One Humanity tells the story of how the world came to focus on the ending of the apartheid regime in South Africa, and the role played in this by two international broadcasts based on two star-studded concerts held at Wembley Stadium in London. Both events were broadcast by the BBC, despite fierce governmental opposition, protests in the House of Commons, threats of legal action and the assertion of Margaret Thatcher, who was then prime minister, that the ANC was a terrorist group and that Nelson Mandela should remain in prison. The two events were both held in his name; the first in 1988 whilst he was still serving his sentence on Robben Island, the second in 1990, two months after his release.
Clocking in at just under two hours, the feature-length documentary is well worth the time it takes to watch, providing a fresh angle on the blood-tainted pages of South Africa's history and Mandela's symbolic incarceration. It features spectacular concert performances, behind-the-scenes clips, exclusive interviews and contemporary news footage relaying the political pressures, the South African uprising, the disparate Western reactions, the controversies surrounding both the concerts and the growing strength of the anti-apartheid movement.
It also provides an enlightening insight into Great Britain's majoritarian reaction to the horrors of a country disassociated from theirs, despite Thatcher's oppressive thumb. The documentary is a celebration of humanity's unifying spirit, of what one man's vision is capable of on an internationally-wide level when supported by the right hands. Focussing on producer Tony Hollingsworth's unique vision, we see that by using music as a positive driver for change, he helped to tip the anti-apartheid movement into mainstream media. Two years later the world witnessed the release of Mandela from prison and saw the Wembley audience stand tall in his presence only two months after he had again savoured the sweet taste of freedom. The broadcast reached a grand total of 600 million people across 100 countries, proving itself a true testament to humanity.
Although the line-ups included a mind-blowing list of artists such as Annie Lennox, Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Van Zandt, Sting, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, The Manhattan Brothers, Jackson Browne, Natalie Cole, Patti LaBelle, Stetsasonic, Aswad, Sly & Robbie, Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder, the documentary also frames a contrast between the national hype created by the concerts, and the reality of the horrors faced by thousands in South Africa. The film delves into the history of the apartheid system, touching on the South African army's violent retaliation to the anti- apartheid movement by providing real-life clips of the National Party's actions and chilling footage of South Africa's then secretary of information's perverse view on equality. The interviews are laced with examples and clips of the Sharpeville massacre, the New Boycott movement and the signing of the Charter of the United Nations. The concerts' momentum brought the western world one step closer to questioning and defying racial segregation by playing and celebrating songs such as Peter Gabriel's' "Biko", Jerry Dammer's eponymous hit "Free Nelson Mandela", and Sting's "They Dance Alone". We are also blessed to witness the concert stadium reverberating with unified and universal commitment to the cause, following Whoopi Goldberg's political speech (which was edited out of the US broadcast by Fox) and Stevie Wonder's spine-tingling and spontaneous stage appearance, despite his earlier reluctance to appear. But the film does not does not stop to linger on these inspirational performances, which would have hindered its fluidity, but instead gives a comprehensive view on the whole situation at hand. Taking this stand against persecution required effort and determination.
The BBC stuck to its decision to broadcast despite accusations of a possible breach of its Charter. Hollingsworth explains how he refused to cave in to death threats and how he even invested his life savings into the first event, such was his dedication to fighting injustice. By 1990, his work had paid off. Few were the people who remained unperturbed by such unjust violence in South Africa, or unaffected by the stories of Mandela and countless other, or even ignorant of the meaning behind these world-renowned pop hits.
Mandela was released from prison after 27 years of incarceration; the documentary shows footage of him as a free man. Two months later a second concert was being staged, one which consolidated international solidarity. With its reflective tone, the documentary ends on a sobering note, serving as a reminder that the apartheid system had yet to be eradicated. That many of the horrors were still present. One justice, after all, does not eradicate a million injustices.
With its archival news footage, interchanging voice-over narration and uninflected cuts, the documentary provides an unconventional slant on a provocative topic, tucking its assertions neatly into the folds of the film. This is perhaps one of the most significant documentaries of the 20th century, a must-see for older and younger generations alike, if only to witness how international solidarity can bring about positive change.
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