Watch Zulu Summer

Zulu Summer (2019) is a fascinating documentary directed by Joseph Litzinger that follows Prince Sboniso Zulu, a descendent of the famous Zulu warriors, as he explores his cultural roots while participating in a motorcycle charity ride through South Africa. The film begins with Prince Sboniso Zulu, an accomplished motorcycle racer and businessman, traveling from his home in the United States to South Africa to participate in the annual Ride for Hope charity event. The ride raises money for various causes in the country, including education and AIDS awareness. Zulu tells the camera how the ride is personal for him as he hopes to use his journey to connect with his heritage and learn more about the Zulu people.

As Zulu begins his journey, we are introduced to some of the other riders in the group, including Clark Grant, the founder of the Ride for Hope and a former professional Motocross rider from Canada, and Dark Sevier, an American journalist and documentary filmmaker who joins the ride to document Zulu's journey.

As they travel through various regions of South Africa, Zulu shares his family's history with the camera, explaining how his ancestors were part of the famous Zulu warriors who fought against British colonialism in the late 1800s. He expresses a deep pride in his cultural heritage and a desire to connect with his ancestors.

Throughout the ride, Zulu also visits various communities and schools, where he meets with children and shares his passion for motorcycle racing. We see him giving talks to young kids about the importance of education and encourages them to follow their dreams. It becomes clear that Zulu is not just on a personal journey, but he is using his fame and influence to bring attention to social issues in South Africa.

The cinematography in Zulu Summer is breathtaking, with sweeping shots of the South African countryside, and intimate shots of the riders interacting with local communities. The film does an excellent job of capturing the beauty and diversity of the country, while also highlighting the social issues facing many of its citizens.

One of the most impactful scenes in the movie comes when the riders visit the region of KwaNongoma, the birthplace of the Zulu Kingdom. Here, Zulu is welcomed warmly by a group of traditional healers who perform a ceremony to welcome him back to his ancestral land. Zulu is moved to tears during the ceremony, and we see how much this journey means to him.

Overall, Zulu Summer is a touching and inspiring documentary that explores the power of cultural heritage, and the importance of using one's platform to give back to society. Prince Sboniso Zulu is a charismatic and engaging subject, and his passion for his heritage is infectious. Director Joseph Litzinger does an excellent job of capturing his journey and the stunning beauty of South Africa. This is a must-see movie for anyone interested in African culture, social issues, or motorcycles.

Zulu Summer is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.