Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (film screening)

Presented by the Chan Centre in partnership with The Cinematheque

“It leaves you stirred and uplifted not only by its music but also by the determination and courage of the people who sang and danced it on the way to a freer life.” ~Los Angeles Times

South Africa/USA 2003
Director: Lee Hirsch
Colour, DVD, in English/Zulu.
108 minutes.

Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony tells the story of black South African freedom music and the central role it played against apartheid through the voices of several artists including legendary jazz musician, Hugh Masekela. Amandla! is the first film to specifically consider the music that sustained and galvanized black South Africans for more than 40 years; the film’s focus is on the struggle’s spiritual dimension, as articulated and embodied in song. Named for the Xhosa word for “power,” Amandla! lives up to its title, telling an uplifting story of human courage, resolve and triumph.

Winner 2002 Sundance Film Festival – Documentary Audience Award and Freedom of Expression Award.