THE SOUTHERN AFRICA VIDEO GUIDE
CollPILED BY THE
MlCHlGAN COAUTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
IN CoNJUNCTION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL UNION, UAW
.lfAY1989 We would like to give special thanks to:
The Southern Africa Media Center California Newsreel 630 Natoma Street San Francisco, CA 94103 ( 415 ) 6 21 -61 9 6
Founded after the 1976 Soweto uprising, the Southern Africa Media Center is today the most widely used source of films on South Africa in the world and a leading resource for deepening America's understanding of the South African struggle. It is a project of California Newsreel, a non profit, tax exempt educational corporation, who for 20 years has produced and distributed films for social change. "In apartheid South Africa, censo1·ship reigns; press freedom, objective reporting, and truth are dead. As a result, the American people continue to be deprived of news about significant developments in South Africa.
''This state of affait•s has made the 21 excellent, impact laden films in this catalog indispensable.
"1 strongly urge every American to use and distribute these films eve1'ywhe1'e -- in offices, schools, community centers, and places of worship. Such action would go a long way toward overcoming censorship and keeping the American people informed, and toward defeating apartheid."
Randall Robinson Executive Director TransAfrica
This is a compilation of current videos on South Africa, apartheid and the struggle to free some 28 million people of color.
It is our generation that is the current "Witness to Apartheid" and its oppression.
It is the responsibility of our generation to end it!
With this in mind the International Union, UAW joins with the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights, (MCHR), in publishing this catalog and annotated directory of current videos on South Africa's struggil.e for freedom.
Owen Bieber, President International Union, UA W and Co-chair of Shell Boycott Campaign
Stephen P. Yokich, Vice President Marc Stepp, Vice President Director of UAW Michigan CAP Director U AW SEMCAP, and member of TransAfrica's Board of Directors
Joe Davis, Director Dr. Edmond Millet, President UA W Civil Rights Department Michigan Coalition for Human Rights
Sister Joanette Nitz, O.P. Southern Africa Committee Michigan Coalition of Human Rights TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 1 The Reality of the Apartheid System in South Africa 2 VIDEO INDEX Biko: Breal
The International Union, UAW joins with the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights, (MCHR), in producing this video catalog to aid in the dissemination of information about the evil apartheid system of government in South Africa.
We have long recogryized that without the light of public opinion the continuing struggle and the dark history of the South African region would go unnoticed by people of goodwill. Therefore, the UAW is ever alert to encourage our members and others to become involved in understanding the nature of apartheid, its history of violent oppression and the disenfranchisement of 28 million brothers and sisters. This is especially true today, with the advent of the new South African emergency orders barring the freedom of the press, arrests without warrents or due process, new treason, subversion and sedition laws directed at stiffling the black trade union movement, and legitimate political dissent.
Our job remains clear, to publicize as much as possible current situations in South Africa and to create the educational process by which American workers gain knowledge and understanding of the most evil system of government on the face of the earth. And by so doing, shorten the time of suffering in that region of the world and bring about freedom in our life-time of some 28 million brothers and sisters.
We look forward to that day when the people of South Africa will be able to say, it was because of organizations like the UA W and MCHR that we are ''free at last.l'
1 2
The Reality of the Apartheid System in South Africa
Today there are 33 million people who live in South Africa. Among them, less than 15 percent possess full rights of citizenship: these have been reserved for the 4.8 million white citizens.
Because of the color of their skin, more than 28 million black South Africans effectively have no political power and are subjected to controls which restrict where they can be born, where they can live, go to school, work and be buried after they die. This is the reality of the apartheid system.
The domestic and intemational pressures on that system to dissolve itself increase almost daily. Boycotts, massive demonstrations and strikes have been sweeping the country for several years. International economic and diplomatic pressure on the white minority government also has grown.
Accordingly, this government has modified a few existing apartheid laws- without dismantling the basic structure of apartheid. Essentially, they continue to ignore the demands of black South Africans for majority rule in a united, democratic and non racial South Africa.
But the reality of apartheid includes these stark statistics:
o The land distribution under law is a perverse flip-flop of the population numbers: 13 percent of the land has been reserved for black South Africans, while 87 percent of the land belongs to the whites.
o Many anti-apartheid activists are being detained for lengthy periods or arrested and charged under existing security laws for petty offenses in response to political actions.
o For the numerous detainees, torture and death have been well-documented practices by the government's police and military for many years. Their methods include electric shock, beatings, whippings by the dreaded "sjambok,'' isolation and sleep deprivation.
o The average daily prison population recently was nearly 115,000 - more than 10 times the per capita prison population in the U.S. 3
VIDEO INDEX
Biko: Breaking the Silence: 52 minutes, 1988, in color. Producers: 0. Maruma, E. Spicer, R. Wickstead, M. Capian (Released in association with Filmakers' Library)
''For those who want to know the real greatness of Steve Biko, 'Biko: Breaking the Silence' is the number one movie." Rev. Dr. T. S. Farisani, associate of Biko and one who has endured five imprisonments and torture himself in South Africa.
Biko: Breaking the Silence is the first in depth study of the life and thoughts of one of the central figures of the South African liberation struggle. Steve Biko was the leader of the Black Consciousness Movement. The film goes behind the scenes of the filming of Cry Freedom, to talk to author Donald Woods and director Sir Richard Attenborough about the meaning of Biko to viewers in the West. Clips from the film dramatize the major events in Biko's tragically short political life. Interviews are shown with representatives of the African National Congress (ANC), the Azanian Peoples' Organization (AZAPO), and the United Democratic Front (UDF). They testify to the lasting impact of Biko's philosophy of black consciousness on the present generation of militant South African blacks. The film is also a cry of outrage for the hundreds of blacks who, like Biko, have died at the hands of South African state terrorism.
Suggested use of the film: appropriate for courses that cover black studies, governments and politics of Africa, social movements, social change, and political sociology; also church and civic organizations, labor union forums, and community organizations.
Changing This Country: 58 minutes, 1988, in color. Produced by the International Labor Organization, (ILO) and Peter Entell
"· .• the first film to capture the dynamism of the trade union movement, revealing how it functions as an important component of the freedom struggle.•• " The Southern African Media Center
This documentary portrays the lives of four trade union activists in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, an important center of trade union activity. Arthur Williams, of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA); Thembinkosi Mkalipi, a paint factory worker; Ben Siyo, an autoworker; and Bridgette Masabalala, a saleswoman at a large department store, tell of their experiences with apartheid's racism and repression, and what inspired them to become trade union activists. Each discusses why sanctions are an important and effective way of bringing needed change to South Africa. 4
Changing This Country - cont'd.•
Suggested us of the film: labor union organizations, church and civic groups, community organizations, high schools, college and university economic classes; also business administration, social studies, sociology and social change classes.
Children in Crisis: Mozambique/Detroit: 120 minutes, March 1989, in color. Taped by David Rambeau of Project BAIT, Detroit.
Taping of a solidarity evening with Graca Machel, former minister of education and first lady of Mozambique. She is the wife of Samora Machel who died in a mysterious and questionable plane crash in South Africa. Mrs. Machel in her presentation, called it "assassination." The committee which prepared the evening's setting was called together through Lin Baum, a Detroit artist who has painted children in refugee camps in: Cambodia, Nicaragua, Belfast and in Mozambique. The committee was made up of a coalition of many persons committed to justice in South Africa, in Detroit, and globally. The connection between political and economic oppression in Detroit and Mozambique is the central theme, with emphasis on the war against children in both areas, as well as in the global community.
Mrs. Barfield of SOSAD (Save our Sons and Daughters) in Detroit speaks out of the suffering and for the strength of Detroit parents. She names the economic, social, and political oppression as the root cause of deaths of children in the City of Detroit.
Children of Aisha Schule in Detroit as well as Renaissance High School young adults perform African and African American dances. Aneb Kgositsile (Gloria House) reads her poem written for the occasion. Music is performed by Detroit artists.
Suggested use of the fUm: Educational programs which try to show political and economic connections to the oppression in Mozambique and Detroit. A call to action. College students and church groups would find it helpful in understanding the similarities to problems in our local communities versus those of South Africa. Church and civic organizations, labor union forums, women's groups and community organizations.
Children of Apartheid: 49 minutes, 1987, in color. Producer: Brian Ellis, CBS Reports. Reporter: Walter Cronkite.
"Beneath the surface, 'Children of Apartheid' is a furious film , one determined to spur the world to action. Allowing the young to reveal their attitudes, it has an impressive, cumulative power." Christian Science Monitor
In this documentary Walter Cronkite introduces us to the youth of South Africa who live and die under the state of emergency. They talk of prison, politics, insurrection, revolution. Sicelo Godfrey Dlomo, 17, was one of the 10,000 children under 18 years of
ZINZI MANDELA 5
Children of Apartheid - cont'd.: age detained by South African police. Arrested four times, beaten, and threatened, Godfrey Dlomo recites his story. Shortly after the program was broadcast in the U.S., Godfrey was found murdered. The film's dramatic contrast between the lifestyles and world view of President P. W. Botha's daughter, Roxanne, and imprisoned African National Congress leader, Nelson Mandela's daughter, Zinzi, speak volumes about the elaborate justifications white have constructed to render invisible the demand blacks make for equality.
Suggested use of the film: Church groups, ctvtc organizations, labor union forums, women's groups, community organizations, high school and college settings.
~he Cry of Reason: 56 minutes, 1988, in color. Producers: Robert Bilheimer, Kevin Harris, Ron Mix.
"A wonderful child, 'The Cry of Reason,' has been born." Archbishop Desmond Tutu
This film chronicles the singular spiritual and political journey of the Reverend Beyers Naude, now 72, from trusted pastor to the Afrikaner elite of the Dutch Reformed Church to becoming the staunch supporter of South Africa's freedom movement. After witnessing the suffering inflicted upon Blacks by apartheid, he felt compelled to speak out. Years of harassment, even arrest, followed his conversion. He became a traitor in the eyes of the white community; the black community has embraced him. Archbishop Tutu, Dr. Allan Boesak, Reverend Frank Chicane and others JOin N aude in this thoughtful, yet impassioned reflection upon the agony of apartheid, the hope for a future non-racial society, and demonstrates the human capacity for change.
Suggested use of the film: ''The Cry of Reason'' compels viewers to examine their own actions and social conscience. Appropriate for church groups, for courses that cover religion and society, ethics, social change and programs in race relations; also civic organizations, labor union forums, and community organizations. 6
Destructive Engagement: 52 minutes, 1987, in color. Producer: Toni Strasburg (U.K.).
"An important and graphic depiction of South Africa's brutal campaign of military, economic, and political terror against its neighbors. Expertly produced, critical in its subject matter .• • a must for all those who strive to understand the cr'isis in Southern Africa." Randall Robinson, Executive Director Trans Africa
Apartheid's reach extends far beyond South ~ Africa's borders. This explosive documentary 0"' > criss-crosses the front line states < :;; --Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, and Angola in an unprecedented investigation of South Africa's regional war. The video exposes the involvement of South Africa in Angola through UNITA, a group the U.S. also supports against the people of Angola. It clarifies the place of South Africa in the ongoing destruction through terror by RENAMO (South Africa's contras in Mozambique). Kenneth Kuanda, President of Zambia, and Oliver Tambo of the ANC present their views and question how much longer the western policy makers will continue to cast a blind eye towards the terror and destruction ravaging South Africa.
Suggested use of the film: Note, there are many scenes of persons who have lost limbs as a result of land mines planted in Front Line States. Important for all who are studying how to continue efforts against South Africa's policies of apartheid; church and civic organizations, labor union forums, and community groups.
Generations of Resistance: 52 minutes, 1980, in color. Producer: United Nations. Director: Peter Davis.
"An exemplary educational film that should be shown in every school in America." SOHO News
This classic film is the definitive history of South Africa's century-long story of black resistance to white rule. It is essential for understanding today's conflict. The film combines testimony of survivors of early battles with rare archival footage to retrace the long and hard path to freedom traveled by black South Africans. It shows how each form of protest has been met with increased violence on the part of the state and the further institutionalization of apartheid.
The film begins with Bambata's Rebellion of 1906, moves through the founding of the African National Congress in 1912, dispossession of African lands, enshrinement of apartheid in 1948, institutionalization of the Pass Laws, the Defiance Campaigns, 7
Generations of Resistance - cont'd.:
Sharpeville, building of the ANC underground, the Black Consciousness Movement and the Soweto Uprising.
More than a chronical of events, 11 Generations of Resistance11 represents the definitive historical treatment of the evolution of a social movement. It is an important achievement in recovering the suppressed history of a colonized people, unwilling to bend to the yoke of oppression.
Suggested use of the film: Church and civic organizations, labor union forums, and community groups.
Chain of Tears: 52 minutes, 1988, in color. Producer: Tonie Strasburg.
All too often, children are the innocent victims of a world torn by conflict. Filmed on location in the war-ravaged Front Line States of Mozambique and Angola as well as in South Africa's black townships, "Chain of Tears," by the award-winning filmmaker Tonie Strasburg (11Destructive Engagement"), provides a powerful and painful account of the plight of the children in southern Africa.
"One child dies every four minutes in my country," Mozambican Minister of Education, Graca Machel says in the film. In Mozambique, as a result of attacks on villages, farms, health clinics and schools by anti-government guerrillas (the MNR), children and their families are brutally murdered and maimed. Some children are kidnapped by the MNR guerrillas and forced to participate in or witness acts of brutality. All of the children are left with psychological scars - and it is this situation which provides "Chain of Tears" with its focus. The children's art work illustrates how badly these youngsters have been damaged by war. We are taken to a school in surburban Maputo where children who have been traumatized are cared for; doctors and social workers explain how they are treating the children's severe anxiety.
The most disturbing aspect of "Chain of Tears" is the presence of injured children, some of whom recount their harrowing stories. South African teenagers tell of their detention and torture by South African authorities. Angolan children, among the thousands left limbless since the civil war, talk about their encounters with the South African-backed UNITA forces. One Mozambican six-year old must have others tell his story. He has been unable to speak since MNR forced him to watch as they butchered his parents.
Suggested use of the film: Church and civic organizations, labor union forums, community groups and worn en's groups. 8
Girls Apart: 38 minutes, 1987, in color. Producer: Chris Sheppard, Claude Sauvegeot (U.K.).
"Well-edited interviews and documentary footage present two contrasting scenes of apartheid • . • Recommended for public libraries, junior and college libraries, and as a discussion starter for social science classes." Choice
This is a film story of two 16 year-old girls - one black, one white - who inhabit the separate worlds prescribed by apartheid. Sylvia lives outside Johannesburg in the black "township" of Soweto which services the white city. Sisca, lives just a few miles away in an exclusive white suburb. They have never met and under apartheid never will. Each takes us on a guided tour of the South Africa she knows. They invite us to their homes and churches, introduce us to their families and communities and their hopes and fears. Sylvia has been arrested - and tortured - by police and is now a student activist. Sisca's family are lifelong government supporters but see themselves as enlighted acceptors of reform.
The film makes it clear that South African whites have elevated denial to a way of life which blinds them to the fascist nature of their society.
Suggested use of the film: Church and civic organizations, labor union forums, women's groups and community organizations.
Namibia: Africa's Last Colony: 52 minutes, 1984, in color. Producers: Paul Hamann and Peter Salmon, BBC.
"A terrifying, saddening documentary about South African brutality •.. The arguments and statistics are clearly presented, while the images make us want to turn away in horror." The Observer 9
Namibia: Africa's Last Colony - cont'd.:
This film is a cry for help from a terrorized people. Nora Chase, education director of the Namibian Council of Churches takes us on a journey through her tortured land. The most comprehensive film on Namibia ever made.
She describes how first German then British and now South African occupiers have enriched themselves off her country's vast mineral resources while the indigenous people have been condemned to poverty.
To maintain their rule, the South African government has relied on a policy of terror. We meet many people who have suffered this terror. Nora Chase and others who have joined the SWAPO Liberation Movement explain why, despite the dangers, they are defying the South African authorities and speaking out to the world.
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Suggested use of the film: Church groups, labor education forums, community organizations. Especially valuable now given the current efforts toward Namibian independence.
Remember Mandela: 31 minutes, 1989, in color. Producer: Peter Davis. A personal portrait of the world's most famous political prisoner. -=-===cc,----;:=:--======~------
10
South Africa as Experienced by Tshenuwani S. Farisani: 3 hours (2 tapes), 1988, in color. Taped at Siena Center, Racine, Wisconsin, Racine Dominican Day of Reflection.
One of the World's Most eloquent Anti-apartheid Spokesman
"/ have not lost hope, for as long as God is alive apartheid shall die". (T. Simon Farisani)
Rev. Tshenuwani Simon Farisani
These two videos carry Farisani's Christian faith projected through his commitment to justice for and with his people. He gives accounts of torture, of prayer, of commitment to death through his experiences and that of other South Africans. Rev. Farisani has been imprisoned and tortured four times. He is presently teaching at the Lutheran Seminary in Berkley and is able to cogently present the call of those in struggle for sanctions against the powerful white government of South Africa.
A call with a clear presentation of facts relative to need for U.S. passage of additional sanctions against South Africa. Farisani is bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Venda, South Africa -- elected by his people.
Suggested use of the film: Education groups, labor union forums, community organizations, adults in church setting, as well as civic groups.
Senzenina: What Have We Done to Deserve This?: 55 minutes, 1986, in color.
David Turnely, photographer for the Detroit Free Press has captured almost two years of his photographic experience in South Africa on this tape which shows his slides with background music.
Suggested use of the film: A good way to begin an educational series on South Africa for most organizations. 11
South Africa Belongs to Us: 35 minutes, 1980, in color. Producer: Gerhard Schmidt. Director: Chris Austin.
"Five brave black women face the cameras illegally to talk of their fear and frustration under apartheid ... It is a damning talc they tell." The Daily Mail
This video paints an initimate portrait of five typical black women and describes how their lives are defined at every turn by apartheid's all-pervasive laws.
Martha lives on an arid "reserve" caring for 13 children on the meager earnings sent home by her husband who works 300 miles away- she has seen him 20 times in 20 years.
Carol, a hospital cleaner shows us the prison-like barracks where she is housed with 4,000 other women.
Winnie is a pubic health nurse from Soweto who earns less than half her white counterpart.
Joyce is a live-in domestic who tends a white child while her four children must be boarded with relatives.
A filmed interview with Winnie Mandela provides the context for understanding the unique oppression of South African women and their determination to fight for change.
Suggested use of the film: Especially good for women's groups, church groups and labor union forums; also for civic and community groups. 12
Spear of the Nation: History of the African National Congress: 50 minutes, 1988, in color. Producer: Thames Television, BELBO Film Productions, NOVID.
"This informative documentary follows the history of the ANC from its inception. Victory is at last in sight, but, warns AN C President, Oliver Tambo, 'before the end we expect rivers of blood to flow."'
The apartheid regime and its sympathizers in the U.S. like to portray the ANC as a shadowy, terrorist organization. This ambitious documentary goes inside the ANC to set the record straight. It provides the first overview of the AN C's history, philosophy and goals.
Most Americans don't realize the ANC has been fighting white oppression for 75 years. This film traces how fo1· 50 years its actions remained steadfastly non violent despite increasingly violent state repression. It was only after the Sharpville Massacre in 1960 that a frustrated Nelson Mandela reluctantly t'econsidered the effectiveness of non-violence. The following year the ANC formed its military wing - Spear of the Nation. The film carries unusually candid interviews, ANCS\'MBOI. some shot secretly inside South Africa. President Oliver Tambo, Albertina Sisulu and other ANC veterans reminisce about the early days, the years of exile and imprisonment.
Suggested use of the film: To familiarize American adults with the ANC organization - called by many a "government in waiting.'' Peace groups, civic and church groups, labor union forums, and com munity groups. A must in any education program on South Africa.
South Africa: The White Laager: 35 minutes, 1980, in color.
This is a moving film dealing with the historical background of the Boer people of South Africa. Apartheid cannot be understood without a study of those who invented it -- the white Afrikaners. They believe they are divinely ordained to retain their racial purity. This "white tribe" has turned South Africa into an armed camp - a laager - prepared to defy the rest of the world.
Suggested use of the fUm: Ideal to begin a study of South Africa and apartheid. For high schools, colleges, church and civic organizations, labor union forums, and community groups. 13
Sun City: The Struggle for Freedom in South Africa: 45 minutes, 1985, in color. Producers: Little Steven.
Sun City is an internationally famous, Las Vegas-like Casino resort complex in Bophuthatswana, a homeland set up by the white government of South Africa. Sun City is a symbol of apartheid. In 1985, 54 musicians ranging from rock to reggae joined Little Steven to produce the anti-apartheid hit, Sun City. This is the music video and documentary on the making of Sun City.
Suggested use of the film: Ideal for junior and high school age students. In the midst of the music is a strong message of truth and compassion and commitment to justice in solidarity with South Africans in struggle; also church and civic organizations, labor union forums, and community groups.
The American Connection: 27 minutes, 1988, in color. Produced by the American Labor Education Center with funding from the Communications Workers of America, (CWA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
" ..• viewers will learn about the views of defenders and critics of the role of Royal Dutch/Shell and other multinational corporations in propping up the apartheid system in South Africa.. ,Tt
"The American Connection" focuses on the Shell boycott activity in Birmingham, Alabama, including interviews with working people who support the boycott effort. In addition, rarely seen footage of South African police violence is shown, along with an interview with a representative of the largest union in South Africa, the National Union of Mineworkers. Bill Lucy, AFSCME's secretary-treasurer and a leader in the free South Africa movement is shown during a panel discussion also featuring Gretchen Eick of the United Church of Christ.
Suggested use of the film: labor union organizations, church and civic groups, community organizations, high schools, college and university economic classes; also classes in social studies, sociology and social change.
Witness to Apartheid: 56 minutes (both video and 16 mm), 1986, in color. Director/Producer: Sharon Sopher. Co-Producer/Director: Kevin Harris. "Even more courageous than Sopher and her collegues in making this urgent film are the black people - and the few brave whites committed to change - who spoke freely to her for the record." Los Angeles Times
N aminated for an Academy Award. This film allows us to listen to brothers and sisters who suffer the terror of apartheid. We listen to a young boy barely able to speak after two weeks of beatings in detention, and members of the banned Congress of South African Students whose identity is hidden during filming for fear of arrest. From Mkhuseli Jack, the organizer of a successful black consumer boycott in Port Elizabeth to "Cheeky" Watson, a white merchant whose home was bombed because of his support 14
Witness to Apartheid - cont'd.: for the black majority; to Curtis Nkondo, a leader of the United Democratic Front on trial for treason - and others.
We learn what happens to those who speak out. An undertaker reveals that 34 of the children he buried last year had multiple bullet wounds. After the interview he was taken into police custody. The filmmaker, Sopher, herself was detained and harassed during the filming.
Archbishop Tutu concludes the film with -- "We've got a new breed of children. They believe they are going to die - and the frightening thing is, they actually don't care; they're saying, this thing is going to be changed."
Bishop Desmond Tutu and author Sharon Sopher walk near Winnie Mandeia's-and Tutu's-homes in Soweto.
Suggested use of the film: Classrooms of schools and churches, living rooms across the U.S. to move even the most apathetic to support the struggle of the courageous witnesses who appear in this film. High school and college settings, church and civic organizations, labor union forums, women's groups, and community groups. 15
You Have Struck a Rock: 25 minutes, 1981, in color. Producer: Deborah May.
Though black South African women suffer the triple oppression of race, class, and sex, they have not been silent. During the 1950s women took the lead in mobilizing mass opposition to apartheid. This film is the story of the women who not only lived that history, but are still making it today.
When the apartheid regime attempted to extend the hated pass system to women in 1952, women by the thousands using techniques of civil disobedience refused to accept their passes and burned them publicly. The government responded with increased violence, new laws, and imprisonment. After a decade of resistance, which culminated in the Sharpeville Massacre, the South African regime finally succeeded in imposing the pass law.
Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Dora Tamana, Frances Baard and others tell their stories illustrated with archival footage and punctuated with South African music. Their lives - and this film are an inspirational tribute to the spirit and perseverance of South African women.
Suggested use of the film: Women's groups in both church and civic groups. High school students in social studies courses; college classes in social change and sociology, labor union forums, and community groups. 16
Woza Albert!: 55 minutes, 1982, in color. Producer: David Thompson, BBC.
"A theatrical masterpiece .•• done with such style, inventiveness and uniqueness it can only be characterized as genius. The film is at once entertaining and educational. Don't miss it under any circumstances." Roland Jefferson The Black Scholar
This film is the international hit play written and performed by two black South Africans. It has riveted audiences from Johannesburg to New York. This extraordinary BBC film takes the viewer beyond the theatre and inter-weaves scenes from the play with actual visits by the two actors to the labor exchanges, open-air barbershops, street vendors - the daily dramas of South African life - dramas which inspired the artists work.
The play is based on an ironic premise: what would happen if Jesus Christ (Morena, in Sotho) returned to the self-proclaimed Christian country of South Africa? The result is a work of dazzling energy -- at once riotously funny and deeply moving.
Although ultimately attacked by South Africa's nuclear arsenal, Morena is resurrected. In the play's moving conclusion, he turns to us, the audience, and cries, "Woza Albert! Rise up Albert" - summoning back to the present the spirit of Albert Luthuli and other martyred South African freedom fighters.
Suggested use of the film: Church and civic organizations, labor union forums, and community groups. 17
HOW TO ORDER VIDEOS
Scheduling is important. When ordering a video, before you begin to publicize your presentation, it is a good idea to wait for confirmation of the video you requested. If your meeting, conference, or seminar is cancelled, we would appreciate receiving notification so that shipment will not be made, and others may reschedule its showing.
When ordering your video(s), please observe the following:
1. State the title of the video as shown in this catalog.
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Rental Information and Regulations
Policy Statement - Our primary function is to provide access to and for, as wide an audience as possible. Making available, video and educational material on South Africa to concerned community groups, church organizations and labor unions. Others may also rent the videos for non-theatrical use only. A rental fee is charged for all videos. The rental of these videos ls subject to the conditions that video tapes will not be altered, televised or reproduced in any manner.
Television rights for all videotapes in this catalog are reserved by the producers and may not be used for this purpose under any circumstances and under penalty of copyright laws.
Advanced payment of the required rental fee is suggested or other credit arrangement must be provided as far in advance of showing as possible.
Rental Rates
MCHR Members $ 5.00 UAW Members $ 5.00 All Others $30.00 18
MCHR Memberships:
Individual $ 25.00 Sponsoring $ 50.00 Institution $100.00 Statewide and National Bodies $500.00
Make Request by writing or calling:
Michigan Coalition for Human Rights 4800 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan 18201 (313) 832-4400
NOTE: All videos are recorded in VHS format.
OTHER RESOURCES
Organizations
Africa Fund/American Committee on Africa 198 Broadway New York, NY 10038 (212) 962-1210
Helps coordinate local divestment and sanctions campaigns. Distributes pamphlets, bool
African National Congress of South Africa 801 Second A venue, Suite 405 New York, NY 10017 (212) 490-3487
The ANC's national office provides speakers, an information service, pamphlets, videos and films, and also publishes ANC Weekly News Briefing ($30/year) and tl1e monthly Sechaba ($15/year).
American Friends Service Committee Southern Africa Program/NARMIC 1501 Cherry Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 241-7169
AFSC's Southern Africa Program provides materials and research assistance on southern Africa and conducts seminars and provides speakers throughout the United States. It has published studies such as Automating Apartheid, Challenge and Hope, Mini Guide 19 to Apartheid and Roots of the Struggle. AFSC also publishes a quarterly, The United States Anti-apartheid Newsletter ($1 0/year).
Amnesty International 322 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10001 (212) 807-8400
Amnesty works to secure the release of South African political prisoners and to improve their treatment while in prison. Its South Africa Campaign, launched in 1986, supplies information and suggests actions to religious groups, unions, lawyers, health workers and the media. Organization donates funds to grass-roots anti-apartheid groups inside South Africa and to South African refugee projects in the Front Line states.
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility 4 75 Riverside Drive, Room 566 New York, NY 10015 (212) 870-2928
The ICCR coordinates church divestment actions, shat·eholder resolutions, negotiations with companies and testimony before Congress and local governments. It publishes a newsletter, The Corporate Examiner ($35).
International Defense and Aid Fund for Southern Africa P.O. Box 17 Cambridge, MA 02138 (617) 491-8343
A human rights organization that raises funds for the legal defense of political prisoners and their dependents in South Africa and Namibia. 1t also carries a line of books, pamphlets, photo exhibits, records and tapes on Southern Africa.
Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Southern Africa Project 1400 I Street, N.W., Suite 400 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 371-1212
The committee assists in the defense of political prisoners in South Africa and Namibia. It pt'ovides legal briefs, sends trial observers and fights to provide lawyers for detainees. It also provides free literature on torture and death in detention, secmity laws under the State of Emergency and the pass laws.
Mozambique Support Network 343 South Dearborn, Suite 601 Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 922-3286
This not-for-profit organization promotes and conducts educational campaigns, fund raisers, ern ergency aid dl'i ves and other humanitarian efforts in the name of the People's Republic of Mozambique. They publish a newsletter. 20
National Conference of Black Lawyers Southern Africa Committee 126 West 119th Street New York, NY 10026 (212) 864-4000
The committee has chapters throughout the United States. It provides lawyers for those involved in demonstrations against apartheid at South Africa's embassies and consulates, prepares testimony and reports for the U.N. Center Against Apartheid, and provides public speakers.
National Namibia Concerns 860 Emerson Denvet·, CO 80218 (303) 830-2774
This gt·ass-roots educational organization has a good film and video library, provides speakers and publishes a quarterly, Namibia Newsletter.
Oxfam-America 115 Broadway Boston, MA 02116 (617) 482-1211
With their "Divest from South Africa, Invest in Southern Africa" campaign, they have sponsored campaigns for refugee relief and long-term rural development projects in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Zambia. They have numerous publications on southern Africa.
Pan Africanist Congress of Azania Permanent Observer Mission to the U.N. 211 East 43rd Street, Suite 703 New York, NY 10017 (212) 986-73 78
This U.N. mission makes available educational literature and videos. It publishes Azania News eight times a year ($2.50/issue).
Shell Boycott c/o National Mine Workers Union 900 15th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 842-7200
This is a coalition of unions, churches, anti-apartheid and civil rights groups boycotting Shell because of its South African business acti viti es. It publishes the monthly Shell Boycott Bulletin. The campaign is co-chaired by Owen Bieber, President ofthe International Union, UAW and Richard Trumka, President of the United Mineworkers' Union. 21
Southern Africa Freedom Committee 1945 Grand River Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 965-0074
A coalition of unions and community groups providing educational forums and "Free South Africa" T-shirts and sweatshirts.
South West African People's Organization Permanent Observer Mission to the U.N. 801 Second Avenue, Room 1401 New York, NY 10017 (212) 557-2450
SWAPO's U.N. mission provides information, books and films on Namibia.
TECNICA/Southern Africa Volunteers Program 3254 Adeline Street Berkeley, CA 94703 (415) 655-3838
Sends volunteer professionals in the fields of agriculture, education, skilled trades, computers, printing and others to the Front Line states to provide technical assistance on a short-term or long-term basis.
TransAfrica 585 Eighth Street, S.E., Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20003 (202) 547-2550
This lobbying group for Africa and the Caribbean has been a major force in mobililzing Congressional and grass-roots support for sanctions against South Africa. It coordinates the Free South Africa Movement, which organizes demonstrations outside the South African Embassy and elsewhere. It has chapters in about 25 cities. The group also sponsors Artists and Athletes Against Apartheid and publishes a quarterly magazine, TransAfrica Forum, ($20/year individual, $35/institution).
U.N. Center Against Apartheid United Nations New York, NY 10017 (212) 754-5512
The center distributes copies of resolutions and speeches on South Africa delivered at the U.N. It also provides pamphlets, buttons, posters and other anti-apartheid material. 22
U.N. Center on Transnational Corporation United Nations New York, NY 10017 (212) 754-3176
The center maintains a list of companies doing business in South Africa, titled "Transnational Corporations with interests in South Africa or Namibia.',
International Union, UAW Civil Rights Department 8000 E. Jefferson Avenue Detroit, MI 48214 (313) 92 6-5 3 61
Washington Office on Africa 110 Maryland Avenue, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 546-7961
This group, supported by church and labor organizations, lobbies for anti-apartheid legislation in Congress and provides videos and educational materials. It publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Washington Notes on Africa ($15/year, single copies 25 cents) and Action Alerts on pending legislation. Its Legislation Hotline number is (202) 546-0408. ·
Clergy and Laity Concerned A Covenant Against Apartheid, at Home and Abroad 198 Broadway, Room 302 New York, NY 10038 (212) 964-6730
The Covenant is an unmbrella organization for congregations that support divestment. It produces a packet, in Jewish or Christian format, that includes information on South Africa, as well as suggestions for boycotts and other actions ($5).
Epsicopal Churchpeople for a Free Southern Africa 339 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10012 (212) 477-0066
This organization monitors political prisoners and detainees and their families jn South Africa and Namibia and has launched a letter writing campaign demanding the release of detainees by name. It provides an information service, occasional publications and a bi-weekly bulletin with information from the Namibia Communications Center in London.
United Church of Christ Di Scott, South Africa Consultant 475 Riverside Drive, 16th Floor New York, NY 10115 (212) 870-2479
Resources for religious and anti-apartheid groups. The consultant works with anti apartheid church organizations in South Africa. 23
Media
Africa News Service P.O. Box 3851 Durham, NC 27702 (919) 286-0747
The service publishes a biweekly newsletter, Africa News, the most comprehensive and up-to-date source of information on South Africa ($30/year individual, $48/year organizations). It supplies news and feature material to broadcast and print media.
Africa Report 833 U.N. Plaza New York, NY 10017 (212) 949-5666
This bimonthly report provides general political and economic coverage of Africa ($21/year).
Africa Today Africa Today Associates and Scbool of International Studies University of Denver Denver, CO 80208 (303) 871-3678
Founded by the American Committee on Africa, the journal is for an academic audience ($15/year individual, $30/year organization).
Free Sout hern Africa Committee 1945 Grand River Avenue Detroit, MI 48226 (313) 965-0074
A coalition of labor and community activists producing "Free South Africa" buttons, T-shirts and sweatshirts.
International Union, UA W Education Department 8000 E. Jefferson Avenue Detroit, MI 48214 (313) 926-5474
Michigan Coalition of Human Rights 4800 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48201 (313) 832-4400 24
Southern Africa Media Education Project c/o TransAfrica (see organizations list)
The project assists the media in gaining a deeper understanding of southern Africa and the impact of U.S. foreign policy on the region. It works with a variety of anti apartheid groups in the United States and with leaders of self-determination movements throughout Southern Africa.
Southern Africa Report 427 Bloor Street, West Toronto, Ontario M5S 1 X7 Canada (416) 967-5562
Published by the Toronto Committee for the Liberation of South Africa, the report, which comes out five times a year is a source of information on women's, labor and peolpe's movements in southern Africa, as well as sanctions ($15/year individual, $30/year organizations). The committee acts as an information network in Canada, issuing a free monthly bulletin, What's the Word.
The Southern Africa Media Center California N ewsreel 630 Natoma Street San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 621-6196
Founded after the 1976 Soweto upr1smg, the Southern Africa Media Center is today the rn ost widely used source of films on South Aft•ica in the world and a leading resource for deepening Amet'ica's understanding of the South African struggle. It is a project of California Newsreel, a non-profit, tax exempt educational corporation, who for 20 years has produced and distributed films for social change.
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