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I suppose it was only a matter of time...
Alan
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Robert John


Joined: 31 Aug 2005
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I suppose it is a sign of the times --- the worlds in a bit of a mess these days I,m afraid !!

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R J Jones
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John Young


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
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Last August in Brecon, I had the good fortune to see a screening of Zulu Dawn. The audience were predominantly Zulu no-one was complaining there!

JY
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Colin
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John Y

Interesting you should say ZULU DAWN not ZULU. Were there no opinions on the latter film and these sort of criticisms ?
Phil Read


Joined: 07 Oct 2005
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Location: Epsom, Surrey.
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If 'factual inaccuracies' were a reason not to show a war film, there would be precious few showing. As for the perceived racism, I can only imagine that they haven't actually seen the film.
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John Young


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Colin,

The subject of the film Zulu never came up, but when you are sitting there sharing your wine gums with a direct descendant of King Cetshwayo some things are best unsaid.

JY
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John Young


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Phil,

I hope that they are not screening U-571 if that�s the criteria!

JY
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Alan
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A voice of common sense
Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
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It appears that the anti-Zulu sentiment is an attempt to impose the ideology of certain sector of our society, not on the film but on its portrayal of an event which took place in a period they feel is shameful for us all.

Of course they are entitled to their opinion but I hope they realise that because they feel it, the whole world is not necessarily in agreement.

This is the speech that Mangosuthu Buthelezi gave when he was honoured with an award at the inaugural Simon �Mabhunu� Sabela Film Awards in 2013. The awards are given by the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission set up by the KZN Economic Development and Tourism Department.

SIMON MABHUNU SABELA FILM AWARDS
�CELEBRATING PIONEERS, LEGENDS AND VETERANS OF South Africa�S FILM INDUSTRY�
REMARKS BY
PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban
20 July 2013

I was somehow surprised when I received news from the MEC (for Economic Development and Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal, Michael Mabuyakhulu) that I had been nominated to receive the inaugural Simon �Mabhunu� Sabela Film Award. I don�t consider myself a film star.
Yet I did have the privilege of working with Simon Sabela when we acted together in the 1964 film Zulu, where Simon was one of the stuntmen. We also acted together in Tokoloshe. I subsequently worked on the BBC documentary As Thick As Grass, which recounted the Battle of Isandlwana. But my friendship with Simon was firmly cemented with that first film, Zulu. We spent many happy moments at the foot of the Drakensberg, which was the set of the film.
I therefore dedicate this award to that epic production, which became a milestone vent, not only in cinematic history, but within the Zulu nation.
The film Zulu recounts the battle of Rorke�s Drift, immediately after the Zulu regiments defeated the Her Majesty Queen Victoria�s army on the 22nd of January 1879. The success of Zulu was due in large part to director Cy Endfield�s determination to accurately portray the pathos of the battlefield. To do this, he enlisted the help of thousands upon thousands of Zulu men who became extras.
It was remarkable at the time to engage so many extras. But what was more remarkable was that they were not emotionally removed from the work. Indeed, these men found themselves re-enacting the deeds of their own grandfathers. Somehow this drew the audience into what was, in the end, a very human experience.
The memories evoked by the film were recent in our national consciousness. They were part of the cultural narrative we grew up with and part of what shaped us as a nation.
It was therefore incomprehensible when a year after it release, Zulu was give a �D� certificate by censors in South Africa, effectively barring black South Africans from watching the film. Particularly so when one considers that, decades later, Empire magazine listed Zulu as one of the 500 greatest films. I was glad that a special arrangement was made to at least screen it for the thousands of extras, in places like Mahlabathini, Nongoma and Durban.
My portrayal of King Cetshwayo, my maternal great-grandfather, was not only a privilege, but almost inevitable once the idea was conceived. Cy Endfield and Sir Stanley Baker came to see me at KwaPhindangene to request my assistance in enlisting the thousands of extras for the Zulu regiments. They had already cast Mr Hubert Sishi, an announcer from Radio Zulu, for the part of King Cetshwayo. But when Enfield saw me, he was struck by the family resemblance, and persuaded me to play the role myself.
In a later production, titled Zulu Dawn, Simon Sabela played this role, and I admired the way he captured the dignity of the King. Simon was a truly gifted artist and his premature death somehow robbed the South African film industry. It certainly robbed us, his friends.
Aside from meeting Simon, Zulu gave me the opportunity to meet Jack Hawkins and Sir Stanley Baker, who was the star and co-producer. We too enjoyed a long friendship afterwards. I also had the privilege of debuting with Sir Michael Caine. We began our acting careers together. But while he went on to fame and glory, history and birth called me to the less acclaimed path of politics.
Three years ago, more than four decades since the making of Zulu, I was contacted by the London Film Museum which was organizing an exhibition of memorabilia, photographs, storyboards and costumes. International interest in the film, and in our nation�s history, was reignited.
It is wonderful to see the pioneers, legends and veterans of South Africa�s film industry celebrated. Since my appearance on the silver screen, there have been many internationally acclaimed South African productions, and South African actors and actresses have become significant players on the world stage.
I am grateful to have been part of this story. I accept this award with real excitement for what is still to come in the South African film industry.
In memory of one of the greats, Simon �Mabhunu� Sabela, I thank you.

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Phil Read


Joined: 07 Oct 2005
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There are several letters in today's Daily Mail, including one from Jan Prebble, John's widow, on the above subject.

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AMB


Joined: 07 Oct 2005
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I am expecting Spartacus to be soon banned. And the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire will soon be withdrawn from all decent bookshops.

AMB
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I suppose it was only a matter of time...
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