In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid Poster

In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid 1994

114 min📅 1994-02-18

"Exploring the jungle of cinema's South Africa"

Step into the complex and often controversial world of South African cinema with *In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid (1994)*, a revealing documentary that dissects the film industry's entangled relationship with apartheid.

Director: Peter Davis

Cast

Erica Rutherford
Erica Rutherford
Self
Richard Attenborough
Richard Attenborough
Self
Bono
Bono
Self (archive footage)
André P. Brink
André P. Brink
Self
Ross Devenish
Self
Athol Fugard
Athol Fugard
Self (archive footage)
John Kani
John Kani
Self
Arthur Maimane
Self
D.F. Malan
Self (archive footage)
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Self (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid (1994) about?

This documentary delves into the South African film industry's tangled history with apartheid, examining how movies both mirrored and challenged the oppressive regime. Through interviews and archival material, it uncovers the ethical dilemmas faced by filmmakers during a time of deep societal division.

Who directed In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid?

The film was directed by Peter Davis, a filmmaker known for his incisive documentaries that tackle social and political issues.

Who stars in In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid?

The documentary features prominent voices such as Richard Attenborough, Bono, André P. Brink, Athol Fugard, and Erica Rutherford, each offering unique insights into the era.

Is In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid (1994) worth watching?

As a documentary that blends historical depth with personal narratives, it offers a rare glimpse into how cinema intersected with apartheid. While unrated, its thematic richness and cultural significance make it compelling for history and film buffs alike.

How long is In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid?

The film has a runtime of 114 minutes.

About In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid (1994) — How Films Reflected Apartheid's Shadows

Step into the complex and often controversial world of South African cinema with *In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid (1994)*, a revealing documentary that dissects the film industry's entangled relationship with apartheid. Directed by Peter Davis, this probing film examines how movies both reflected and reinforced the oppressive political system of 20th-century South Africa. Through interviews with artists like Athol Fugard and literary figures like André P. Brink, alongside iconic figures such as Richard Attenborough and Bono, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of an era when cinema became both a tool of propaganda and a voice of resistance. The atmosphere is one of restless reflection, blending archival footage with raw personal testimonies to uncover the uneasy role that art played in a deeply divided society.

With a runtime of 114 minutes, *In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid* is more than a historical account—it's a cinematic autopsy of an industry caught between complicity and conscience. Through Erica Rutherford's sharp narrative lens, the film interrogates the ethical dilemmas faced by filmmakers, actors, and creators navigating censorship, exile, and moral ambiguity. It's a compelling exploration of how storytelling shapes—or is shaped by—societal forces, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in the intersection of politics and art.