Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba

Friday, January 19 - Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Miriam Makeba was the first African musician to become a true international star. Her music – which influenced artists across the globe – always remained anchored in her traditional South African roots and conveyed strong messages against racism and poverty.

This documentary, directed by Mika Kaurismäki, traces her life and music through more than fifty years of performing. Using rare archive footage of her performances, interviews and intimate scenes filmed over the years, this powerful documentary expertly exposes the biography of a unique person, a world icon. She sang for John F. Kennedy and Marlon Brando, performed with Harry Belafonte, Nina Simone and Dizzie Gillespie, was married to Hugh Masekela and also the radical Black Panther, Stokely Carmichael.

• Country Germany, South Africa, Finland
• Language English, French
• Year 2011
• Running Time 92 minutes
• Distributor ArtMattan Productions
• Website https://www.miriam-makeba-movie.com/
• Director Mika Kaurismäki
• Writer Mika Kaurismäki, Don Edkins
• Editor André Bendocchi-Alves, Uwe Dresch, Karen Harley
• Cinematographer Jacques Cheuiche, Wolfgang Held, Frank Lehmann, Martina Radwan, Eran Tahor
• Cast Miriam Makeba, Harry Belafonte, Stokely Carmichael, Nelson Mandela, Paul Simon

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.