Perceptions of South Africa through Film

Popular films have great influence over the culture of today, and often deal with issues of current world importance. During the time of apartheid in South Africa, many films were made to educate the Western world about this atrocity. Filmmakers tended to have an ambitious agenda, but it is often unclear as to the extent of their success in furthering anti-apartheid sentiment in the Western world. For this study, students at Wittenberg University (Springfield, Ohio, USA) viewed one of three films portraying some aspect of the period of apartheid in South Africa, and then completed a survey to demonstrate their opinions and knowledge about the apartheid struggle. Analyzing these results showed how the filmmakers were successful in showing the enormity of the problem of apartheid, and should be useful to academics in the fields of Africana Studies, History, and Political Science, as well as professionals employed in the film industry who are seeking to use film as a platform for change.

Autorentext

Sarah E. Yehle, BA: Specialized in Africana Studies, French, and Political Science at Wittenberg University.