Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba

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Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba
Directed by Mika Kaurismäki

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Saturday, May 12, 3 pm

Sunday, May 13, 3 pm

“Succeeds as a glowing introduction to her life and music.” —André Hereford, Film Journal International

Miriam Makeba was one of the first African musicians who both won international stardom and whose music was always anchored in her traditional South African roots. Miriam Makeba was forced into exile in 1959 when her passport had been cancelled. She sang for John F. Kennedy, performed with Harry Belafonte and Nina Simone, and was married to Hugh Masekela and later Stokely Carmichael.

Throughout her tumultuous life, she always stood for truth and justice. She fought for the oppressed, and most importantly for Black Africans, as a campaigner against apartheid.

Mika Kaurismäki’s documentary traces fifty years of her music and her performing life. Through rare archive footage of her performances and through interviews with her contemporaries we discover the remarkable journey of Miriam Makeba. 2011, South Africa/Germany, video, 90 minutes. Recommended for 12+.