by Angelica Macklin
Monday, Feb. 12, 2007 at 10:31 AM
smacklin@sprynet.com
Young activists in South Africa are taking the mantel from those who came before them to effect change amongst a new generation of South Africans. See what's happening in South Africa today through the lense of spoken word, music, and intergenerational accounts of poverty, racism, segregation, and national healing in the new documentary: "Masizakhe: Let Us Build Together" screening at PAFF on Monday and Friday this week.
Creating change and overcoming racial and economic barriers starts with building relationships and trust. In the years following the end of apartheid in 1994, political laws created equal opportunity, but the reality is that social and economic apartheid still exist. Black Africans are still living in the most dire conditions, colored communities struggle to maintain resources, and white South Africans are building walls to protect themselves. Yet the philosophy of the nation is that of a "rainbow nation" where all South Africans must come together as one people and one nation. The film "Masizakhe: Let Us Build Together" helps people begin to understand one another's experiences so that they can make that dream a reality for everyone and not just the privileged few.
As a nation of young people, South African youth are taking the charge to create change through popular culture - spoken word, poetry, music, hip hop, and education - because they feel this is the most effective way to make change for the future. This film highlights the work of these activists in their communities in a poetic and artistic way.
The film "Masizakhe: Let Us Build Together" has been nominated for best documentary at the 2007 Pan African Film and Arts Festival and will have two screenings this week at the Magic Johnson Theatres at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza:
Monday, February 12 at 3:15 p.m.
Friday, February 16 at 1 p.m.
More information about this film and the Pan African Film and Arts Festival can be found at www.paff.org.
Please join us for this unique opportunity to see our film in LA and get inspired to use your own voice for change.
www.paff.org