Movies To Watch This Freedom Day

Catch A Fire

They say the spark that ignites us, unites us. Based on true life events, this heart-warming movie will have you sitting at the edge of your seat with a box of tissues. This biographical thriller film follows the story of Patrick Chamusso, one of the unsung heroes of the South African liberation struggle. The drama is about terrorism during the Apartheid era and stars Tim Robbins and Derek Luke. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCos_1YKQN4

Invictus

Nelson Mandela, who is played by the one and only Morgan Freeman, is in his first term as the South African President. Mandela initiates a unique venture to unite the apartheid-torn land, as he enlists the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The legend himself, François Pienaar is played by Matt Damon. This is a great movie to watch this Freedom Day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZY8c_a_dlQ

Taxi To Soweto

A 1991 classic, this movie follows the story of discovery for a callow Afrikaans woman - Jessica Du Toit. Jessica finds herself in the company of fellow South Africans whom she knows nothing about. It starts when her car overheats on the way to the airport and she has no choice but to hail a taxi to continue her journey. Having to a experience a different cultural encounter, she later finds herself in Soweto with no money and nowhere to go. She learns Kasi culture and how people from different backgrounds interact, which is how she begins to understand and respect African people. This is a great movie to teach us about coexisting and getting rid of fear or stereotypes.

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Mandela Long Walk To Freedom

Nelson Mandela is played by Idris Elba in the movie Mandela Long Walk to Freedom. The movie walks us through the life of our legendary Tata Nelson Mandela from childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGuC7elOO6M

Cry Freedom

Here is yet another interesting and definite must-watch, telling the story of a South African journalist, Donald Woods. Donald is forced to flee the country after attempting to investigate the death in custody of his friend, Steve Biko. Kevin Kline stars as Donald Woods and Denzel Washington plays Steve Biko. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq4VjE0_AVQ

Cry, The Beloved Country

Rewatching an old favourite is never a bad idea, especially if it's this iconic movie. Recounting a legendary tale of a Zulu preacher in South Africa, this movie tells the story of Reverend Stephen Kumalo, whose son was accused of murder and theft. After Kumalo's journey to the City of Gold, he is helped by a local priest and later encounters James Jarvins, father of the murder victim. Because James is a white supremacist, it seems impossible for the duo to see eye to eye. With their differences set aside, they find common ground and their shared respect births apartheid's eventual collapse. Reverend Stephen Kumalo is played by James Earl Jones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nejmbo5c9A Do you know of any other movies to watch this Freedom Day? Let us know about them in the comments section below!