SILVER

During demonstrations in apartheid-era South Africa, the police arrest Panic (Thomas Mogotlane), a "mapantsula" or petty gangster, while rounding up activists. His interrogation reveals the motivation for his involvement in the township riots. Once only concerned with partying, alcohol and his own interests, Panic finds himself being pulled into the fray, forced to choose between his personal freedom and taking a stand in the fight against the oppressive apartheid government. Directed by Oliver Schmitz and written by Schmitz and lead actor Thomas Mogotlane, MAPANTSULA has been hailed as the "first South African film to truly represent apartheid onscreen" (Okayafrica). Banned in its homeland and made while evading the local authorities, it was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes and went on to be selected as the South African entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards®. Widely considered one of the most influential African films of all time, MAPANTSULA has been newly restored in 4K from the original 35mm negative. (Note adapted from Film Movement.) DIR/SCR/PROD Oliver Schmitz; SCR Thomas Mogotlane; PROD Max Montocchio. South Africa, 1988, color, 104 min. In English, Zulu and Afrikaans with English subtitles. NOT RATED

No AFI Member passes accepted.