Directed by: Dara Kell and Christopher Nizza
Granted on: 2010-03-01
Grant: I Believe in You Grant
When the South African government tries to ‘eradicate the slums’ by evicting thousands of shack dwellers from their homes, three young friends who live in Durban’s vast shantytowns refuse to be moved. DEAR MANDELA follows them from their shacks to the highest court in the land as they invoke Nelson Mandela’s example and become leaders in an inspiring social movement.
As the beloved Mandela's portrait beams down from schoolroom chalkboards and shack walls, Mazwi, Zama and Mnikelo grapple with their individual role in shaping a country besieged by rapidly expanding slums, daily violent protests and deepening corruption. By turns devastating, inspiring and funny, DEAR MANDELA offers a new perspective on the role that young people can play in political change and is a fascinating portrait of South Africa coming of age.