Life Through His Lens, a 90-minute documentary film about the life of
accomplished photojournalist and TUT Honorary Doctor, Sam Nzima,
will be previewed during a special screening hosted as part of the TUT
Arts Festival on 26 September.
Despite Nzima’s significant contribution to South African history, his
story has been overshadowed and he has become a forgotten figure in
his homeland. It is a disheartening paradox that the man behind the
lens, whose photograph of Hector Pieterson forever altered the
trajectory of South African society, remains relatively unknown beyond
that single image.
To truly grasp the significance of Nzima’s iconic image one must delve
deeper into his personal journey, both before and after capturing that
life-changing moment.
Through this captivating documentary, which is the brainchild of Thulani
Nzima, Sam Nzima’s son, an immersive exploration of Nzima's
extraordinary life, shining a light on the tragic events that unfolded on
that fateful day and the profound impact they had on his life and career,
has begun.
“Life Through His Lens takes the viewer beyond the moment frozen in
time, delving into the impact of the photograph on Sam Nzima's life. It
follows him as he navigates the aftermath of capturing such a pivotal
image. The documentary uncovers the personal sacrifices he made, the
challenges he faced, and the resilience that kept him pushing forward in
the face of adversity,” says Thulani.
“In addition, the documentary shows how the photograph catapulted
Nzima onto the international stage, raising awareness about the
atrocities of apartheid and serving as a catalyst for change.”
Thulani adds that Life Through His Lens is considered not just a
documentary about a photograph; it is a tribute to the resilience of a
nation and the indomitable spirit of one man. “It is a reminder of the
power of storytelling through Sam Nzima’s lens and how a single image
can ignite a flame of change.”
“By shining a light on Nzima's life and the tragic events of 16 June 1976,
this documentary ensures that their legacy endures, inspiring future
generations to remember, reflect, and continue the fight for justice and
equality.”
This poignant image, capturing the heartbreaking scene of Mbuyisa
Makhubu carrying the lifeless body of Hector Pieterson during the tragic
events of 16 June 1976, propelled Nzima to international recognition.
However, it also confined him to the boundaries of that moment, leaving
his earlier and later life moments unexplored and largely unknown.
The 16 June 1976 Uprising that began in Soweto and spread
countrywide profoundly changed the socio-political landscape in South
Africa.
With many activists arrested and some exiled, musicians added their
voice through music in the fight against the injustices meted out by the
state. The photographers were not to be left out. They used their
cameras as powerful weapons to fight the apartheid system. The iconic
picture of Hector Pieterson is the climax of Nzima’s journey as a
photojournalist, but it also reflects the changed perspective of a young
man who only came to Johannesburg to work. He was now a freedom
fighter, using his camera to expose the monstrous acts of the
government.
The publication of the picture plunged Sam Nzima into a world of
unimaginable suffering, leaving him haunted by regret. Threats to his life
loomed ominously, forcing him to flee back home to the obscurity of
Mpumalanga, severing the lifeline of his promising journalism career with
heartbreaking finality.
Trapped within the confines of his own home, a cruel form of
imprisonment, he fought valiantly to survive and make ends meet. As
democracy's light cast its glow upon South Africa in 1994, hope flickered
for many, but for Nzima, it ignited a fierce battle for the copyright of the
Hector Pieterson pictures. In the face of relentless opposition, he fought
not just for ownership but for the preservation of a poignant legacy that
had forever etched itself upon his soul.
The documentary is directed by Nhlanhla Mthethwa, an established
documentary film director, producer and archive researcher. The
producer is Silindile Memela of Full Circle Productions, and the Editor is
Ikaye Masisi, an award-winning editor who specialises in drama, long
and short-format documentary editing.
For more information about the TUT Arts Festival, click on
https://www.tut.ac.za/whats-on/events/event?NID=190.
Tickets at Webtickets (TUT Arts Festival) or at your nearest Pick n Pay.