Cry Freedom is a 1987 British epic drama film directed by Richard Attenborough, set in late-1970s apartheid era South Africa. The screenplay was written by John Briley based on a pair of books by journalist Donald Woods. The film centres on the real-life events involving black activist Steve Biko and his friend Donald Woods, who initially finds him destructive, and attempts to understand his way of life. Denzel Washington stars as Biko, while actor Kevin Kline portrays Woods. Cry Freedom delves into the ideas of discrimination, political corruption, and the repercussions of violence.
The film was primarily shot on location in Zimbabwe and in Kenya due to political turmoil in South Africa at the time of production. As a film showing mostly in limited cinematic release, it was nominated for multiple awards, including Academy Award nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Original Score, and Best Original Song. It also won a number of awards including those from the Berlin International Film Festival and the British Academy Film Awards.
A joint collective effort to commit to the film’s production was made by Universal Pictures and Marble Arch Productions. It was commercially distributed by Universal Pictures cinematically, and by MCA Home Video for home media. Cry Freedom premiered in cinemas nationwide in the United States on 6 November 1987 grossing $5,899,797 in domestic ticket receipts. The film was at its widest release showing in 479 cinemas nationwide. It was generally met with positive critical reviews before its initial screening in cinemas. (by wikipedia)
And here´s the soundtrack:
The original motion picture soundtrack for Cry Freedom was released by MCA Records on 25 October 1990. It features songs composed by veteran musicians George Fenton, Jonas Gwangwa and Thuli Dumakude. At Biko’s funeral they sing the hymn Nkosi Sikelel’ i Afrika. Jonathan Bates edited the film’s music
This is a beautiful album. The blend of African and Orchestral music is gorgeous. Transcends the movie, in my opinion! A rare find too! (by Matt)
Oh yes … what a great soundtrack … you can hear the tragic of the black people … not only in South Africa …
Personnel:
Mervin Africa (piano)
Ken Freeman (synthesizer)
David De Fries (trumpet)
Churchill Jolobe (drums)
Fats Mogoboya (percussion)
Ernest Mothle (bass)
Bheki Mseleku (saxophone)
Thebe Lipere (percusssion)
Dudu Pukwana (saxophone)
Teddy Osei (saxophone)
Lucky Ranku (guitar)
Torera (mbira)
+
Orchestra conducted by Peter Whitehouse
+
Nicola Emmanuel (vocals on 01.)
George Fenton (vocals on 18.)
Thuli Dumakude (vocals on 09.)
Jonas Gwangwa (vocals on 11. + 18.)
Tracklist:
01. Crossroads-A Dawn Raid 2.16
02. Gumboots 1.49
03. Black Township 2.28
04 .Shebeen Queen 2.58
05. Asking For Trouble 2.23
06. Dangerous Country 1.38
07. Detention 2.00
08. The Mortuary 2.25
09. The Funeral 4.42
10. At The Beach 3.25
11. The Getaway 3.23
12. The Frontier 2.58
13. Last Thoughts 1.34
14. Deadline 2.17
15. The Phone Call 2.01
16. Telle Bridge 2.46
17. Soweto-& Vocal Reprise 1.09
18. Cry Freedom 4.42
All songs written by George Fenton – Jonas Gwangwa – Thuli Dumakude
ManyFantasticColors 