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Winner of the Audience Award and Freedom of Expression Award at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, Amandla! is a
powerfully emotional experience, and brings dozens of South African freedom songs to the screen. These rich and
beautiful anthems take viewers on an extraordinary journey through the spiritual and physical reality of life under
apartheid.
"Song is what keeps us alive," says Freedom Fighter Lindiwe Zulu.
One of the most moving stories in the film comes from current Parliament member Thandi Modise, who describes her
ordeal as a political prisoner. Tortured despite her advanced pregnancy, Modise was abandoned to her dank cell after
her water broke during a brutal interrogation. On the verge of suicide, she mustered the will to live and fight on --
she began to sing.
Named for the Xhosa word for "power," Amandla! lives up to its title, telling an uplifting story of human courage,
resolve and triumph.
In 1994, the struggle reached its climax with the election of Nelson Mandela as South Africa's first
democratically chosen president.
It opened on February 19th at the Film Forum in New York City, located at
209 West Houston Street, between 6th Avenue and Varick (7th Avenue).
To find out where it's playing near you, go to http://publicity.artisanent.com/Theatrical/Amandla or email SusanSenkPR@aol.com.
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When I sat down to watch a screening of this film, at first I thought, "Oh no, what if it's long and depressing?" I couldn't
have been more wrong. I was riveted, educated and inspired. It has stayed in my mind ever since -- its strength of spirit
and its joyful, faith-filled music.