7 South African movies to stream for Human Rights Day

It’s Human Rights Day on 21 March, a chance for South Africans to commemorate the true sacrifices made in our fight for democracy. The day of remembrance for those who died protesting pass laws at Sharpeville on 21 March 1960 is a timely reminder that “the act of resistance is an act of humanity”.

Here are seven local films now streaming on Showmax to help us take stock and recognise the brave people whose actions led to the formation of our democracy. 

An Act of Defiance (2017)

The historic Rivonia trial has been the subject of many films and documentaries over the years. Though these tend to be centred on Nelson Mandela, this courtroom drama unfolds from the perspective of his defence attorney, Bram Fischer. An earnest political drama thriller about Fischer’s double life as a family man and anti-apartheid lawyer, this authentic and well-researched film brings history to life.

Staggering through a tough predicament and forced to endure many sacrifices in concealing his secret affiliation, Fischer’s involvement eventually led to him standing trial for furthering communism. Directed by Jean van de Velde and starring Peter Paul Muller, both from the Netherlands, An Act of Defiance also features solid performances from Antoinette Louw and Ilse Bezuidenhout.

The Forgiven (2018)

Based on the stage play The Archbishop and The Antichrist, this suspenseful crime drama stars Forest Whitaker as Desmond Tutu and Eric Bana as Piet Blomveld. Whitaker won an Oscar for his powerful performance as Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland, and here he takes on the antithesis as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who headed up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Taking a similar structure to Dead Man Walking, Roland Joffe’s drama delves into Tutu’s world via a definitive performance from Whitaker who captures the mannerisms, intimations and spirit of the great man. A timely and important film about restoration, forgiveness and healing, The Forgiven captures the last days of apartheid as sharp, thought-provoking dialogue builds tension.

Sew The Winter To My Skin (2018)

Jahmil XT Qubeka is known for directing Of Good Report, Knuckle City, Blood Psalms and the iconic Sew The Winter To My Skin. Set in 1950s South Africa, at the time of the Ossewa Brandwag, this sweeping, poetic and intense historical adventure drama depicts a local Robin Hood known as “Samson of the Bosch” through the eyes of a liberal journalist.

Brutal and visceral at times, Sew The Winter To My Skin is also quirky and whimsical, loosely inspired by the Coen brothers. Brilliant casting activates oddball characters who function almost completely free of dialogue. The handsome Ezra Mabengeza charms as “Samson” in this meticulously crafted and nuanced stand off as a cross-country chase plays out against an old world soundtrack. 

Action Kommandant (2016)

Political activist and liberation fighter Ashley Kriel was killed by police in 1987 at the age of 20 for his part in advocating anti-apartheid actions. Action Kommandant is an intimate biographical documentary that recounts Kriel’s character, story and political legacy. Interviews and footage about the life and times of the Bonteheuwel local recapture the spirit of the community and the rise of the resistance movement.

Protecting his mother and sisters from his abusive father, Kriel became accustomed to standing up to authority and injustice. The natural leader grew up to become the “Che Guevara of the Cape Flats”, recognised as an icon of the 1980s youth resistance, and was immensely influential in the Freedom Charter campaign.

Poppie Nongena (2018)

Poppie Nongena chronicles the day-to-day struggles and legacy of a resilient housekeeper who faces up to inhumane government pass laws. Based on Elsa Joubert’s novel ‘The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena’ and directed by Christiaan Olwagen (Kanarie), the SAFTA-winning drama stars Clementine Mosimane, Chris Gxalaba and Dawid Minnaar.

Set in a fiercely unequal South Africa, the political and social commentary unpacks some of the dualities of apartheid through this classic narrative about a woman’s experiences. The character portrait moves from photographic moments to powerful continuous shots of protest action and skirmishes. Poppie Nongena is an important, sincere and noble political drama made all the more authentic through its detailed production design, wardrobe and hair.

Free State (2016)

Free State centres on a forbidden romance between a white Afrikaans woman and an Indian man, illegal under the infamous Immorality Act, during the apartheid era in South Africa. Directed by Salmon de Jager with cinematography from Tom Marais, this is a beautiful, lush and sweeping ensemble romance drama of surreal vistas and rich colours.

Nicola Breytenbach and Andrew Govender co-star as Jeanette and Ravi, a striking couple supported by Leleti Khumalo and Deon Lotz, whose tender relationship would make a powerful spin-off romance drama. A bold throwback film, Free State counterbalances a budding romance with slow-boiling big brother surveillance as embittered family tensions bubble up.

Kalushi: The Solomon Mahlangu Story (2017

Thabo Rametsi (Blood Psalms, Amandla) stars in Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu, which traces the struggle icon’s journey from an ordinary schoolboy to activist and freedom fighter. The film won three 2018 SAFTAs, with a further four nominations, including Best Director for Mandla Dube (Jiva!). Set amid the 1976 Soweto Uprisings, this movie follows the true story as Solomon gets caught up in the unrest and finds himself on trial for his life.