Weighing... and Wanting 1998
William Kentridge's *Weighing... and Wanting* (1998) is a six-minute animated film that draws a striking parallel between the biblical story of Daniel and Belshazzar and post-apartheid South Africa.
Director: William Kentridge
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Weighing... and Wanting (1998) about?
This six-minute animated film reimagines the biblical story of Daniel and Belshazzar as a lens for examining post-apartheid South Africa. Kentridge uses stark imagery to contrast oppression and liberation, framing the film around themes of accountability and forgotten histories.
Who directed Weighing... and Wanting?
Director information is not available.
Who stars in Weighing... and Wanting?
Cast details for *Weighing... and Wanting* (1998) are not listed.
Is Weighing... and Wanting (1998) worth watching?
As a six-minute experimental animation, *Weighing... and Wanting* offers a dense, thought-provoking experience for fans of avant-garde cinema. While its runtime is brief, Kentridge's visual storytelling and thematic depth make it a compelling watch for those interested in political allegory and art-house animation.
How long is Weighing... and Wanting?
The film runs for 6 minutes.
About Weighing... and Wanting (1998) — A Powerful Animated Short on South Africa's Legacy
William Kentridge's *Weighing... and Wanting* (1998) is a six-minute animated film that draws a striking parallel between the biblical story of Daniel and Belshazzar and post-apartheid South Africa. The film's haunting visuals and layered symbolism explore the lingering scars of oppression, where a once-dominant power's fall reveals the fragile balance between justice and vengeance. Kentridge's signature charcoal-drawn animation lends the short a raw, almost tactile quality, immersing viewers in a world where history's weight feels both ancient and immediate.
Set in a landscape scarred by systemic injustice, *Weighing... and Wanting* captures the tension of a society transitioning from tyranny to uncertain freedom. The director's evocative use of imagery—where scales, hands, and erased lines become metaphors for reckoning—transforms a historical tale into a meditation on memory and moral accountability. For fans of experimental animation and thought-provoking cinema, this 1998 gem offers a profound, visually arresting experience.