MTV Africa premieres thought-provoking and unapologetically black documentary
JOBURG – The People vs The People highlights the internalised conflicts within the black community.
In celebration of Mandela Day, MTV Africa is set to bring the third instalment of The People versus… series to the public at selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas around South Africa. Titled The People vs The People, the doccie premiered on 11 July at Newtown Junction’s Ster-Kinekor and centres on black love.
The trilogy debuted in 2016 with The People vs The Rainbow Nation, a doccie film that examined the country’s black youth’s continued struggle to access education which resulted in widespread #FeesMustFall protests. In 2017, the second thought-provoking instalment, The People vs Patriarchy highlighted the epidemic of violence against women which sparked the controversial hashtag #MenAreTrash.
“Collaborating with young film makers and producers to tell an authentic African narrative is a triumph for MTV Africa as we are a brand that is about engaging the youth in a robust conversation while delivering innovative content in our market. As a brand, we are continuously tapping into youth culture and global movements that inspire positive action by providing relevant content that resonates and entertains young people across the continent,” said Monde Twala, vice president for Youth, Music and BET for Viacom International Media Networks Africa (VIMN Africa).
The third instalment centres on black love and is once again directed by Lebogang Rasethaba of Arcade Films. It features diverse youths from different backgrounds who tackle conversations on internalised oppression, self-worth, capitalism, mental health and more. The film features cameos by South African influencers Skhothane fashion maven Material Don Dada, controversial dancer Zodwa Wabantu and actress Thalitha Ndima.
“The aim of the film is to highlight the internalised conflicts that exist within us which happens to be a product of systemic racism, patriarchy and a classist capitalist system. This doccie looks at how these inner conflicts exist because of the absence of a deep sense of self-worth and a lack of in-depth understanding of the spectrum of black love,” said Rasethaba.
The People vs The People will be screened across selected Ster-Kinekor cinemas namely: Sterland Mall in Tshwane, Maponya Mall in Soweto, Gateway Mall in Durban and Ilanga Mall in Nelspruit from 18–20 July 2019. It will premiere on MTV Africa (DStv channel 130) on Saturday, 3 August at 8.30pm.
