The dramatic and extraordinary journey of fearless South African cartoonist Zapiro (Jonathan Shapiro) and his relentless pursuit of speaking truth to power is the focus of the documentary The Showerhead which will have its world premiere at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) on Saturday, 27 July, as the Closing Night Film of the festival.
Directed by South African-born Craig Tanner and produced by Videovision Entertainment’s Anant Singh, The Showerhead, tells Zapiro’s story from his roots as a liberation artist and political detainee during Apartheid, to his emergence as a steadfast defender of freedom of expression, and his no-holds barred response to the current complex political climate in democratic South Africa.
As the film’s title implies, The Showerhead explores the origin, relevance and impact of the controversial feature in Zapiro’s work during the past 18 years: the shower-fitting fixed to the head of the former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma after his 2006 rape trial.
Featuring a series of interviews, The Showerhead reveals how Zapiro’s cartoons have captured the essence of a variety of issues plaguing the country in the post-Mandela period, including those of failures of leadership, subversion of the Constitution and the rule of law, corruption, and threats to freedom of expression.
Zapiro’s powerful cartoons reflect an unwavering commitment to challenging societal norms and advocating democratic ideals. His work highlights the importance of defending freedom of expression, emphasizing the shared duty of individuals, governments, and corporations to protect this fundamental right. Zapiro’s steadfast defiance against censorship, and how his work remains an important example of critique in a fragile democracy is laid bare in the film.
His work draws poignant parallels to Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical magazine whose cartoonists faced severe threats and attacks, culminating in the terrorist attack on their offices, and Tanzanian cartoonist Gado (Godfrey Mwampembwa) who has faced threats and censorship due to his critical cartoons about political leaders, and many others.
The Showerhead features interviews with Zapiro, media personalities Mondli Makhanya, Anton Harber and Ferial Haffejee, academics Professor Ashwin Desai and Professor Glenda Daniels, media lawyer Dario Milo, struggle stalwart Ronnie Kasrils, General Secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions Zwelinzima Vavi, cartoon historian Andy Mason, and artist Brett Murray, the artist, whose painting The Spear became a feature of Zapiro cartoons, and who, like Zapiro, was sued by Jacob Zuma.
“I have long admired the art, political acumen, and courage of Jonathan Shapiro,” says director, Craig Tanner. “I trust that this film celebrates those qualities and his role in exposing the corruption and associated wrongdoing of those in power.”
“My hope is that given the mounting attacks on freedom of expression, as examined in the film, and borne out by the imprisonment and murder of journalists around the world, The Showerhead will affirm the value and bravery of those who speak truth to power.”
Producer, Anant Singh said, “Jonathan Shapiro has, over three decades, been an inspiration in his powerful vision with the pen, his satire, and his criticism of corruption and politics which has deep roots in his activism against apartheid. We traversed similar territory but I with film, in the pre- and post-democratic era. His work reflects a courageous without fear or favour approach.”
“Craig Tanner has done a wonderful job capturing the essence of Jonathan’s work and The Showerhead is a tribute to Jonathan’s activism and courage. We at Videovision Entertainment are proud to collaborate with Craig and Jonathan on this powerful film.”
The prestigious closing night slot of DIFF takes place on Saturday, 27 July, at 19h00 at Suncoast, and there will be an additional public screening at 17h00 on Sunday, 28 July at Suncoast Cinecentre. Bookings are through https://www.cinecentre.co.za/.
The Showerhead will be released at cinemas in South Africa later this year.
