Lionel Ngakane: A brave spirit and tenacity for the film industry

It’s been 20 years since the passing of legendary filmmaker, actor, and advocate, Lionel Ngakane, and his legacy continues to push boundaries in the film industry. Lionel Ngakane was not known only as a filmmaker and actor, but as the founder of Federation Panafricaine des Cinéastes, the Pan African Federation of Filmmakers (FEPACI) in 1969, advocating for independent film productions, with a goal to also prompt African governments to support local film production. There are challenges and difficulties that the film industry has faced for years, with some still in the forefront of the industry. Lionel Ngakane’s brave spirit and tenacity for the film industry paved the way for existing and aspiring filmmakers.

Who was Lionel Ngakane?

Lionel Ngakane was a South African writer, director, and advocate. In addition to his passion for film, Ngakane was also a political activist. The legendary filmmaker and actor was the first South African to direct a movie, paving the way for South African filmmakers. He served South Africa outside of the nation during the apartheid era by advancing Black filmmaking, and he carried on that legacy within the nation as he worked to create a new film/cinema industry. Through his films, Ngakane aimed to expose the atrocities of apartheid during his lifetime.

Ngakane was born on the 17th of July 1928 in Pretoria. He attended the University of Witwatersrand and Fort Hare University College. Following a brief stint as a journalist for Zonk and Drum, he started his film career as an assistant to Hungarian-born producer and director Zoltan Korda for his 1951 film ‘Cry The Beloved Country,’ in which Ngakane played a significant role.

He met other South African exiles in England, became in the ANC, and furthered his acting career. During the next 43 years in self-exile, Ngakane worked a variety of professions to support himself and his passion. Among them were an actor for several stage, film, TV, and radio productions; a journalist for periodicals covering Africa and West Africa; and an owner of a trinket and antique shop. Lionel’s diverse range of jobs allowed him a great deal of freedom to follow his cinematic goals.

A 1956 short film titled ‘Sunday in London’ was the product of his maiden attempt at filmmaking. Ngakane was able to test his technical abilities on this nine-month-long endeavor, which helped him prepare for the creation of his first big work, ‘Vukani – Awake,’ in 1957. This work was meant for an audience outside of South Africa, exploring the difficulties of being Black in the apartheid era. The movie provides insight into the political climate in South Africa, from the perspective of a Black South African.

In addition to ‘Vukani (Awake),’ the filmmaker and actor directed ‘Jemima and Johnny’ and a Nelson Mandela documentary. He also had a successful career in acting, acting, and starring in ‘Cry The Beloved Country,’ ‘Mark The Hawk,’ and ‘The Squeeze,’ to name a few.

Lionel Ngakane Foundation

Following the passing of her uncle, Lerato Ngakane took it upon herself to continue his legacy through the ‘Lionel Ngakane Foundation.’ Lerato is the Founder and Director of the foundation. Going through her uncle’s work and seeing how much talent and tenacity he exuded, prompted her to create something that will benefit young, emerging filmmakers. She emphasized the difficulties young filmmakers experience in gaining support from film institutions. “I’ve gone to the institutions and I’ve seen what the response has been, even for me, so how do I then create a bridge that young filmmakers can access these institutions. That’s where the approach and direction as a foundation is – bridging the gap between institutions and young filmmakers,” Lerato says. The foundation aims to bridge the gap between young, emerging filmmakers, living up to the spirit and tenacity Lionel Ngakane had for the film industry. Beyond that, the foundation believes in the power of telling authentic African stories and addressing social justice issues through film.

Challenges in the African Film Industry: Opening up the African Film Industry

The African film industry, despite its rich cultural diversity and storytelling potential, grapples with several challenges that impact its growth and global recognition. Some of the challenges the African film industry faces include limited funding, distribution obstacles, and the need for greater international recognition. Additionally, there are issues related to piracy, inadequate infrastructure, and varying levels of government support across different African countries. Despite these challenges, there’s a growing recognition of the industry’s potential, and efforts are being made to overcome these obstacles through collaboration, investment, and talent development.

Challenges of the African film industry in the 90s and the 21st century are not necessarily the same. Getting into the film industry in the 90s was difficult as a Black person because of the apartheid era, whereas now there’s more gatekeeping, and not necessarily racial exclusion.

Film from a producer and director’s lens

What better way to dive deep into Africa’s film industry challenges and experiences than through first-hand experience. Filmmakers and actors have a better understanding of the film industry than any other person, they experience and face the challenges at a closer view. Film producer and director, Sifiso Khanyile’s love for music and art awakened his love and passion for film. However, as with any other industry, getting into the film industry takes a lot of hard work and determination. Admiring film from the outside and actually being on the inside are two different things. “Getting into the film industry is a long journey. There’s a difference in appreciating or being someone who has a deep love for cinema and wanting to be a filmmaker, it takes time,” says Khanyile. Upon the long journey to succeeding in the film industry there are challenges filmmakers face, with the biggest one being funding. However, Khanyile begs to differ on the struggle of funding in South Africa, as there’s sufficient information on how to secure funding. He believes that other countries in Africa do have grounds to stand on, in terms of struggling with funding, but not South Africa.

Some filmmakers didn’t get into the film industry as straight producers or directors, Lionel Ngakane started as an assistant to Zoltan Korda, and some start off as actors/actresses, such as Mmabatho Montsho. “I’ve always had an interest in TV and filmmaking, and would diligently wait to read the credits as a child. For me, my viewing experience was incomplete without reading the credits. The movie ‘My Girl’ and the music video ‘Nice n Slow’ by Usher were the 2 projects that made it clear I would pursue a career in film and TV. My goal was always to become a writer and director, acting was just the path there,” says Mmabatho. The director and actress has always had a passion for film, beyond that she believes in telling stories that highlight justice and liberty, like Lionel Ngakane. “My approach is very much driven by the themes of justice and liberation. I am always looking for ways to communicate that in my work. I also enjoy telling the ‘small story’ even in larger stories I put my focus on the intimate stuff,” the director and actor says.

When asked what advice she would give to aspiring filmmakers she said that aspiring filmmakers should research Lionel Ngakane’s experiences as a cultural worker and activist. “I would counsel them to value learning new things, to value developing their abilities, and to produce work that questions the status quo. By considering oneself as a ‘worker,’ one can broaden their perspective to take into account the circumstances in which they create, what is significant to create for their time, and what they can accomplish as a group. It is imperative for upcoming filmmakers to understand how the political climate of their era shapes their prospects as artists and, above all, as cultural workers.”

Celebrating Lionel Ngakane’s legacy is more than just talking about it but doing something about it as well. Living up to what he stood for makes his legacy worthwhile for generations to come. As we celebrate the life and achievements of this legendary filmmaker and activist, it is crucial to recognize the enduring impact they have had on both cinema and the world at large. Through a lens of artistic brilliance and unwavering commitment to social change, their legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that film has the power not only to entertain but also to provoke thought, challenge norms, and spark movements for a better world.

Author/Research Writer

Lebogang Selekane