When Denis Goldberg, then 33, was sentenced in 1964 to life imprisonment along with Nelson Mandela and others for seeking to forcibly overthrow South Africa’s apartheid government, he shouted “Life is Wonderful.” Goldberg, the only White convicted in the historic Rivonia trial, retained his optimistic outlook. Interviewed towards the end of his life, he expressed no regrets. His sentiment is echoed by two of his ageing co-defendants, Andrew Mhlangeni and Ahmed Kathrada. Interviews with the then surviving members of the Rivonia trial’s legal team, including Joel Joffe and George Bizos, capture the challenges they faced in balancing political and legal considerations. Archival footage gives historic context to this moving tribute to courage and commitment.

Life is Wonderful: Mandela's Unsung Heroes

Meredith Burgmann is former President of the NSW Legislative Council and co-convenor of the Anti-Apartheid Movement’s ‘Stop the Tours’ campaign in the early seventies. She and Sir Nick Stadlen, Former High Court Judge, share many memories as Nick speaks to his profound motivation in shaping up this beautifully crafted documentary about his good friend Denis Goldberg (passed away 2020).

Life is Wonderful Q&A

This timely short film embraces a hybrid of dramatic and documentary styles to look at rhino poaching through two fictional antagonists, a ranger and a poacher, juxtaposing their points of view of a poaching incident that puts them both at risk. The choice to not show graphic footage of carnage gives Sides of a Horn unique power and impact. Supported by Sir Richard Branson, the film offers important insight into why people choose to engage in poaching, revealing the dilemmas and dualities in communities faced with unemployment and starvation.

Sides of a Horn

Shot on location and based on actual events, this dramatic short is the first film to tell the story of South Africa's rhino poaching war from both sides of the fence.

SAFF Committee member and Owner of Rex Ideas, Collins Rex, chats to Toby Wosskow, Writer/Director of the short film, “Sides of a Horn”. Toby shares his motivation for making the film, raising money on Kickstarter, and forming strong bonds with the local community.

Sides of a Horn Q&A

Australia

New Zealand

Life is Wonderful & Sides of a Horn

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