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Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation The Oscar-nominated film Mandela is now out in a package that includes a DVD, compact disc, book, and map of South Africa. All four items contribute to the great enjoyment of the film, the full title of which is “Mandela: Son of Africa, Father of a Nation." The name Nelson Mandela is probably one of the most recognizable worldwide. However, the man is brought to life through this mesmerizing DVD. From the opening scenes of a fog shrouded Robben Island prison, to the jubilant finale, I really got to know the man behind the name. Nelson Mandela was born into a royal family in the hills of the Transkei. The scenes from this area are breathtakingly beautiful, all verdant greenery dotted with Rondavels, the conical, thatched hut homes of the native people. We’re given a close look at Mandela's childhood in the Tembu, with the Xhosa speaking people. The culture demanded rigorous guidelines for child rearing and eventual adulthood. From there, Mandela was moved to Mqhekezweni, the ‘Great Place,' where he was educated to become a tribal chief. This is where he learnt his first lessons in diplomacy. He later wrote that one of the marks of a great chief “is the ability to keep together all sections of his people." In 1941, Mandela moved to Johannesburg, which of course was a complete contrast to his former life. It was very interesting for me to see Jo‘Burg in the 1940s. There is lots of black and white footage of the bustling city. Whilst in Jo‘Burg Mandela studied law and became involved in the fight for Black African rights. Mandela joined up with Walter Sisulu and Oliver Tambo in organizing protests. Despite this involvement in political life, Mandela indulged his interest for fashion and was recognized for his dapper and flamboyant attire. His passion and linguistic abilities carried into his courtroom appearances. In 1958, grim reality hit in the shape of Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd, who was determined to control the native people by mass evictions, persecution, and police terror tactics. The ANC (African National Congress) were banned and so Mandela started a sabotage campaign called “Spear of the Nation." He was eventually caught, prosecuted, and, along with seven colleagues, was sentenced to life imprisonment in a prison which I can only compare to the isolation of Alcatraz. Whilst in prison Mandela continued to assume leadership roles and he increased his knowledge by reading a diverse selection of literature. In 1982, because of the increasing militancy of the people in the township of Soweto, Mandela was moved to Pollsmoor prison on the mainland. At that point, he could have been freed if he would agree to renounce violence but he refused and continued his prison sentence. Six years later he was moved again, but this time into fairly comfortable living conditions, and it was from there that he negotiated his release from prison. This took place at 4:14pm on February 11, 1990. Needless to say his release was received with unbridled enthusiasm and celebrations from which he went on to become president of South Africa. The DVD of "Mandela" also contains narration from his sister, who could be a twin, and is obviously exceedingly proud of her brother. I was particularly struck by the discussions held with his wife and supporters about his dress code on the day he would be proclaimed president of South Africa. Those around him supported the idea of formal dress with a bowtie but he was adamant that he would use a suit and regular necktie, a change from his more flamboyant ideas of attire as a young man. We also get to know a very humble man who eats simple meals, even appears to make his own bed and always displays a quiet dignity. Dignity personified would not be an exaggeration in describing this powerful man. There are many more glimpses into his personal life and he appears to be very comfortable in front of a camera. I must at this point also mention the soundtrack that accompanies the DVD, featruing many great African artists, all of whom perform the exuberant music of South Africa. The last of the performers on the soundtrack of the CD is Brenda Fassie. Fassie died in 2004 and was visited by Nelson Mandela in a Jo’Burg hospital just before her passing. The booklet contains many photographs from the DVD with detailed commentary. The map provides a convenient summary of important facts and lastly but not least the CD contains the musical tracks from the DVD in their entirety, just fabulous music. For history buffs and those who are just fascinated with South Africa, Mandela will be an invaluable asset to have and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this beautifully produced package.
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Mandela Trailer