Behind the Lines 1971
Behind the Lines (1971) offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in African history, chronicling the resistance against Portuguese colonial rule in Mozambique.
Director: Margaret Dickinson
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Behind the Lines (1971) about?
Behind the Lines (1971) is a documentary exploring the Mozambican struggle against Portuguese colonial rule, focusing specifically on how civilian communities organized life in liberated areas of Niassa during the independence movement.
Who directed Behind the Lines?
The documentary was directed by Margaret Dickinson, who brought her filmmaking eye to this important chronicle of African anti-colonial resistance.
Who stars in Behind the Lines?
The cast information for Behind the Lines is not available, as this documentary focuses on real people and events rather than professional actors.
Is Behind the Lines (1971) worth watching?
For viewers interested in African history, anti-colonial struggles, or documentary filmmaking, Behind the Lines (1971) offers significant historical value despite its short runtime. As an unrated documentary supported by FRELIMO, it provides authentic perspectives on Mozambique's path to independence that are rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
How long is Behind the Lines?
Behind the Lines has a runtime of 53 minutes.
About Behind the Lines (1971) — Documentary Chronicles Mozambique's Liberation Struggle
Behind the Lines (1971) offers a compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in African history, chronicling the resistance against Portuguese colonial rule in Mozambique. This powerful documentary, directed by Margaret Dickinson, takes viewers into the liberated zones of Niassa where communities forged new ways of life beyond the reach of colonial oppression. The film captures the resilience and determination of ordinary people as they built alternative social structures while fighting for independence.
Shot on location in 1970 with the support of FRELIMO, the Mozambican liberation movement, this 53-minute documentary presents authentic footage of civilian life in areas freed from colonial control. Dickinson's lens focuses on the human stories behind the political struggle, revealing how communities organized themselves politically, socially, and economically during this transformative period. The atmosphere is both tense and hopeful, reflecting the complex realities of anti-colonial resistance.
As a historical document, Behind the Lines provides valuable insight into the grassroots movements that shaped modern Mozambique. The film serves as both witness and testament to the courage of those who dared to imagine freedom while living through its daily realities. Its themes of resistance, community building, and liberation continue to resonate decades later.