The Showerhead documentary will premiere at the Durban International Film Festival on July 27 as the closing night film of the festival.
The documentary explores the journey of fearless South African cartoonist Zapiro, real name Jonathan Shapiro, and his relentless pursuit of speaking the truth to power.
It will explore the relevance and impact of the controversial feature in Zapiro’s work during the past 18 years: the shower-fitting fixed to the head of the former president, Jacob Zuma, after his 2006 rape trial.
Featuring a series of interviews, The Showerhead reveals how Zapiro’s cartoons have captured the essence of a variety of issues plaguing the country in the post-Mandela period, including those of failures of leadership, the rule of law, corruption, and threats to freedom of expression.
Challenging societal norms
The powerful cartoons reflect an unwavering commitment to challenging societal norms and advocating democratic ideals.
His work highlights the importance of defending freedom of expression, emphasising the shared duty of individuals, governments, and corporations to protect this fundamental right.
Zapiro’s steadfast defiance against censorship and how his work remains an important example of critique in a fragile democracy are laid bare in the film.
Director Craig Tanner said he has long admired the art, political acumen, and courage of Shapiro.
“I trust that this film celebrates those qualities and his role in exposing the corruption and associated wrongdoing of those in power,” Tanner said.
“My hope is that given the mounting attacks on freedom of expression, as examined in the film, and borne out by the imprisonment and murder of journalists around the world, The Showerhead will affirm the value and bravery of those who speak truth to power,” he said.
Powerful vision with the pen
Producer Anant Singh said: “Jonathan Shapiro has, over three decades, been an inspiration in his powerful vision with the pen, his satire, and his criticism of corruption and politics, which have deep roots in his activism against apartheid.
“We traversed similar territory, but with film, in the pre- and post-democratic eras. His work reflects a courageous, without fear or favour approach.”
The Showerhead will feature interviews with Shapiro, media personalities Mondli Makhanya, Anton Harber, and Ferial Haffejee, academics Ashwin Desai and Glenda Daniels, media lawyer Dario Milo, struggle icon Ronnie Kasrils, SA Federation of Trade Unions general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, cartoon historian Andy Mason, and artist Brett Murray, whose painting The Spear became a feature of Shapiro’s cartoons.
