Cinema
Place of Weeping
Darrell Roodt · 1986
Synopsis
On a South African farm, a Black labourer who complained about his wages is beaten to death by his employer, a white farmer. The other workers, who fear for their jobs, stay silent, but Gracie, a domestic servant on the farm, refuses to let the murder go unspoken. Philip Seago, a white journalist, joins her, and the two come up against a power that protects the farmer, while rebels hidden in the hills prepare their own revenge. Gracie, for her part, holds on to the hope of a justice without violence.
Context
The first feature film by its director, who wrote the screenplay, the film was produced by Anant Singh, who also handled its foreign sales; the photography is by Paul Witte. The actress and storyteller Gcina Mhlophe plays the role of Gracie, opposite James Whyle. The film is regarded as one of the first feature films against apartheid shot in the country itself. It was released in the United States on 5 December 1986, where the New York Times reviewed it, and was released on video the following year.
Who it is for
An 88-minute drama shot in South Africa with local actors; it can be followed without knowing anything of the history of apartheid.
Prizes and reception
Video Librarian found it powerful and recommended it in 1987; Martin Botha, more severe, sees it as a film let down by the acting.
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