In Darkest Hollywood: Cinema and Apartheid

Almost from the beginning of cinema, filmmakers have looked at the continent of Africa with a mixture of fear and fascination, prejudice and contempt. South Africa, with its fabulous mineral wealth, exotic locations, and white settlers, attracted scores of movie makers. Now, when the era of white rule has ended, “In Darkest Hollywood” asks: what was the role of cinema during the 45 year reign of apartheid?
Through a mosaic of feature, documentary, and propaganda films, with commentary by writers, directors, and actors, some of whom supported apartheid, and others who fought to destroy it, “In Darkest Hollywood” turns the lens towards the filmmakers and the society they so often misunderstood and misrepresented.
This two-part series examines the role of cinema in both supporting and attacking apartheid. It questions Hollywood’s commitment to racial stereotypes and reluctance to depict black heroes.