Movie Documentary History
Son of Africa, Father of a Nation
A documentary that chronicles the life of South African leader Nelson Mandela. Mandela is probably best known for his 27 years of imprisonment, and for bringing an end to apartheid. But this film also sheds light on the little-known early period of Mandela's life.
South Africa South Africa United Kingdom United Kingdom
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Come Back, Africa
Come Back, Africa chronicles the life of Zachariah, a black South African living under the rule of the harsh apartheid government in 1959.
Cry Freedom
A dramatic story, based on actual events, about the friendship between two men struggling against apartheid in South Africa in the 1970s. Donald Woods is a white liberal journalist in South Africa who begins to follow the activities of Stephen Biko, a courageous and outspoken black anti-apartheid activist.
Cry, the Beloved Country
A South-African preacher goes to search for his wayward son who has committed a crime in the big city.
Sarafina!
The plot centers on students involved in the Soweto Riots, in opposition to the implementation of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in schools. The stage version presents a school uprising similar to the Soweto uprising on June 16, 1976. A narrator introduces several characters among them the school girl activist Sarafina. Things get out of control when a policeman shoots several pupils in a classroom. Nevertheless, the musical ends with a cheerful farewell show of pupils leaving school, which takes most of act two. In the movie version Sarafina feels shame at her mother's (played by Miriam Makeba in the film) acceptance of her role as domestic servant in a white household in apartheid South Africa, and inspires her peers to rise up in protest, especially after her inspirational teacher, Mary Masombuka (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the film version) is imprisoned.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
A chronicle of Nelson Mandela's life journey from his childhood in a rural village through to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa.
Mandela and de Klerk
Sidney Poitier and Michael Caine both received Emmy nominations for their performances in this made-for-TV movie. The plot follows Nelson Mandela's 27-year struggle to end apartheid.
Bopha!
In this story of a black policeman during South African apartheid, Danny Glover plays the cop, who believes he's trying to help his people, even while serving as a pawn of the racist government. When his son gets involved in the anti-apartheid movement, he finds himself torn between his family and what he believes is his duty.
Goodbye Bafana
The true story of a white South African racist whose life was profoundly altered by the black prisoner he guarded for twenty years. The prisoner's name was Nelson Mandela.
An Act of Defiance
Apartheid is rampant in South Africa, 1963. When ten men are arrested on a farm in Rivonia for conspiring to commit sabotage and violent acts against the repressive S. African government, tenacious lawyer Bram Fisher steps up to the challenge as lead counsel. He soon finds that political leader Nelson Mandela is also on trial. Mandela urges his fellow defendants to plead not guilty and shine light on the systemic corruption against the African people. As the outcome of the trial looks bleak, Mandela gives his famous "I'm Prepared to Die" speech, discussing how the ANC's resistance is justified. But will Mandela's impassioned speech save these men's lives?
Death of Apartheid
The secret history of the negotiations that led to Mandela's release from prison, the ANC becoming the government of South Africa, and the end of apartheid.
The Bang Bang Club
In the early to mid '90s, when the South African system of apartheid was in its death throes, four photographers - Greg Marinovich, Kevin Carter, Ken Oosterbroek and João Silva - bonded by their friendship and a sense of purpose, worked together to chronicle the violence and upheaval leading up to the 1994 election of Nelson Mandela as president. Their work is risky and dangerous, potentially fatally so, as they thrust themselves into the middle of chaotic clashes between forces backed by the government (including Inkatha Zulu warriors) and those in support of Mandela's African National Congress.
Endgame
The time is the late '80s, a crucial period in the history of South Africa. President P.W. Botha is hanging on to power by a thread as the African National Congress (ANC) takes up arms against apartheid and the country tumbles toward insurrection. A British mining concern is convinced that their interests would be better served in a stable South Africa and they quietly dispatch Michael Young, their head of public affairs, to open an unofficial dialogue between the bitter rivals. Assembling a reluctant yet brilliant team to pave the way to reconciliation by confronting obstacles that initially seem insurmountable, Young places his trust in ANC leader Thabo Mbeki and Afrikaner philosophy professor Willie Esterhuyse. It is their empathy that will ultimately serve as the catalyst for change by proving more powerful than the terrorist bombs that threaten to disrupt the peaceful dialogue.
Eddie Izzard: Marathon Man for Sport Relief
Eddie Izzard pushes her body and sense of humour to the limit for Sport Relief as she takes on an immense challenge - travelling to South Africa to run 27 marathons in 27 days to mark the 27 years that their hero Nelson Mandela spent in prison. It is a gruelling, uplifting and hilarious journey through baking heat, high roads and hospitals - but can Eddie make it to the final finish line?
More Than Just a Game
A drama about political prisoners playing soccer at Robben Island prison, where Nelson Mandela was held.
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South Africa Walks
Julia Bradbury sets out on four walks that explore South Africa's claim to be 'a world in one country', going far beyond the normal tourist destinations to a series of increasingly remote locations.
Safari Vet School
The brightest young vet students from around the world take on the ultimate test as they are plunged into the African wilderness for a crash hands-on course in animal conservation. Under the guidance of wildlife vet Dr Will Fowlds, whose family have lived on the Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa for five generations, the students will work long hard days in the extreme environment. Not knowing when they will be called upon to sedate an elephant or assist in a rhino’s autopsy, will they rise to the challenge or be crushed by the pressure? Famed vet Steve Leonard will be on hand to help out and offer support to the strained and emotional students. Set in the exotic, beauty of wild Africa the young vets are far from home as they face the greatest challenge of their lives.
Eddie Izzard's Mandela Marathons
Actor and comedian Eddie Izzard pays tribute to Nelson Mandela and her extraordinary story by attempting to complete 27 marathons across South Africa in just 27 days.
The Stuarts in Exile
Dr Clare Jackson tells the story of The Stuarts in Exile and sheds new light on the political, military and cultural threat the Jacobite's posed to the embryonic British state. Although the '15' ultimately failed, it crystallised the stark choice facing those living in early 18th-century Britain. Are you for the Stuarts or are you for Hanoverian's?
Ancient Earth
Ancient Earth is an original CuriosityStream documentary series running for 2 seasons. Each season comprises of 3-3 episodes, respectively that feature stunning animations in Ultra HD 4K quality. The 1st season sheds light on the kind of life that existed in the Permian, Triassic and Cretaceous periods. The 2nd season is about some crucial moments in the evolution of life: the disappearance of the giant insects, the rise of the feathered dinosaurs, and the dawn of the mammals.
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
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South Africa With Gregg Wallace
Gregg Wallace sets off to explore South Africa's most iconic and best loved landscapes and experiences - along with its glorious food. The culinary expert visits six key destinations on his tour - he goes on safari in Amakhala, visits Cape Town, Augrabies Falls in the Kalahari Desert, the Whale Coast, Soweto in Johannesburg and the Garden Province - aiming to get a taste of the real South Africa. Along the wild coast, on safari, through vast savannahs and into the cities Gregg discovers the flavours this diverse country has to offer - from the winelands around Cape Town to an Afrikaans braai in the Kalahari desert at sunset, Soweto's street food stalls selling fat cakes, and traditional hearty dishes like bobotie.
Shaka iLembe
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Boetie Boer: Inside The Mind Of A Monster
As Nelson Mandela is released from 27 years in prison in 1990, Stewart 'Boetie Boer' Wilken starts his killing spree. Unlike most serial killers, he had more than one type of victim. He also claimed to engage in necrophilia and cannibalism.
Rosemary's Hitlist
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The Lion Queen
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Amandla! A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony
The struggle to eradicate apartheid in South Africa has been chronicled over time, but no one has addressed the vital role music plays in this challenge. This documentary by Lee Hirsch recounts a fascinating and little-known part of South Africa's political history through archival footage, interviews and, of course, several mesmerizing musical performances.