Voice-over narration, thematic music and the artist’s hand combine to bring this classic tale to colorful life. The seven tribes of Uagadu, one of the richest lands in Africa, all worshipped the snake Bida that brought the rains. In return, Bida asked them for one offering each spring -- to eat the prettiest maiden in the land. Each of the tribes took turns making the sacrifice until it was the turn of the Bambars. The tribal elders chose the beautiful 16-year-old Sia to be sacrificed, but Amadu was madly in love with her. To save her from such a dreadful fate, Amadu killed the snake. From that day on, drought turned Uagadu into a desert. The elders accused Amadu and Sia of treason and banished them. But the young couple found another land and lived happily ever after. (Natural Vegetation).

Originally released by Film Ideas, 2008. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on March 10, 2015.

The Snake And The Maiden: Draw Me A Story (The art of reading) (8:00); .