When the South African government promises to ‘eradicate the slums’ and begins to evict shack dwellers far outside the city, three friends who live in Durban’s vast shantytowns refuse to be moved.
“Dear Mandela” follows their journey, and the journey of the Abahlali baseMjondolo “shack dwellers” organization from their shacks to the highest court in the land as they invoke Nelson Mandela’s example and become leaders in a growing social movement.
By turns inspiring, devastating and funny, the film 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.
Introduction by Frank Morales with latest reports from Abahlali baseMjondolo.
Director: Dara Kell & Christopher Nizza
South Africa, 2012, 90 min
Date: Saturday, May 25th at 7 PM
Location: the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space (155 Avenue C, NYC)
