When their shantytowns are threatened with mass eviction, three ‘young lions' of South Africa's new generation rise from the shacks and take their government to the highest court in the land, putting the promises of democracy to the test.

South Africa, United States 2011, English and Zulu with English subtitles, HDCAM, Blu Ray, DVD, 90 min

When the South African government promises to "eradicate the slums" and begins evicting shack dwellers from their homes, three friends living in Durban's vast shantytowns refuse to be moved. DEAR MANDELA follows their journey to the highest court in the land as they invoke Nelson Mandela's example and become leaders in an inspiring social movement.
Mazwi, an enlightened schoolboy, Zama, an AIDS orphan and Mnikelo, a mischievous shopkeeper, are part of a new generation who feel betrayed by the broken promises of Mandela's own political party, the African National Congress. They discover that the new innocuous-sounding ‘Slums Act' legalizes the evictions and violates the rights enshrined in the country's constitution. Determined to stop the evictions, with the help of pro bono lawyers, they challenge the act all the way to the Constitutional Court.
As Mandela's portrait beams down from schoolroom chalkboards and shack walls, Mazwi, Zama and Mnikelo learn of the sacrifices that come with leadership. Devastating, inspiring and funny, DEAR MANDELA offers a fresh perspective on the youth's role in a South Africa coming of age.
DIFF 2011, Durban

DEAR MANDELA theatrical trailer from Sleeping Giant on Vimeo.

Directors: Dara Kell, Christopher Nizza
Cinematographer: Matthew Peterson
Print Source: Fireworx Media


Dara Kell - Co-Director / Producer

Christopher Nizza - Co-Director / Producer

South African Co-Producer: Neil Brandt, Fireworx Media

Tina Brown - Co-Producer

Matthew Peterson - Director of Photography

Aaron Plantenga - Web Developer

Myah Williams - Intern

BOARD OF ADVISORS
Ruth B. Cowan
Richard Pithouse
Pamela Yates
Willie Baptist

SUPPORTERS
DEAR MANDELA is supported by:
The Sundance Documentary Film Program
New York State Council for the Arts
Chicken & Egg Pictures
Alter-Cine Foundation
Participant Media


FESTIVALS / AWARDS

2011 - 32nd DIFF - Durban International Film FestivalDurban
* Best South African Documentary
* World Premiere