In many instances we turn to only celebrate the political elite for their role in defeating the apartheid regime, while ignoring others who showed great resistance against the iniquitous system in the best way they knew how.
Living legends such as film producer Anant Singh are some of those who are yet to be celebrated for their role in fighting the apartheid regime. Anant’s new memoir is a perfect proof that he should be celebrated for his contribution to the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
In Black and White, the legendary film producer Anant reflects on his extraordinaire life of living and telling his truth through the medium of film: from producing award-winning South African films such as Sarafina , Cry, the Beloved Country and many others during apartheid, his relationship with the great human beings across the globe, to him defying the apartheid regime and living his ultimate dream of being a world film producer.
After reading this well-written memoir, I strongly believe that if there’s one thing that we all should reach consensus on is that Anant should be given his flowers while he still can smell them.
Perusing through this memoir, I was introduced to a man who not only fought to live his dreams at time when people of his skin colour were denied that right to live their dreams, but a man who, in his own way, played his role in the fight against apartheid by showing to the world the cruelty of the system through film.
In Black and White is an inspiring read and a proof that good people always trumps evil ones.
Inside the pages of this book, there’s inspiration, courage, and a powerful message that one can live their dreams despite the odds stacked against them.
This is one of the best memoirs I have read in recent times. It left me with a newfound respect for Anant.
I think the only bummer for me is that I found the many mentions of former president Nelson Mandela in the book a bit too much, especially in situations where you cannot understand how he(Mandela) fits in the narrative. But I guess this just speaks about how the great statesman influenced the life of the scribe.
Besides that, Anant should be celebrated for his extraordinary contribution to the film industry and his role in telling his and our stories to the world during the dark period of our country.