Cry Freedom (1987)
Cry Freedom (1987), an epic apartheid drama film directed and produced by Richard Attenborough, takes place in late-1970s South Africa during the time of apartheid. After seeing news coverage of a slum being demolished in East London, journalist Donald Woods seeks out more information and meets with anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko. Biko is a member of the Black Consciousness Movement and has been banned from leaving his designated ‘banning area’ in King William’s Town by the South African government. While Woods disagrees with Biko’s political views, he is invited to witness the conditions in a black township and experience firsthand the impact of apartheid restrictions. Woods agrees with Biko’s vision for a South Africa where equal opportunities and freedoms are afforded to both black and white citizens.
As he gains understanding of Biko’s perspective, a friendship blossoms between them. However, after Biko addresses a crowd of fellow black South Africans outside of his restricted area, he is taken into custody and questioned by the security forces (who were tipped off by an informant). Subsequently, Biko is summoned to court to clarify his message directed towards the white-minority controlled South African Government. Despite facing interrogation, Biko eloquently advocates for non-violent action during his court appearance. Unfortunately, after the security officers who interrogated him target his church and cause damage, Woods promises to take up the issue with a government official on Biko’s behalf.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Kevin KlineDonald Woods  Denzel WashingtonSteve Biko  Penelope WiltonWendy Woods  Timothy WestCapt. De Wet  Ian RichardsonState Prosecutor  Alec McCowenActing High Commissioner |
Kevin McNallyCry Freedom (1987), an epic apartheid drama film directed and produced by Richard Attenborough, takes place in late-1970s South Africa during the time of apartheid. After seeing news coverage of a slum being demolished in East London, journalist Donald Woods seeks out more information and meets with anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko. Biko is a member of the Black Consciousness Movement and has been banned from leaving his designated ‘banning area’ in King William’s Town by the South African government. While Woods disagrees with Biko’s political views, he is invited to witness the conditions in a black township and experience firsthand the impact of apartheid restrictions. Woods agrees with Biko’s vision for a South Africa where equal opportunities and freedoms are afforded to both black and white citizens.
As he gains understanding of Biko’s perspective, a friendship blossoms between them. However, after Biko addresses a crowd of fellow black South Africans outside of his restricted area, he is taken into custody and questioned by the security forces (who were tipped off by an informant). Subsequently, Biko is summoned to court to clarify his message directed towards the white-minority controlled South African Government. Despite facing interrogation, Biko eloquently advocates for non-violent action during his court appearance. Unfortunately, after the security officers who interrogated him target his church and cause damage, Woods promises to take up the issue with a government official on Biko’s behalf.
