Sarafina Movie (1992)
“Sarafina!” is a 1992 musical drama film based on Mbongeni Ngema’s 1987 musical of the same name. The film was directed by Darrell Roodt and written by Ngema and William Nicholson. It stars Leleti Khumalo, Miriam Makeba, John Kani, Ngema, and Whoopi Goldberg. The story centers around students involved in the Soweto Riots, protesting against the implementation of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in schools during the apartheid era in South Africa.
The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. It was screened out of competition at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The movie explores themes of activism, oppression, and the power of music and dance as forms of resistance.
“Sarafina!” had some graphic scenes removed in the United States to avoid a more restrictive rating. The original Broadway production of “Sarafina!” opened in 1988 and was nominated for the Tony Awards for Best Musical and Score.
The film is known for its powerful performances, particularly by Leleti Khumalo in the title role, and its impactful portrayal of the struggles faced by black South Africans during apartheid.
