The struggle against apartheid is recounted through Nelson Mandela’s own voice, drawn from recordings he made while writing his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.

Director Antoine Fuqua and anti-apartheid activist Mac Maharaj bring to cinematic life recently recovered interviews with Rolihlahla — a name that translates from Xhosa as “troublemaker,” and is the birth name of Nelson Mandela.

Fuqua crafts together Maharaj’s testimony, powerful archival footage, the evocative animation of Thabang Lehobye, and Mandela’s spoken words to offer this remarkably personal and anatomical recount of the anti-apartheid movement — from Mandela’s childhood grooming in the royal court, his rebellious elopement and politicization in Johannesburg, his historic presidency, and today’s enduring issues of liberation in South Africa.

As fascist white supremist movements proliferate violently around the world today, Troublemaker shines light on a movement that found its way to the winning side, and what value a troublemaker offers when there is strength in numbers and collective movement. — SF

Also available for credentialed press and industry online (January 28–February 1)