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Life is Wonderful

When Denis Goldberg, then 33, was sentenced in 1964 to life imprisonment along with Nelson Mandela and others for seeking to forcibly overthrow South Africa’s apartheid government, he shouted “Life is Wonderful.” Goldberg, the only White convicted in the historic Rivonia trial, retained his optimistic outlook. Interviewed towards the end of his life, he expressed no regrets. His sentiment is echoed by two of his ageing co-defendants, Andrew Mhlangeni and Ahmed Kathrada. Interviews with the then surviving members of the Rivonia trial’s legal team, including Joel Joffe and George Bizos, capture the challenges they faced in balancing political and legal considerations. Archival footage gives historic context to this moving tribute to courage and commitment.

Director & Narrator

Sir Nick Stadlen

Producers

Jonathan Stadlen, Pat Doyle

Cast

Jonathan Stadlen, Nick Stadlen, Pat Doyle, James Callum

Studio

Knickerbockerglory

Q&A

Meredith Burgmann is former President of the NSW Legislative Council and co-convenor of the Anti-Apartheid Movement’s ‘Stop the Tours’ campaign in the early seventies. She and Sir Nick Stadlen, Former High Court Judge, share many memories as Nick speaks to his profound motivation in shaping up this beautifully crafted documentary about his good friend Denis Goldberg (passed away 2020).

Young South Africans from all walks of life begin their student experience at the elite University of Stellenbosch. Within the walls of a prestigious student residence called “Eendrag“, the newcomers are confronted with colonial structures. They try to navigate between personal growth, cultural differences and a past that has not been forgotten.

Feature

My F*k, Marelize!

My F*k, Marelize! tells the story of Heidi, a strong-willed woman who hides her cancer from her family, and Marelize, her ill-fated daughter who must learn how to ride a bike so she can become an au pair in the Netherlands. What could go wrong? Based on a true story that inspired a nation.

Short

Squashbox

SQUASHBOX is a short poetic documentary that tells the story of the history, meeting, and work of Qadasi & Maqhinga, a SAMA (South African Music Award) Award-winning South African maskandi duo.

Doco

Normal To Me

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Short

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