filled ditch. The incident left Mo with a broken wrist, but typically he kept his cameras running throughout to provide the evening television bulletins with some spectacular footage. His professionalism led to Iwashita receiving an anxious phone call from his wife in Tokyo. Not wanting to worry his wife Iwashha had not told her about the crash, but thanks to Mo and Visnews film of the incident had been screened in Japan. Sometimes in his enthusiasm to be first or to get a saleable shot, Mo would stretch the rules.

• Subject Matter: The photograph captures a pivotal moment during the East African Safari Rally – specifically, a dramatic collision between Yoshio Iwashita’s car and Anders Kullang & Bruno Berglund's Opel Ascona 400 CS16. It portrays not only the vehicular chaos but also the human element of the event: Mohamed Amin himself, determined to document this extraordinary challenge.
• Style & Medium: Executed as a documentary photograph using film, “Anders Kullang & Bruno Berglund” embodies Amin’s signature style – unflinching realism combined with artistic sensitivity. The black and white palette enhances the image's timeless quality and focuses attention on textural details and tonal variations.
• Composition: Centered around the racing car, the photograph utilizes a dynamic diagonal line to convey speed and movement, contrasted by horizontal lines representing the surrounding landscape. Spectators are positioned along the roadside, creating depth and framing the action within its context.
• Technique & Materials: Amin skillfully employed photographic principles—exposure compensation, aperture adjustments—to capture the fleeting intensity of the collision while ensuring adequate illumination for television broadcasting. The use of a tripod stabilized his camera on the Land Cruiser’s roof, maximizing visual impact and conveying the urgency of the situation.
• Symbolic/Emotional Impact: Beyond simply recording an event, “Anders Kullang & Bruno Berglund” encapsulates the spirit of adventure and perseverance inherent in motorsport culture. It evokes a visceral sense of excitement and captures the shared experience between drivers and spectators—a testament to Amin’s ability to convey emotion through visual storytelling.

Historical Context: This photograph represents a significant moment in Kenyan history, reflecting the fervor surrounding the East African Safari Rally – an event that cemented Mohamed Amin's reputation as Africa’s foremost photojournalist and established him as a pioneer of documentary filmmaking. The image serves as a snapshot of a time when journalistic integrity was paramount and capturing extraordinary events demanded unwavering dedication. Additional Research: Exploring the legacy of Mohamed Amin reveals his profound contribution to documenting African culture and humanitarian crises. His extensive archive—particularly his coverage of the Ethiopian famine—continues to inspire filmmakers and artists globally. Furthermore, initiatives like the Mohamed Amin Foundation champion media training and cultural preservation, ensuring that Amin’s artistic vision persists for generations to come.