Inspired by the long-running British documentary Up series by filmmaker Michael Apted, 21 Up South Africa: Mandela's Children focuses on 14 young South Africans who have been interviewed every seven years, starting at the age of seven. Now 21, the subjects—some black, some white, some mixed-race (or “colored,” in South African legal terminology)—have witnessed significant social changes since childhood: not surprisingly, the end of apartheid and other sweeping developments (since the series commenced in 1992) are uppermost in their minds. The interviewees combine comments about general progress in their nation coupled with how change has affected each personally. The integration of schools and sports teams, for instance, has had a positive impact on some of the subjects, but others are simply too busy at 21 to think of anything except supporting their families, trying to stay safe from random violence, choosing good neighborhoods, and maintaining hopes of a better life and maybe even marriage down the line. While not nearly as powerful as Apted's original series, filmmaker Angus Gibson's 21 Up South Africa does shed light on a rising generation's sense of the possible (and impossible) in a developing country that has seen much suffering. DVD extras include a photo gallery and filmmaker bio. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
21 Up South Africa: Mandela's Children
(2006) 70 min. DVD: $24.95. First Run Features (avail. from most distributors). Volume 23, Issue 5
21 Up South Africa: Mandela's Children
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