Duluth for Mandela Movie Screening

Duluth for Mandela: A Northland Celebration, a new documentary shot in northern Minnesota, makes its public debut during this event. The film also
will be available for school and organizational presentations.

There are nearly 9,000 miles separating Duluth and South Africa … and yet Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy crosses continents with its message of reconciliation and unity. The movie is based on community events that took place during 2018, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela, the South African liberation leader imprisoned for 27 years for his resistance to the oppressive apartheid system. Mandela went on to become the president of the new multiracial democracy in South Africa and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Duluth for Mandela chronicles the art, music, dance and educational programs in which community members participated — exploring South African history, sampling the country’s cuisine and moving to rhythms of a South African choir. Above all, they absorbed the lessons of reconciliation, inclusion and joy embodied in the person of Nelson Mandela, experiencing inspiration and a global connection through their participation. With grants from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation’s Global Awareness Fund and the Duluth NAACP, Williams and the filmmaking team generated additional footage in the Duluth area, including interviews with local leaders who provided the context for Mandela’s message and its relevance for contemporary times.

The film was produced at the MMAD studio, located on the University of Minnesota-Duluth campus. The result is a film with an upbeat, unifying message for all ages. Pulsating South African music on the soundtrack provides a special African flair.