Countdown To Freedom, Videovision Entertainment’s ground breaking documentary which was filmed 20 years ago in April 1994 at the personal invitation of then President in Waiting, Nelson Mandela, will be broadcast for the first time on television on Freedom Day, Sunday, 27 April on Mzansi Magic at 16h00.
The film offers a unique insight into the difficult period leading up to the elections in 1994 and chronicles 10 days of tension and euphoria that transformed South Africa in its countdown to the first democratic elections, which saw the entire nation making global history by voting together for the first time.
Countdown To Freedom follows Madiba’s election challenge and goes beneath the surface and behind the scenes to examine how his campaign was run. It covers the campaigns as well as the issues and passions evoked during this fragile period in the run up to democracy in South Africa and the elections that marked the end of minority rule in the country and the birth of the Rainbow Nation.
“We had unprecedented access to Madiba and his colleagues as they prepared for the first democratic elections. The film shows how they strategized as part of a collective in an environment beset with challenges and how they achieved victory,” said Anant Singh. “It is a truly exceptional experience to reflect on those very memorable days in our history where so many of us cast our votes for the first time. I am honoured that we are able to celebrate Freedom Day and our 20 years of democracy with the broadcast of Countdown to Freedom. At this time, we also pay tribute to, and salute all those who fought the struggle and made freedom and democracy a reality.”
Countdown To Freedom will premiere on Mzansi Magic on Sunday, 27th April at 16h00, followed by repeat broadcasts on Monday 28th April at 21h30; on Mzansi Wethu on Tuesday 29th April at 21h30 and Wednesday 30th April at 21h30; and on Magic World on Thursday 1st May at 20h00 and on Saturday 3rd May at 20h00.
Countdown To Freedom is a Videovision Entertainment production directed by Danny Schechter, produced by Anant Singh and executive produced by Ken Kaplan, Sudhir Pragjee and Sanjeev Singh.
For Further Information:
Nilesh Singh
Tel: 031 2046050 E-mail: nilesh@videovision.co.za
Web: www.mandelamovie.co.za
