Music for Mandela 2012
Distributed by Passion River Films, 154 Mt. Bethel Rd., Warren, NJ 07059; 732-321-0711
Produced by Ken Frith
Directed by Jason Bourque
DVD, color, 81 min.
High School - General Adult
Music, South Africa
Date Entered: 03/06/2017
Reviewed by Bonnie Jo Dopp, Librarian Emerita, University of MarylandNelson Mandela (1918-2013), Nobel Peace Prize winner, successful crusader against apartheid in South Africa after spending 27 years of his adulthood in prison, first black president of that nation, who was elected in the country’s first completely representative democratic election, needs introduction to young people. The makers of this ernest film about the man and his mission employ more than a dozen musicians, ensembles, historians, educators, fellow political prisoners with Mandela, DJs, and Mandela’s grandson to tell the story of how music became a tool in the resistance to apartheid via ‘freedom songs’ that spread the message worldwide — some of which were even created outside Africa. Brief bits of archival footage from the mid-20th century, contemporary scenes of real life in South African urban neighborhoods, and excerpts from concerts enliven the story. Children and young adults today are seen singing some of the protest and freedom songs Mandela knew and sang. New songs extolling Mandela himself and his policy of reconciliation after apartheid are also heard, some in hip-hop style. This is a worthy effort to inform and entertain but the program may drag for American audiences. Some “South African English” is a challenge to follow without subtitles, pointless or static camera shots are distracting, and slow motion images of people dancing are overused. Students of protest movements and folk/pop music will be its most receptive audience.