THE INTERVIEW: Why a British documentary filmmaker turned his lens to SA’s protest legacy
Shoot the People examines global protest movements as a force for social change. By including two present-day South African protests, the documentary captures the country’s intergenerational spirit of activism. Daily Maverick spoke to director Andy Mundy-Castle about his experience documenting these social movements.
Documentary filmmaker Andy Mundy-Castle explores South Africa's protest legacy in his film "Shoot the People." He emphasizes that South Africa is a unique country where protest is deeply embedded in society. Mundy-Castle visited the nation frequently as a child, which cultivated his awareness of social and political dynamics. One vivid memory was witnessing inequality in Hout Bay, where a highway divided people based on class.
As a documentary filmmaker, Mundy-Castle sees his work as a duty to preserve stories and highlight marginalized voices. He approaches sensitive subjects, such as protest movements, with integrity and care, particularly when documenting issues in another nation. In the film, two protests in South Africa stand out: a pro-Palestine march at the University of Johannesburg and a reparations demand led by senior citizens at the Constitutional Court.
The older activists exemplify the country's resistance through protest, demonstrating both the culture of dance and song during demonstrations. Meanwhile, younger protesters, descendants of those who fought for change, continue to show up and advocate for their cause. These intergenerational connections reveal how deeply ingrained protest is in South African culture.
Anti-apartheid photographer Peter Magubane, an inspiration to Harriman, once said, "A struggle without documentation is no struggle at all." Mundy-Castle echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that documenting protest is crucial to understanding the roots of current privileges and rights. The archival footage incorporated into the documentary serves as a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
Ultimately, Mundy-Castle hopes the film will inspire viewers to become active participants in creating a better future for all.
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