Overview

WE ARE NOT AFRAID is a powerful documentary, co-directed by Janie Cole and Shameela Seedat, exploring the role of music in the fight for human rights during apartheid in South Africa. Set for release in 2025, the film examines the experiences of former political prisoners and how they used music as a form of resistance. The Slow Fund contributed US$10,000 to support the film’s development phase in 2019, which enabled crucial interviews with these prisoners, followed by an additional US$15,000 to aid its completion.

How We Support

The Slow Fund's financial support played a key role in bringing WE ARE NOT AFRAID to life. Its initial contribution allowed the filmmakers to conduct essential interviews, while the second donation helped finalize the film’s production. By supporting this documentary, the Slow Fund underscores its commitment to storytelling that highlights human resilience and the fight for justice.

The Role of Music in Apartheid Prisons

Set against South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, the film highlights how music in apartheid prisons, including Robben Island, served as a tool of resistance, survival, and solidarity for political prisoners. The Slow Fund’s contributions ensured that these stories, along with testimonies of resilience, were captured for future generations.

Women’s Narratives and Gender-Based Struggles

The documentary shines a spotlight on women’s experiences, revealing how music helped them resist both racial and gender oppression in apartheid prisons. The Slow Fund's support made it possible to bring these critical, often overlooked, narratives to the forefront.

Broader Themes of Music and Human Rights

Through interviews, music, and testimonies, the film explores how cultural expression drives social change, especially under oppressive regimes. The Slow Fund’s backing allowed the filmmakers to delve deeply into the intersections of music, power, resilience, and human rights. Additionally, Dr. Janie Cole collaborates with Butterfield & Robinson on Bespoke trips to South Africa, offering exclusive private lectures, such as “Robben Island, Mandela, and the Story of Music in the Apartheid Prisons,” providing travelers with unique cultural insights.