South African filmmakers are re-interrogating Apartheid

When we remember periods of oppression in history, too often we forget that time is relative. Look at South Africa’s democracy, for instance. It’s easy to think that 28 years is a long time, but in relation to the duration of legislated apartheid, 46 years, it isn’t that long. Nevertheless, this isn’t to say that problems of today are the fault of past regimes alone, but rather that the issues of the past need proper interrogation and address to move forward.

The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s concept for the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was idealistic and novel in theory, however crimes against humanity can seldom be forgiven with words of contrition. Details of what happened during apartheid are shrouded in secrecy, with key information either destroyed or buried.

When history is enveloped in mystery, artists fill blanks and re-imagine what could have been in a medium of their choice. This can be seen as South African directors and screenwriters re-interrogate race relations derived from apartheid in recent Netflix film and series productions.

Silverton Seige

Action thriller, Silverton Siege, made its debut on South Africa’s Freedom Day, 27 April 2022. Directed and created by Mandla Dube, the film is set in 1980 drawing inspiration from the real-life event that sparked the global “Free Mandela” movement.

Featuring Thabo Rametsi, Noxolo Dlamini, and Stefan Erasmus, the film portrays the Silverton Siege trio - three freedom fighting youths with nothing more to lose. After police disrupt their intended sabotage mission, the trio seeks refuge in a South African bank in Silverton, Pretoria. With the bank and civilians taken hostage, the Silverton Siege trio demanded the release of Nelson Mandela in exchange for the lives of their hostages.

Rametsi, Dlamini, and Erasmus portray the Silverton Siege trio - three young freedom fighters with nothing left to lose. Following a high-speed car chase with the police after a thwarted sabotage mission, the trio ends up seeking refuge in a South African bank in Silverton, Pretoria. Taking the bank and its customers hostage, and demanding the release of Nelson Mandela in exchange for the release of the prisoners, the stakes and tensions run high.

The cast of Silverton Siege is formidable with performances by South African heavyweight Arnold Vosloo, Tumisho Masha, Michelle Mosalakae, and Elani Dekker.

Of the film, Mandla Dube shares, “Silverton Siege is my strongest work thus far, the hope is that filmmakers from Africa are given more opportunities at decolonizing the narrative of who we are. I also hope that the youth of today can draw inspiration from the Silverton Siege trio, and know that they have the power to change the status quo, and most importantly that their stories matter.”

Collision

Post-apartheid socio-economic conditions and socio-political climate are the inspiration for this drama-thriller film. Collision, directed by Fabien Martorell, is the story of unrelated civilians eventually brought together when an unexpected turn of events bring them together.

Released on South Africa’s Youth Day, marking the anniversary of the student-led Soweto Uprising of 1976, Collision showcases “the impact freedom has on the nation and her citizens”.

Calling on South African favourites, Vuyo Dabula, Langley Kirkwood and Tessa Jubber, Collision brings together a noteworthy ensemble cast. Collision also features Mpho Sebeng, Siphesihle Vazi and Zoey Sneedon, Samke Makhoba, Pheello Kheto, and Thamsanqa Booi.

Justice Served

South Africa’s constitution is touted as one of the best in the world, however the implementation thereof often leaves its public disillusioned. Speaking to the justice system’s cornerstone value of “innocent until proven guilty”, Justice Served is a 6-episode series set in a hijacked South African courtroom.

Called to determine the fate of a white man, Allan Harve played by Morné Visser, accused of killing a young black man, the public must vote to execute or exonerate him at the behest of freedom fighting military veteran, Azania Maqoma played by Hlomla Dandala. However, even as the self-proclaimed arbiter of justice, Maqoma drives personal agendas to settle vendettas.

This high-stakes drama features performances by Motshabi Tyelele, Jack Devnarain, Lerato Mvelase, and Pallance Dladla.