Tomorrow in the project room at M29:

Film: ‘Miners Shot Down’ (86 minutes, in English)

You are invited to watch a film and take part in a discussion: In August 2012, mineworkers in one of South Africa’s biggest platinum mines began a wildcat strike for better wages. Six days into the strike, the police used live ammunition to brutally suppress it, killing 34 and injuring many more. The police insisted that they shot in self-defense.

MINERS SHOT DOWN tells a different story, one that unfolds in real time over seven days, like a ticking time bomb. The film weaves together the central point of view of three strike leaders, Mambush, Tholakele and Mzoxolo, with compelling police footage, TV archive and interviews with lawyers representing the miners in the ensuing commission of inquiry into the massacre. What emerges is a tragedy that arises out of the deep fault lines in South Africa’s nascent democracy, of enduring poverty and a twenty year old, unfulfilled promise of a better life for all.

A campaigning film, beautifully shot and sensitively told with a haunting soundtrack, MINERS SHOT DOWN reveals how far the African National Congress has strayed from its progressive liberationist roots.

After watching the film there will be time to discuss the film and the issues it raises. Entrance is free.

People will be able to contribute to the ‘Justice campaign’ (see http://www.minersshotdown.co.za/) on the night: half of the money collected will go to the families of the slain miners. The rest will be used to mobilise action around the country.

*Warning this film has scenes that some may find disturbing