Director: Connie Field
Synopsis: The Road to Resistance (58 mins.) In 1948, South Africa institutes apartheid, a system of segregation that infiltrates every aspect of life. The Sharpeville Massacre shocks the world, and Nelson Mandela and other leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) are jailed. Hundreds escape into exile. Hell of a Job (58 mins.) Oliver Tambo heads the resistance from exile (opposition within South Africa has been effectively crushed). A worldwide movement begins with support from the Soviet Union and Sweden. The New Generation (58 mins.) The Soweto Uprising, led by a younger generation, inspires an international response; apartheid opponent Steve Biko is murdered; the United Nations issues a mandatory arms embargo against South Africa. Fair Play (95 mins.) An international sports boycott takes shape when African teams refuse to compete in the Olympics with South Africa’s all-white teams. Only SA’s world champion Springboks rugby team remains on the field. [Clint Eastwood’s INVICTUS features the Springboks during the post-apartheid era.] From Selma to Soweto (90 mins.) With the success of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, African-Americans push for economic sanctions against South Africa. Despite President Reagan’s opposition, Congress finally imposes sanctions. The Bottom Line (83 mins.) Employees and consumers worldwide pressure Polaroid, General Motors, Barclay’s Bank and other corporate giants to divest from South Africa. A financial crisis ensues when a mass exodus of corporations isolates the white regime. Free at Last (75 mins.) The campaign to free Nelson Mandela (imprisoned 27 years) gains momentum. His release, coupled with ongoing international pressure and an unstoppable internal mass movement, lead to the toppling of apartheid and the holding of democratic elections.
This brilliant series on the most important international social justice movement of the 20th century is a landmark work of global significance.”—Professor Clayborne Carson, Stanford University “EXEMPLARY… A TRIUMPH of maximalist filmmaking. Field’s nonfiction epic is a monumental chronicle not just of one nation and its hideous regime, but of the second half of the 20th century. … deftly toggles between the macro and the micro.” –The Village Voice, “Every part could stand on its own, Yet the doc’s real impact is cumulative.” —Time Out New York CRITICS’ PICK! Engrossing and surprisingly exciting… –New York magazine “Like THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS, functions almost as a manual on how to topple an unjust regime.” –The New York Times “Mandatory viewing! Epic! Exhilarating! More compelling and instructive than any fictionalized movies on the subject. The figure who stands out as the blood, guts, and mind of the movement… is Oliver Tambo. Shown in rare interview footage, he emerges as a dynamic leader of impressive intellect and courage. (The film) demonstrates Field’s talent for weaving an extraordinarily complex tapestry of historical events and international personages into a dramatic structure, complete with climax and catharsis. The number of impressive individuals that Field has assembled to flesh out this story is astounding. —Artforum Essential viewing…thoroughly gripping.. –Hollywood Reporter “EYE OPENING! a staggering, panoramic film history — Vanity Fair “Simply the most important documentary of the year, if not the decade… —SF Weekly
Contact: Connie Field, Producer/Director Clarity Films The Saul Zaentz Film Center 2600 Tenth Street, Suite 412 Berkeley, CA 94710 Tele: 510-841-3469 Cell; 510-289-5025 Connie@clarityfilms.org http://www.clarityfilms.org/
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