Thread: Relive Mandela's walk to freedom

“By 3.30, I began to get restless, as we were already behind schedule. I told the members of the Reception Committee that my people had been waiting for me for twenty-seven years and I did not want to keep them waiting any longer...

When I was among the crowd I raised my right fist, and there was a roar. I had not been able to do that for twenty-seven years and it gave me a surge of strength and joy. As I finally walked through those gates to enter a car on the other side, I felt - even at the age of seventy-one - that my life was beginning anew.

My ten thousand days of imprisonment were at last over." - Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

Twenty years ago, on a hot Sunday on 2 February 1990, after having spent 27 years behind bars, Nelson Mandela, the world’s most famous prisoner walked out of Victor Verster Prison near Paarl.

At the opening of parliament, President FW de Klerk surprised not only his own cabinet but the world at large when he announced the unbanning of banned political organizations and the unconditional release of political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela.

The Free at Last film festival, held in celebration of this event, presents films made by award-winning filmmakers and producers on Mandela and fascinating insight into the Anti-Apartheid movement.

Mandela has become an icon and moral authority of near universal appeal – reason enough to celebrate this anniversary with some of the best films made about his life and the struggle, as well as raw footage that will transport audiences back to that very moment in time.

Audiences can witness this momentous event and reflect on issues of social justice, on the values that fuelled the liberation movements and their often phenomenal strategies in the face of adversity. Arts and culture played a significant role in motivating the masses during the struggle; watching the films now, we have to ask ourselves: Are we still in touch with what was on the agenda 20 years ago?

The challenges facing South Africa remain significant two decades after Mandela’s long walk led him out of jail – the reasons to celebrate, however, do too. At a time where some miss the collective consciousness, the magic of the early 90s, the unity in purpose of the struggle years, and the electrifying mood, the excitement, the air filled with hope and possibilities, brotherhood and goodwill, these films provide insight and inspiration, allow audiences to take stock, draw parallels, reflect and debate, relive South Africa’s “Zero Hour” and make sure that we never forget what it took. Amandla!

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