By Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rehim
“And She Didn’t Die” is a poignant feature documentary directed by Kethiwe Ngcobo. The film delves into the life of South African writer and activist Lauretta Ngcobo, offering an intimate portrayal of her struggles and triumphs during the apartheid era. Through a blend of archival footage, dramatized scenes, and personal narratives, the documentary paints a vivid picture of a woman who became a symbol of resilience and resistance.
Kethiwe Ngcobo employs a rich tapestry of storytelling techniques to capture the essence of her mother’s life. The documentary integrates archival news footage from the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing significant political events and the broader context of South Africa’s fight against apartheid. These historical clips provide a backdrop against which Lauretta’s personal journey unfolds, highlighting the intersection of the personal and the political.
Complementing the archival material are dramatized reenactments that bring to life pivotal moments in Lauretta’s story. These scenes depict her early encounters with her husband, their blossoming love, and the challenges they faced due to his political activism, which led to multiple imprisonments. Through these portrayals, viewers gain insight into the emotional and relational dimensions of Lauretta’s experiences.
Central to the documentary is Lauretta’s own voice. Her narrations offer a deeply personal perspective on her exile to England, where she became increasingly involved in politics and feminism. As a mother and grandmother, she navigated the complexities of raising a family in a foreign land while maintaining her commitment to activism and writing. Her reflections shed light on the emotional toll of exile and the challenges of balancing personal responsibilities with political engagement.
The film also draws from Lauretta Ngcobo’s literary works. Excerpts from her writings are interwoven throughout the documentary, providing poetic and introspective commentary on her life and the broader struggles of black South African women. These passages enrich the narrative, offering a lyrical lens through which viewers can engage with Lauretta’s thoughts on identity, homeland, and resilience.
“And She Didn’t Die” stands as a testament to Lauretta Ngcobo’s enduring legacy. Through a blend of historical documentation, personal storytelling, and literary reflection, Kethiwe Ngcobo crafts a compelling narrative that honors her mother’s contributions to literature, activism, and the fight against apartheid. The documentary not only preserves the memory of a remarkable woman but also serves as an inspiration for future generations to continue the pursuit of justice and equality.
Catch the film at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival: http://encounters.co.za/
Screening Schedule
27 June 18:15 Zone @ Rosebank (Johannesburg)
22 June 14:00 Ster-Kinekor V&A (Cape Town)
25 June 18:00 Bertha Isi (Cape Town)
This review emanates from the Talent Press programme, an initiative of Talents Durban in collaboration with the Durban FilmMart Institute and FIPRESCI. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author Mohamed Sayed Abdel Rehim and cannot be considered as constituting an official position of the organisers.
