“Mother City”: An Eye-Opening Documentary Making International Impact

“Mother City” is a powerful documentary that explores urban politics and emotionally resonant human stories. It follows the six-year activism journey of the “Reclaim the City” movement in Cape Town, South Africa, who fight to repurpose vacant state-owned buildings into homes for over 1,000 individuals. The film has gained international recognition, showcasing its global relevance and impact. The creators are committed to driving action on these pressing issues and embarking on a global tour to facilitate discussions and encourage engagement. “Mother City” is a rallying cry for social change, pushing the envelope of traditional storytelling to foster transformation.

“Mother City” is more than a mere documentary; it’s a deeply immersive journey that intelligently intertwines urban political discourse with emotionally resonant human stories. The film serves as a rich mosaic of insights, bearing the unique imprint of its creators.

The South African documentary “Mother City” has taken the global film world by storm with its insightful exploration of urban politics. Its compelling narratives resonate with audiences all over the world, earning it significant praise at prestigious events such as the Sheffield International Documentary Festival and the esteemed Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, where tickets sold quickly.

An Immersive Journey Through Urban Landscapes

“Mother City” is more than a mere documentary; it’s a deeply immersive journey that intelligently intertwines urban political discourse with emotionally resonant human stories. The film serves as a rich mosaic of insights, bearing the unique imprint of its creators: impact filmmaker Miki Redelinghuys of Plexus Films, veteran investigative journalist Pearlie Joubert, and well-known feature-producer Kethiwe Ngcobo. Collaboratively, they have fashioned a film that challenges and stirs the audience, offering an up-close view of urban dynamism and its inhabitants.

Spotlight on Activism: Reclaim the City

Central to the film’s narrative is the six-year activism journey of the “Reclaim the City” movement. This committed group’s unwavering effort to repurpose two vacant Cape Town state-owned buildings – Woodstock Hospital, renamed as Cissy Gool House, and Helen Bowden nursing home, rechristened as Ahmed Kathrada House – into homes for over 1,000 individuals forms the crux of the film. As Joubert describes it, it’s a “classic David versus Goliath struggle,” where ordinary people dare to challenge the formidable constructs of politics and property.

Global Impact and Relevance

The significance and influence of “Mother City” extend well beyond South Africa’s borders. The London Renters Union, a key UK advocacy organization, requested a special screening to mark the inauguration of their Housing Justice Assembly 2024. This international recognition underscores the global relevance and appeal of the themes explored in the film. Urban politics and housing issues aren’t localized concerns; they are global matters that “Mother City” powerfully brings to light.

Proactive Mission for Change

The creators of “Mother City” are deeply committed to their mission of fostering meaningful debates and driving action on these pressing issues. Their comprehensive impact campaign includes showcasing the film to a diverse audience, facilitating spaces for productive discussions, and encouraging active engagement with the issues highlighted.

Embarking on a Global Tour

Following its successful premiere at the CineCentre GrandWest in Cape Town, the film is all set to initiate a global tour. It is soon to be screened at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town from Friday 13 to Thursday 19 September. Additional showings include Sheffield’s Showroom Cinema, London’s Bertha DocHouse, Namibia’s Film Week in Windhoek, Germany’s Afrika Film Festival Köln, and future screenings planned in Switzerland and the USA over the next four months.

“Mother City” – A Rallying Cry for Social Change

“Mother City” is no ordinary film; it’s a movement in itself. It serves as a rallying cry and a catalyst for action, pushing the envelope of traditional storytelling to foster social transformation. It stands as a testament to the power of cinema as a medium for dialogue, empathy, and change. As “Mother City” continues its global tour, it carries with it the hopes and challenges of the resilient individuals it features, making a lasting impression on each audience it touches.

What is “Mother City” about?

“Mother City” is a documentary that explores urban politics and emotionally resonant human stories. It follows the six-year activism journey of the “Reclaim the City” movement in Cape Town, South Africa, who fight to repurpose vacant state-owned buildings into homes for over 1,000 individuals.

Who are the creators of “Mother City”?

The creators of “Mother City” are impact filmmaker Miki Redelinghuys of Plexus Films, veteran investigative journalist Pearlie Joubert, and well-known feature-producer Kethiwe Ngcobo.

What is the Reclaim the City movement?

The Reclaim the City movement is a committed group that fought to repurpose two vacant Cape Town state-owned buildings – Woodstock Hospital, renamed as Cissy Gool House, and Helen Bowden nursing home, rechristened as Ahmed Kathrada House – into homes for over 1,000 individuals.

Where has “Mother City” gained international recognition?

“Mother City” has gained international recognition at prestigious events such as the Sheffield International Documentary Festival and the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. It has also been requested for a special screening by the London Renters Union in the UK.

What is the mission of the creators of “Mother City”?

The creators of “Mother City” are deeply committed to their mission of fostering meaningful debates and driving action on pressing urban political and housing issues. Their comprehensive impact campaign includes showcasing the film, facilitating productive discussions, and encouraging engagement with the issues highlighted.

Where can I watch “Mother City”?

“Mother City” is soon to be screened at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town and will also be shown at Sheffield’s Showroom Cinema, London’s Bertha DocHouse, Namibia’s Film Week in Windhoek, Germany’s Afrika Film Festival Köln, and future screenings planned in Switzerland and the USA over the next four months.