Mapantsula

During demonstrations in apartheid-era South Africa, the police arrest Panic, a mapantsula or petty gangster, while rounding up activists. Previously interested only in pursuing the high life, Panic has to choose between his personal freedom and taking a stand in the fight against the oppressive government. Written by director Oliver Schmitz and lead actor Thomas Mogotlane, Mapantsula was made while evading the local authorities and banned in its homeland. Screened at Cannes and selected as the South African entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars, the film is now considered one of the most influential African motion pictures of all time. Restored in 4K from the original 35mm negative by Film Movement.