Amazing South African Film: “Nothing but the Truth”

Recently, I stumbled across the South African film “Nothing but the Truth” at The African Diaspora Film Festival, and the 2009 movie is everything that is right and exciting about independent film. Check it out on Amazon.

Nothing but the Truth is written, directed, and starring the legendary South African Actor and freedom fighter John Kani, and Kani’s fingerprints are all over it throughout. The subject matter addresses apartheid from an interesting angle that many outsiders like myself may not have considered. While some view apartheid as something that ended in 1994, Kani analyzes the long-lasting effects that it has had on the South African people, specifically the dynamic of those who stayed in the country, vs those who were exiled.

John Kani plays Sipho, a librarian who is struggling to advance, even though apartheid is technically over, and blacks are in power. For most of his life, Sipho lived in the shadow of his brother, a popular freedom fighter who was exiled to London. With his brother now dead, Sipho is tasked with making arrangements for his funeral.

Even in death, Sipho's brother is met with fanfare and adoration by the local people, while Sipho receives little to no acknowledgment for his contributions to society. Throughout the film, we learn more about the brotherly dynamic, and the sociopolitical climate of South Africa at the time.

While the premise focuses on South Africa, “Nothing but the Truth” has a universal quality to it that can even be applied to the Jim Crow South and the great migration. When oppressive systems are "ended", the oppressed people still have to deal with the undercurrent of tension and the subtle lines that were drawn in the sand amongst themselves. John Kani really highlights these elements perfectly.

The script is absolutely dynamic. After looking further into the project, it makes sense that "Nothing but the Truth" was birthed from a play by Kani. I must say, visually, the film leaves more to be desired, and at times, the film itself does feel like a stage play -- long scenes with dialogue heavy interactions. Still, the dynamic story, and interesting characters propel this film nonetheless. 

For those looking for a heartfelt story that investigates an important element of apartheid, check this South African film out! 

While you're at it, don't forget to check our film out on Amazon too.