Dear Mandela
2012 documentary about Abahlali baseMjondolo
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Dear Mandela is a 2012 South-African/American documentary focusing on three friends who are members of the shackdwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo. They fight eviction by making a legal challenge against the KwaZulu-Natal Elimination and Prevention of Re-emergence of Slums Act of 2007 which ends up going to the final court of appeal, the Constitutional Court. The challenge is successful but swiftly results in a violent attack on the Kennedy Road informal settlement in 2009. The film-makers were themselves caught up in the attack.[1]
| Dear Mandela | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Dara Kell & Christopher Nizza |
| Written by | Dara Kell & Christopher Nizza |
| Produced by | Dara Kell & Christopher Nizza |
| Starring | Mnikelo Ndabankulu, Zama Ndlovu, Mazwi Nzimande, S'bu Zikode |
Release date |
|
Running time | 94 minutes |
| Countries | South Africa United States |
| Languages | Zulu, Xhosa, English |
With the events of the film happening long after Nelson Mandela stepped down as President of South Africa, his promise to house all citizens is still a central question.[2][3][4]
The film was written, produced and directed by Dara Kell and Christopher Nizza.[1] It premiered at the 2012 Brooklyn International Film Festival.[5]
Awards
- Winner - Grand Chameleon Award (Best Film) and Best Documentary, Brooklyn Film Festival.[6]
- Winner - Best South African Documentary, Durban International Film Festival.[1]
- Nominated - Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Documentary at the 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards.[1]