Ep 9. Winnie

Winnie is an episode from season 19 of Independent Lens, a documentary series that showcases independent films. This particular episode is a tribute to Winnie Mandela, the former wife of Nelson Mandela, who rose to prominence as a leading figure in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

The episode delves into Winnie's life, starting from her humble beginnings in a rural village in the Eastern Cape, where she spent her early years caring for her siblings and helping her mother with domestic chores. She later became a social worker, working in Soweto, one of the largest townships in South Africa at the time. It was there that she met and fell in love with Nelson Mandela, who was then an up-and-coming lawyer and activist.

Winnie and Nelson were married in 1958, and their union led to Winnie becoming even more involved in the anti-apartheid struggle. She was a fearless and tireless campaigner, advocating for the rights of black South Africans and fighting against the brutal regime of apartheid. However, her activism came at a cost, as she endured years of imprisonment, torture, and harassment by the apartheid government.

The episode also explores the tensions between Winnie and Nelson during their marriage, as well as Winnie's controversial actions during the later years of the anti-apartheid struggle. Her controversial statements and actions, such as her infamous "necklacing" speech, led to her being ostracized by many in the anti-apartheid movement, and ultimately, her political career came to an end.

Despite her fall from grace in the political arena, Winnie remained a beloved figure in South Africa, especially among the black population, who admired her for her courage and tenacity. The episode includes interviews with Winnie's family, friends, and former colleagues, as well as a wealth of archival footage that provides a window into a pivotal period in South Africa's history.

Overall, Winnie is a hauntingly beautiful tribute to a complex and charismatic figure, whose life and legacy continue to resonate in South Africa and beyond. It is a powerful meditation on the costs of political activism, as well as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.