Germany, South Africa, Finland 2011, 58/90 min, HDA Starhaus Production
by Mika Kaurismäki
Mama Africa
The legendary biopic of Miriam Makeba: the South African singer and anti-apartheid activist was the voice and the hope of Africa.Miriam Makeba traveled with her powerful music around the world to spread her political message against racism and poverty and for equality and peace. Mama Africa is the homage to this extraordinary and impressive artist who died in 2008.
Miriam Makeba was the first African musician to become a true international star. Her music influenced artists across the globe but always remained true to her South African roots with its message against racism and poverty.
Miriam Makeba was forced into a life in exile, after starring in the 1959 documentary film COME BACK AFRICA which exposed the harsh realities of apartheid. She sang for John F. Kennedy and Marlon Brando, performed with Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone and Dizzie Gillespie, was married to Hugh Masekela and also the radical Black Panther, Stokely Carmichael. Her life was tumultuous and always fascinating. Makeba stood for truth and justice, fought for the oppressed and campaigned tirelessly against Apartheid.
Miriam Makeba collapsed after leaving the stage at a concert in the Southern Italian town of Castel Volturno in November 2008. She was 76 years old.
This documentary, directed by Mika Kaurismäki, traces her life and music through more than fifty years of performing. Using rare archive footage of her performances, interviews and intimate scenes filmed over the years, we are shown a unique person, a world icon. Friends and colleagues, some who knew her since she started performing in the dance halls of South Africa (remember “Pata Pata”), together with her grandchildren Zenzi Monique Lee and Nelson Lumumba Lee, allow us to know the remarkable journey of Miriam Makeba, “Mama Africa”.
Berlinale (World Premiere, Audience Award), Edinburgh, HotDocs, IDFA, Jerusalem, Rio de Janeiro, Sheffield, Sydney, Talinn Black Nights, Tribeca, Vancouver