Watch Meanwhile in Mamelodi

Meanwhile in Mamelodi is a South African documentary film directed by Benjamin Kahlmeyer that premiered at the Durban International Film Festival in 2011. The film is a powerful snapshot of the everyday lives of people living in the vast township of Mamelodi outside of Pretoria, one of the largest in South Africa, which is home to tens of thousands of people.

The film follows the stories of a number of individuals and families living in Mamelodi over the course of a few months, including a young boy who dreams of becoming a soccer player, a young couple struggling with unemployment and poverty, an elderly woman whose home is repeatedly flooded during the rainy season, and a community activist fighting for better living conditions and social justice.

One of the film's strengths is its ability to capture the raw emotions of its subjects without sensationalizing their hardships or depicting them as helpless victims. Instead, the film offers an intimate and empathetic portrait of people who are struggling but also working hard to improve their lives and their community.

Through the stories of its subjects, Meanwhile in Mamelodi touches on a number of important themes and issues facing many people living in townships across South Africa, including poverty, unemployment, crime, corruption, and the legacy of apartheid. At the same time, the film reveals a rich and vibrant culture in Mamelodi, full of music, dance, and community spirit.

One of the most memorable characters in the film is a young boy named Madiba, who dreams of becoming a soccer player and playing for the local team, Mamelodi Sundowns. We see Madiba practicing his soccer skills on the dusty fields of the township and watching his heroes on television, but we also see the challenges he faces in pursuing his dreams, including the lack of resources and opportunities available to him.

Another poignant story is that of a young couple, Thabo and Mapule, who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of unemployment and poverty. We see them navigating the challenges of daily life, from cooking meals on a small stove to dealing with the harassment of street vendors. Yet despite their hardships, Thabo and Mapule remain optimistic and supportive of each other.

The film also highlights the struggles of an elderly woman named Paulina, whose home is repeatedly flooded during the rainy season due to poor drainage in the township. We see her trying to salvage her belongings and repair her home, but also struggling with the emotional toll of the constant flooding.

Throughout the film, we also meet a number of community activists and leaders who are fighting for better living conditions and social justice in Mamelodi. These include a local radio DJ who uses his platform to raise awareness about issues affecting the township, and an activist who is organizing a protest against a corrupt local official.

Overall, Meanwhile in Mamelodi is a powerful and moving documentary that offers a glimpse into the lives of people living in a township outside of Pretoria. Through its intimate and empathetic portraits of its subjects, the film sheds light on important social and economic issues facing many South Africans today, while also celebrating the resilience and spirit of its characters.

Meanwhile in Mamelodi is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.