Screenings of Mandela film to be accompanied by talks by University experts

Published On Fri 10 Jan 2014 by Grant Hill

Experts from the University of Dundee will next week host a special event looking at South African culture and social history to accompany screenings of 'Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom' at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA).

Dr Nicole Devarenne, an authority on the literature and film of the country, and Dr Matt Graham, a history and politics lecturer with a particular focus on South Africa, will deliver a short presentation for cinema-goers and other members of the public interested in learning more about the film's context, followed by a Q&A session.

Screenings of the biopic, adapted from the autobiography of the recently deceased former South African leader, take place at DCA at 10.30am and 6pm on Sunday, 19th January, with the academics leading the 'Focus on Film' event taking place at 1.15pm.

Dr Devarenne will share something of the history of South African cinema, and discuss what three films representing Mandela - 'Goodbye Bafana', 'Invictus' and 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' - tell us about its development.

She said, 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' is part of a tradition, going back more than a century, of international films about South Africa. This international interest intensified during apartheid and films such as Richard Attenborough's 'Cry Freedom' played an important role in informing international audiences about what was going on in the country, although they did distort South African history as well.'

Dr Graham, who will explore South African social history with reference to Mandela's impact and legacy, said, 'Nelson Mandela was a remarkable leader; canonised in his own lifetime, celebrated and revered around the world. His death is a loss not only to South Africa but the international community as his appeal transcended national boundaries.

'Mandela will be remembered as a forceful and courageous leader, who had the strength of conviction to fight the injustices of apartheid, forgive those who had oppressed him, and in the process unite a divided nation behind a democratic ideal. Nelson Mandela will certainly be remembered as one of the world's great political figures.'

DCA has teamed up with the University's School of Humanities to create the Focus on Film education course, looking in depth at a range of topics, including cinema history, genres, styles, directors and actors.

'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom' will run at DCA from Friday 17th to Thursday 23rd January. The talk by Dr Devarenne and Dr Graham at 1.15pm on Sunday, 15th January is free, but ticketed. To book your place please call DCA on 01382 909 900 or visit the box office in person.

For more information about the film visit www.dca.org.uk.

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Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
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