Independent Lens Season 13 Episode 8 Have You Heard from Johannesburg? Road to Resistance

Have You Heard from Johannesburg? Road to Resistance is the eighth episode of season 13 of Independent Lens, a documentary series that features films made by independent filmmakers. This episode takes a closer look at the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the people who fought against it.

The episode tells the story of the early stages of the struggle against apartheid, which saw activists and anti-apartheid groups organizing themselves for a long and challenging fight. Viewers will get to see the important role that music and the arts played in this resistance movement. In particular, they will learn about the work of some of the most celebrated musicians and artists who put their talents to work for the cause. Through interviews with activists and historians, viewers will discover the significance of these artists' contributions to the movement.

One of the most interesting parts of this episode is the depiction of the network of international support that the anti-apartheid movement enjoyed. Viewers will learn about the various activists and leaders of other countries who rallied behind the South African cause and acted as catalysts for change. Through their stories, viewers will get a sense of the global impact of the resistance movement, and how it contributed to changing attitudes and policies towards South Africa.

As the episode progresses, it highlights some of the key moments in the struggle against apartheid, such as the Sharpeville massacre, which saw police open fire on a group of protesters, killing dozens of people. Viewers will see how this and other violent incidents only served to amplify the voices of those advocating for change. Ultimately, it was this perseverance that led to the eventual dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.

Throughout the episode, viewers will get a sense of the many challenges that those involved in the anti-apartheid movement faced. In particular, the show highlights the role of women in the movement and the ways in which they are often overlooked in the narrative of this period of South African history. Viewers will learn about the work of activists like Ruth First and Helen Joseph and how they fought against sexism and gender inequality in their struggle for democracy and freedom.

Overall, Have You Heard from Johannesburg? Road to Resistance is a deeply moving and informative episode of Independent Lens. It highlights the important work of those who sacrificed so much in the fight against apartheid, and shows how their contributions helped pave the way for a better South Africa. By blending together interviews, archival footage, and footage from contemporary South Africa, the documentary provides a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of this momentous period of history. For anyone interested in understanding the complicated and inspiring story of the anti-apartheid movement, this episode is a must-watch.