The documentary "Free Nelson Mandela" is a gripping and revelatory exploration of the life and legacy of one of the world's most revered figures. It's a story that goes beyond the history books, delving into the personal costs and sacrifices endured by Mandela and his allies in their decades-long struggle against apartheid. This three-part series, directed by James Rogan, ends in 1994, when Mandela became president of South Africa and the process of sanctification was well underway. It's a powerful and unflinching look at the grim reality faced by Mandela and his supporters, from the physical violence and emotional torment to the economic unfairness and racial tensions that defined their world.
One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is the way it frames Mandela as a looming absence. While he is central to the narrative, his time in prison on Robben Island serves as a framing device, pulling in a cast of characters from lawyers and activists to journalists and judges. As Dali Tambo, the son of former African National Congress (ANC) leader Oliver, says, "He became more than himself."
The series also explores the diasporic face of the resistance, with musicians like Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela going into exile abroad to spread the word, and activists like Peter Hain engaging in street protests and disrupted sporting events in Britain. Inside South Africa, ANC fighters like James Mange were at the sharp end of the struggle, and their experiences are a stark reminder of the personal costs of resistance.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is its exploration of the philosophy of Ubuntu, which is rooted in various African tribes and translates as "I am because you are." This interconnected humanity was anathema to apartheid, but it also presented a dilemma for Mandela and the ANC as violence escalated through the 1980s. The three-way release negotiation between Mandela, the ANC, and the South African authorities remains a miracle of diplomacy, and the series provides a nuanced exploration of the challenges and compromises faced by Mandela in navigating this treacherous ground.
The documentary also highlights the role of the international community in the struggle against apartheid. While there are those who see the prominence given to artists involved in the huge concerts demanding and celebrating Mandela's release as a sign of white saviour syndrome, it's hard to dispute that mainstream British and American engagement with the resistance was a significant driver in apartheid's demise. The performance of "Free Nelson Mandela" by the Specials at the 1986 Festival for Freedom is described by writer Jerry Dammers as "the proudest moment of my life," and the song itself remains one of the most effective and joyous protest anthems of all time.
The documentary also raises questions about the nature of activism and its impact on individuals. Activist Barbara Masekela says of Mandela, "When you worked closely with him, there was always a kind of deep sadness." This sense of loss and sacrifice is a recurring theme throughout the series, and it suggests that Mandela's impending sainthood was a product of his years of resistance and struggle. His time in the darkness sharpened him, but it also tempered him, and by the time of his death, he had come to represent light.
In conclusion, "Free Nelson Mandela" is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that goes beyond the history books to explore the personal costs and sacrifices endured by Mandela and his allies in their struggle against apartheid. It's a story that raises questions about the nature of activism, the role of the international community, and the enduring legacy of one of the world's most revered figures.
