Ep 11. The 16th Man (Cliff Bestall, Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman)

The 16th Man is the eleventh episode of the first season of the acclaimed sports documentary series, 30 For 30. This episode is directed by Clifford Bestall and produced by Lori McCreary and Morgan Freeman. The documentary tells the story of how the 1995 South African rugby team, also known as the Springboks, became a symbol of hope and unity for a divided nation.

In post-apartheid South Africa, the country was still reeling from racial tensions and discrimination. The rugby team, which was predominantly white and had previously been associated with the oppressive regime, was not popular among black South Africans. However, when the country was chosen to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Nelson Mandela, the newly elected president, saw an opportunity to use the sport to bring the country together.

The documentary features interviews with key figures at the time, including Mandela himself, as well as members of the Springboks and their opponents in the World Cup. The filmmakers use archive footage to show the dramatic ups and downs of the tournament, including the Springboks' victory over New Zealand in the final.

The episode is divided into three parts. The first focuses on the history of apartheid in South Africa and the role of rugby in creating division between different communities. The filmmakers explore how black South Africans saw the sport as a reminder of the years of oppression they had faced.

The second part of the documentary looks at how Mandela saw the World Cup as an opportunity to bring the country together. Mandela believed that if the Springboks could win the tournament, it would be a symbol of unity and reconciliation for all South Africans, regardless of their race.

The final part of the episode covers the World Cup itself, showing the highs and lows of the tournament from the Springboks' perspective. The filmmakers use footage from the games to show the tense matches that led up to the final. They also highlight the pivotal role played by the team's captain, Francois Pienaar, in bringing the players together and inspiring them to victory.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers explore the powerful symbolism of the Springboks' victory. They show how the team's success helped to unite the country and bring hope to a nation torn apart by years of racism and inequality. They also talk to members of the Springboks team about the impact the tournament had on their lives and how it changed their perception of their country and their role within it.

Overall, The 16th Man is a powerful and emotional documentary that tells the inspiring story of how sport can bring people together and promote unity and hope in even the most divided societies. The episode is a must-see for fans of sports documentaries and anyone interested in the history of South Africa and the struggle against apartheid.