Summer Movie List for new DP History students

The first topic in DP History is Paper 1 Rights and protests. In this section we have two case studies:

• Case study 1: Civil rights movement in the United States (1954–1965)

• Case study 2: Apartheid South Africa (1948–1964)

You will have to search for these movies. Some are on Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, or other sites. Some may not be available at all times.

Movies

Case study 1: Civil rights movement in the United States (1954–1965)

10,000 Black Men Named George. Directed by Robert Townsend, written by Cyrus Nowrasteh, performances by Andre Braugher, Charles S. Dutton and Mario Van Peebles. Dufferin Gate and Paramount, 24 February 2002. 

Plot Summary: 10,000 Black Men Named George tells the story of A. Philip Randolph's efforts to unionize the African American porters who worked for the Pullman Company, where every Black porter was referred to as "George" regardless of his name. The film highlights their struggles against poor working conditions and racism, as they fight for fair wages and respect, leading to the formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first African American-led labor union.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie's thesis is the importance of collective action and leadership in confronting systemic racism and economic exploitation to secure civil rights and dignity for African American workers.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: The film reflects the nature of discrimination, with its portrayal of economic and social inequality reminiscent of the struggles African Americans faced under Jim Crow laws and segregation. It also highlights the significance of organized protest, linking the formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters to the non-violent strategies used in the Civil Rights Movement, such as boycotts and legislative advocacy.

A Raisin in the Sun. Directed by Daniel Petrie, written by Lorraine Hansberry, performances by Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands and Stephen Perry. Columbia Pictures, 29 May 1961.

Plot Summary: A Raisin in the Sun follows the struggles of the Younger family, an African American family living in Chicago, as they attempt to improve their socioeconomic status after receiving a life insurance payout. The family faces internal and external conflicts, including racism and housing discrimination, as they pursue their dreams of a better life.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie explores the impact of systemic racism on the aspirations of African Americans, highlighting the tension between hope and frustration in the pursuit of equality and the American Dream.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: The film reflects economic and social discrimination by depicting housing segregation and the challenges African Americans faced in gaining access to better opportunities, echoing the legacy of Jim Crow laws and disenfranchisement. It also connects to the themes of non-violent protest and action, as the family's decision to move into a white neighborhood mirrors the courage of those involved in the Civil Rights Movement, such as the activists in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Freedom Rides.

Deacons for Defense. Directed by Bill Duke, written by Michael D'Antonio, Richard Wesley and Frank Military, performances by Forest Whitaker, Christopher Britton, Ossie Davis, Jonathan Silverman, Adam Weiner and Marcus Johnson. 16 February 2003.

Plot Summary: Deacons for Defense tells the true story of a group of African American men in Louisiana who form an armed defense organization, the Deacons for Defense, to protect civil rights activists from the Ku Klux Klan's violent attacks during the 1960s. The film highlights their struggle between the philosophy of non-violent protest and the need for self-defense in the face of violent racism.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie emphasizes the necessity of self-defense in the fight for civil rights, challenging the notion that non-violence alone can achieve justice in the face of extreme racial violence and oppression.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: The film portrays the nature and characteristics of discrimination, particularly the racism and violence of the Ku Klux Klan, and the systemic disenfranchisement of African Americans, which mirrors the struggles addressed by the Civil Rights Movement. It also contrasts non-violent protests with the Deacons' armed resistance, highlighting the tensions between peaceful actions like the Freedom Rides and the necessity of self-defense in protecting civil rights activists from violent retaliation.

Fences. Directed by Denzel Washington, written by August Wilson, performances by Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson and Saniyya Sidney. Paramount Pictures, 16 December 2016.

Plot Summary: Fences follows the life of Troy Maxson, an African American man in 1950s Pittsburgh, as he struggles with his past disappointments, racial inequality, and his strained relationships with his family. The film delves into Troy's frustrations with the limitations imposed by systemic racism and how it impacts his personal and professional life.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The film explores the lasting psychological and emotional effects of racial discrimination on African Americans, highlighting the internal conflicts and generational tensions that arise from unfulfilled dreams and societal barriers.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Fences illustrates the economic and social discrimination faced by African Americans, reflecting the legacy of Jim Crow laws and the impact of segregation on individuals' opportunities and aspirations. The film also indirectly addresses the themes of protest and action, as Troy's personal struggles mirror the larger frustrations that fueled the civil rights movements, such as the fight for equal access to jobs and education, as seen in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

Freedom Song. Directed by Phil Alden Robinson, written by Phil Alden Robinson and Stanley Weiser, performances by Danny Glover, Vicellous Reon Shannon, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Loretta Devine and Glynn Turman. TNT, 27 February 2000.

Plot Summary: Freedom Song tells the story of young African Americans in Mississippi during the 1960s who, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, become involved in non-violent protests, voter registration drives, and face violent opposition from segregationists and the Ku Klux Klan. The film follows their struggle for equality and the impact of their efforts in a deeply segregated and hostile society.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie highlights the power of grassroots activism and non-violent resistance in challenging systemic racism, emphasizing the courage of ordinary people in the face of violent oppression to demand social and political change.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Freedom Song directly connects to the nature and characteristics of discrimination, portraying racism, violence, and disenfranchisement in the South, much like the efforts of the Freedom Rides and voter registration initiatives during Freedom Summer. It also showcases the role of key actors and groups, such as SNCC and the NAACP, in organizing non-violent protests, which were central to the push for legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

Ghosts of Mississippi. Directed by Rob Reiner, written by Lewis Colick, performances by
Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg, James Woods and Craig T. Nelson. Sony Pictures, 20 December 1996.

Plot Summary: Ghosts of Mississippi recounts the true story of the 1994 trial of Byron De La Beckwith, who murdered civil rights leader Medgar Evers in 1963, and the long struggle for justice led by Evers' widow, Myrlie Evers, and Assistant District Attorney Bobby DeLaughter. The film explores the decades-long fight to bring Evers' killer to justice and highlights the persistence of racial tensions in Mississippi.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie emphasizes the enduring impact of racial injustice and the importance of persistence in the pursuit of truth and accountability, even decades after the original crime.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Ghosts of Mississippi directly relates to the nature of discrimination, particularly the violence and racism against African Americans by groups like the Ku Klux Klan, as seen in Medgar Evers' assassination and the struggle to achieve justice. The film also connects to the role of key actors in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting Medgar Evers' work and Myrlie Evers' fight, which reflects the broader struggle for civil rights during the 1950s and 1960s, including landmark events like the Voting Rights Act and non-violent protests led by figures such as Martin Luther King Jr.

Green Book. Directed by Peter Farrelly, written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Hayes Currie and Peter Farrelly, performances by Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali and Linda Cardellini. Universal Pictures, 16 November 2018.

Plot Summary: Green Book follows African American pianist Dr. Don Shirley and his Italian American driver Tony Lip as they travel through the racially segregated Southern United States in the 1960s. The film depicts their evolving friendship as they navigate the dangers of racism, discrimination, and social barriers during the Jim Crow era.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie explores the transformative power of friendship and mutual understanding in breaking down racial prejudices, while highlighting the daily struggles African Americans faced in a segregated society.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Green Book reflects the nature and characteristics of discrimination, portraying the racism and economic/social inequality African Americans endured in the South, resonating with the legacy of Jim Crow laws and the impact of segregation on individuals. It also connects to the Civil Rights Movement’s themes of non-violent protests, as Dr. Shirley’s dignified perseverance in the face of overt racism mirrors the broader struggle for equality during events like the Freedom Rides and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Directed by Stanley Kramer, written by William Rose, performances by Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn, and Katharine Houghton. Columbia Pictures, 11 December 1967.

Plot Summary: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner follows the story of a young interracial couple, Joanna and Dr. John Prentice, who face opposition when they announce their intention to marry, challenging the social norms of 1960s America. The film explores the reactions of their families and the broader societal implications of their union in a time of intense racial tension.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie underscores the power of love and personal relationships to challenge racial prejudices, offering a critique of ingrained societal discrimination and advocating for equality and understanding across racial lines.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: The film addresses the nature of racial discrimination, particularly social discrimination and the legacy of segregation, echoing the barriers African Americans faced in education, housing, and relationships during the era of Jim Crow laws. Additionally, it connects to the broader Civil Rights Movement’s push for social integration and equal rights, reflecting the spirit of legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act (1964), which aimed to dismantle institutionalized racism and promote equality across all aspects of society.

In the Heat of the Night. Directed by Norman Jewison, written by Stirling Silliphant and John Ball, performances by Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates and Lee Grant. United Artists, 2 August 1967.

Plot Summary: In the Heat of the Night follows African American detective Virgil Tibbs as he is wrongfully accused of murder in a small, racially segregated Southern town, only to be asked to assist in solving the case. The film highlights the racial tensions and prejudices Tibbs faces as he works alongside a reluctant white police chief to uncover the truth.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie explores the deeply ingrained racism in the American South and challenges notions of racial superiority by showing how intelligence and justice transcend racial boundaries, pushing for mutual respect and understanding.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: In the Heat of the Night directly connects to the nature of racial discrimination, portraying the violence, hostility, and systemic racism that African Americans faced, much like the disenfranchisement and segregation seen in the Civil Rights Movement. The film also reflects the themes of non-violent protest and action, as Tibbs' dignity and professionalism mirror the strategies of key civil rights leaders, such as Martin Luther King Jr., who sought to combat racism through peaceful resistance and the push for justice through legal and social reforms like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Judas and the Black Messiah. Directed by Shaka King, written by Will Berson, Shaka King, Kenny Lucas and Keith Lucas, performances by Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders and Martin Sheen. Warner Bros. Pictures, 12 February 2021.

Plot Summary: Judas and the Black Messiah tells the story of Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, and how FBI informant William O'Neal infiltrates the group, leading to Hampton’s eventual assassination. The film delves into the themes of betrayal, activism, and the government's efforts to suppress the growing civil rights movement.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie emphasizes the struggle for racial justice and the lengths to which the U.S. government went to undermine Black leadership, highlighting the complexities of activism, loyalty, and systemic oppression.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Judas and the Black Messiah connects to the nature of discrimination, particularly the violence and disenfranchisement faced by African Americans and their organizations, similar to the tactics used against civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. The film also illustrates the role of key actors and groups in the fight for racial equality, such as Fred Hampton and the Black Panther Party, paralleling the efforts of earlier civil rights groups like the NAACP and SNCC in challenging systemic racism and advocating for social and legislative changes.

Long Walk Home, The. Directed by Richard Pearce, written by John Cork, performances by Sissy Spacek, Whoopi Goldberg, Dwight Schultz, Ving Rhames and Dylan Baker. Miramax Films, 21 December 1990.

Plot Summary: The Long Walk Home follows the story of Odessa Cotter, an African American maid, and her white employer, Miriam Thompson, during the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott. As Odessa participates in the boycott, Miriam is forced to confront her own beliefs and the racial tensions that surround them in segregated Alabama.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The film highlights the impact of non-violent protest and the moral awakening of individuals in the fight against institutionalized racism, underscoring how the actions of everyday people contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: The Long Walk Home is directly tied to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the most significant non-violent protests of the Civil Rights Movement, illustrating the power of collective action against segregation. The film also reflects the economic and social discrimination of Jim Crow laws and how key actors like Martin Luther King Jr. and grassroots activists were instrumental in pushing for change, culminating in the Civil Rights Act (1964).

Loving. Directed by Jeff Nichols, written by Jeff Nichols and Nancy Buirski, performances by Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, Marton Csokas, Nick Kroll and Michael Shannon. Focus Features, 4 November 2016.

Plot Summary: Loving tells the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple whose marriage in Virginia led to their arrest and legal battle that culminated in the landmark 1967 Supreme Court ruling in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage. The film explores their quiet perseverance in the face of racism and legal discrimination.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie highlights the power of love and resilience in challenging institutionalized racism, illustrating how ordinary people can spark significant legal and societal change.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Loving addresses the nature of racial discrimination by showcasing how segregation laws and Jim Crow-era restrictions, like the ban on interracial marriage, were used to disenfranchise African Americans and control social dynamics. The film also connects to the broader fight for civil rights, paralleling the efforts of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and legislative victories such as the Civil Rights Act (1964), as the Lovings' case pushed for equal protection under the law, much like the battles for voting and desegregation.

Malcolm X. Directed by Spike Lee, written by Arnold Perl and Spike Lee, performances by Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Delroy Lindo and Spike Lee. Warner Bros., 18 November 1992.

Plot Summary: Malcolm X chronicles the life of Malcolm X, from his troubled youth and imprisonment to his transformation into a prominent civil rights leader and his advocacy for Black empowerment, nationalism, and racial justice through the Nation of Islam. The film explores his evolving views on race, religion, and civil rights, leading to his eventual assassination in 1965.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie examines the complex and radical journey of Malcolm X as he sought to confront racism and injustice, advocating for Black self-reliance and dignity in the face of systemic oppression, while highlighting his personal and ideological growth.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Malcolm X directly ties to the nature of discrimination, depicting the racism, violence, and disenfranchisement faced by African Americans, similar to the conditions leading to non-violent protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott. The film also emphasizes the role of key actors in the Civil Rights Movement, portraying Malcolm X as a significant figure alongside others like Martin Luther King Jr. but offering an alternative perspective on racial justice that challenged mainstream civil rights strategies while still contributing to the broader fight for legislative and social change, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Mississippi Bruning. Directed by Alan Parker, written by Chris Gerolmo, performances by Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. Orion Pictures, 9 December 1988.

Plot Summary: Mississippi Burning follows two FBI agents investigating the brutal murders of three civil rights activists in segregated Mississippi during the 1964 Freedom Summer. As they confront the local Ku Klux Klan and corrupt law enforcement, the film depicts the violent racism and fear that defined the Deep South.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie underscores the pervasive and violent nature of racism in the Jim Crow South, while highlighting the federal government's reluctant yet necessary intervention in protecting civil rights activists and challenging the entrenched power structures of segregation.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Mississippi Burning connects to the nature of racial discrimination, particularly through its portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan's violence and the systemic disenfranchisement African Americans faced, echoing the broader struggles against segregation and voter suppression seen in events like the Freedom Rides and Freedom Summer. The film also touches on the role of protests and key actors, depicting the bravery of civil rights activists and the federal enforcement of legislative change, which led to landmark victories like the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the Voting Rights Act (1965).

Mudbound. Directed by Dee Rees, written by Dee Rees, Virgil Williams and Hillary Jordan, performances by Carey Mulligan, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Clarke, Jason Mitchell, Mary J. Blige, Rob Morgan and Jonathan Banks. Netflix, 17 November 2017.

Plot Summary: Mudbound follows the intertwined lives of two families—one Black and one white—living in the racially segregated Mississippi Delta after World War II, focusing on their struggles with poverty, racism, and the traumas of war. As tensions rise, the film highlights the brutal realities of racial discrimination and the impact of systemic inequality on both families.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The film exposes the deep-seated racial and economic divides in the post-war American South, demonstrating how systemic racism, inequality, and violence persistently shape the lives of African Americans.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Mudbound relates to the nature of discrimination, portraying the violence and economic disenfranchisement African Americans faced under the Jim Crow laws, much like the broader struggles of the Civil Rights Movement. The film also resonates with the themes of non-violent protests and the fight for racial justice, as it mirrors the conditions that led to major actions such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the push for legislative change like the Civil Rights Act (1964).

Nothing but a Man. Directed by Michael Roemer, written by Michael Roemer and Robert M. Young, performances by Ivan Dixon, Abbey Lincoln, Gloria Foster and Julius Harris. Cinema V, 19 September 1964.

Plot Summary: Nothing but a Man follows Duff Anderson, an African American railroad worker in the 1960s South, as he struggles with racism, economic hardship, and personal pride while trying to build a stable life for his family. The film explores his challenges in maintaining dignity and love in a society structured to oppress him.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie examines the effects of systemic racism on personal identity and relationships, emphasizing the intersection of racial, economic, and social struggles faced by African Americans in the pursuit of dignity and equality.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Nothing but a Man reflects the nature of discrimination, portraying the economic and social discrimination that African Americans faced under Jim Crow laws, which limited their opportunities and impacted their sense of self-worth, much like the systemic inequality fought against during the Civil Rights Movement. The film also echoes the significance of non-violent protest and action, as Duff’s quiet resistance to oppression mirrors the dignity and strength shown by civil rights activists during key protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Freedom Rides.

Panther. Directed by Mario Van Peebles, performances by Kadeem Hardison, Bokeem Woodbine, Joe Don Baker, Courtney B. Vance, Marcus Chong, Tyrin Turner, James Russo, Nefertiti, M. Emmet Walsh, and Joan Tarika Lewis. Gramercy Pictures, 3 May 1995.

Plot Summary: Panther dramatizes the rise of the Black Panther Party in the 1960s, focusing on its efforts to confront police brutality, provide community services, and advocate for African American empowerment amid growing government repression. The film portrays the party's role in both empowering Black communities and clashing with law enforcement and the FBI.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie illustrates the power of organized resistance against racial injustice, emphasizing the significance of self-defense and community activism in the broader struggle for civil rights and Black empowerment.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Panther ties to the nature of discrimination by showcasing the violent racism and systemic disenfranchisement African Americans faced, paralleling the role of groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the legacy of Jim Crow laws. The film also connects to protests and action, highlighting the Black Panther Party's militant response to police brutality and economic discrimination, contrasting the non-violent methods of earlier civil rights efforts like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Freedom Rides, while still contributing to the fight for legislative changes like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Selma. Directed by Ava DuVernay, written by Paul Webb, performances by David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo, Giovanni Ribisi, Alessandro Nivola, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tim Roth and Oprah Winfrey. Paramount Pictures, 25 December 2014.

Plot Summary: Selma focuses on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights activists, as they campaign for equal voting rights for African Americans in the face of violent opposition. The film highlights the strategic non-violent protests that culminated in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie underscores the power of organized, non-violent protest in challenging systemic racial discrimination, particularly in securing legislative changes that uphold civil rights for African Americans.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Selma is directly linked to the nature of racial discrimination, particularly the disenfranchisement of African Americans through discriminatory voting laws, echoing the larger struggle against segregation seen in the Brown v. Board of Education decision and Little Rock. It also exemplifies the significance of non-violent protests, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Freedom Rides, while portraying key actors like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) as instrumental in achieving the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Help. Directed by Tate Taylor, written by Tate Taylor and Kathryn Stockett, performances by
Jessica Chastain, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Octavia Spencer and Emma Stone. Walt Disney, 10 August 2011.

Plot Summary: The Help is set in 1960s Mississippi and follows an aspiring white journalist, Skeeter, as she interviews African American maids, such as Aibileen and Minny, about their experiences working for white families, exposing the harsh realities of racism, segregation, and inequality in domestic work. The film highlights the courage of these women as they share their stories in the face of societal backlash.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie emphasizes the power of storytelling as a form of resistance, illustrating how the personal narratives of African American maids expose the injustices of segregation and challenge the status quo of racial inequality in the South.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: The Help reflects the nature of discrimination, showcasing the economic and social inequality African Americans faced under Jim Crow laws, echoing the struggles against segregation in education and public spaces seen in cases like Brown v. Board of Education. The film also ties into the theme of non-violent protest, as the maids' decision to share their stories is a form of peaceful resistance, similar to the courage of activists in the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Freedom Rides, while highlighting the significance of key figures in the broader fight for civil rights.

Watermelon Man. Directed by Melvin Van Peebles, written by Herman Raucher, produced by John B. Bennett, performances by Godfrey Cambridge and Estelle Parsons. Columbia Pictures, 1970.

Plot Summary: Watermelon Man follows the story of Jeff Gerber, a white, bigoted insurance salesman who wakes up one day to find that he has mysteriously transformed into a Black man. The film explores how his life drastically changes as he experiences racism and discrimination firsthand, altering his views on race and privilege.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie uses satire to critique racial prejudice, showing how entrenched racism affects both individual identity and societal dynamics, while questioning the absurdity of racial inequality.

Link to Civil Rights Movement Case Study: Watermelon Man highlights the nature and characteristics of discrimination by depicting how Jeff’s life changes drastically when he faces racism and disenfranchisement, paralleling the systemic oppression African Americans faced under Jim Crow laws. The film also connects to the broader Civil Rights Movement’s focus on protest and legislative change, as Jeff's newfound awareness mirrors the experiences that fueled non-violent protests like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and demands for legal reforms, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Case study 2: Apartheid South Africa (1948–1964)

A World Apart. Directed by Chris Menges, written by Shawn Slovo, performances by Barbara Hershey, David Suchet, Jeroen Krabbé, Paul Freeman, Tim Roth and Jodhi May. Atlantic Releasing Corp., 17 June 1988.

Plot Summary: A World Apart is set in apartheid-era South Africa and follows the story of Molly, a young girl whose mother, Diana, is an anti-apartheid activist. As Diana fights against racial segregation, their family life is torn apart by the state’s repression and the personal costs of her activism.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The film portrays the personal and societal costs of resisting systemic racial oppression, highlighting how apartheid impacts individuals, families, and communities, while underscoring the necessity of moral courage in fighting injustice.

Link to Case Study 2: Apartheid South Africa (1948–1964): A World Apart illustrates the nature of apartheid’s racial segregation, forced removals, and the impact of "Grand Apartheid" on individuals, reflecting the division and classification of populations in South Africa. The film also connects to protests and action, as Diana’s involvement in non-violent resistance echoes the defiance campaign and the broader struggle led by figures like Nelson Mandela and groups such as the African National Congress (ANC), culminating in state responses like the Rivonia Trial and increased repression of anti-apartheid activists.

Final Solution. Directed and written by Cristobal Krusen, performances by John Kani, Jan Ellis and Vusi Kunene. Messenger Films, 2001.

Plot Summary: Final Solution follows the story of Gerrit Wolfaardt, a white South African deeply influenced by apartheid ideology, who undergoes a personal transformation after confronting the violent racism and injustice of the system he once supported. The film depicts his journey from hatred to redemption as he begins to challenge the apartheid regime.

Thesis of the Movie Storyline: The movie highlights the power of personal transformation in confronting systemic racism, demonstrating how confronting truth and seeking reconciliation can lead to meaningful change in both individuals and society.

Link to Case Study 2: Apartheid South Africa (1948–1964): The film reflects the nature of apartheid's deeply entrenched racial classification and division, showing how the "Grand Apartheid" system fostered racial violence and segregation. Gerrit's eventual shift from apartheid supporter to challenger mirrors the moral reckoning seen among white South Africans, similar to the broader protests led by the African National Congress (ANC) and other key groups, such as the defiance campaign and the global fight against apartheid.