The film tells the story of a man who was one of the key people in the fight for democracy in the country in the fifties and sixties. Bram Fischer managed to reconcile his white Afrikaner roots with his desire for justice, joining the struggle against Apartheid out of principle.
He defended Nelson Mandela and his comrades in the Rivonia Trial of 1963 and 1964 – playing a role in preventing the ANC-leaders being sentenced to death – and was an underground guerrilla at the same time.
The film is a co-production between Dutch and South African teams that have worked closely with the Fischer family and others, including some of the Rivonia triallists to create an authentic and accurate historical film.
Jean van de Velde directed the film from his adapted screenplay based on Joel Joffe’s book, The State Vs. Nelson Mandela. "I never fully realised the commitment and sacrifice these brave men and women who fought Apartheid made, until making this movie. I dare say this also on behalf of our very talented and motivated crew and cast; it once again opened our eyes," says Van de Velde.
Producer Michael Auret adds, "It’s appropriate that across the water from Robben Island, home to so many that gave their lives for the establishment of a non-racist and democratic South Africa, we can have the African premiere of a film that celebrates the life and work of some that we have not heard before."
South African actor Sello Motloung, who plays a young Nelson Mandela in the film, visited the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg as part of his preparation for the role. The Foundation gave Motloung access to the audio records of 'Speech from the Dock', which Mandela delivered on 20 April 1964 during the Rivonia Trial to help him to re-create these moments.
Much of the cast, the director (Jean Van De Velde), Producers (Hugh Rogers, Richard Claus, and Mike Auret), and co-producers (Lwazi Manzi and Pat Van Heerden) will all be in attendance on the opening night, as well as Bram Fischer's daughters Ruth Rice Fischer and Ilse Fischer.
The cast members attending include Antoinette Louw, Morne Visser, Sello Motloung, Izel Bezuidenhout, Jose Domingos, Fezile Mpela, Conrad Kemp, and Nico Van Diemen, among others.
The opening night event is an invitation-only black-tie event that will see a host of celebrities and dignitaries walking the red carpet at Nu Metro at the V & A Waterfront.
The film will screen again for those who would like to see it. Individuals can book via the cinema website for the screening that will take place on Saturday, 21 October at 17:30 at the Ster Kinekor Cinema Nouveau, V & A Waterfront
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