Introduction
This exhibition is a presentation of around 10 years of Nelson Mandela's life. It is less of a historical commentary than a way of capturing major events and using image to rediscover a particular atmosphere of that time and the vision of a character who has had a very strong moral influence, especially during the 1990s.
In 1990, Nelson Mandela was 72 years old. Imprisoned since 1964, he was the oldest political prisoner in the world. In 1989, he started to negotiate his release with the de Klerk government. During his imprisonment, he experienced many different institutions and his living conditions improved in line with his celebrity.
On February 11, 1990, Mandela was released. A crowd of his followers gathered in front of the Victor Verster prison where he had been detained. The prisoner demanded that his release from prison was shown to the world. He was reunited with his wife Winnie, his family and his comrades in arms. In his speech at the prison gate, he glorified the people's fight for freedom.
I stand here before you, not as a prophet, but as a humble servant of you, the people.
Negotiations soon got under way between the ANC, the Zulu IFP party and the National Party of de Klerk and Botha This was at the CODESA (Convention for a Democratic South Africa) session in December 1991.
On the day of the vote, look at your ballot paper and when you see the picture of a handsome young man, put a cross beside it.
Nelson Mandela, 1994
EPILOGUE
At the end of his presidency, Nelson Mandela continued to participate in public life with his foundation. He also used these years to enjoy a private life which was transformed in 1998 with his marriage to Graça Machel.
Madiba continues to be one of the central figures in South Africa's public life. New political leaders are always compared to him. He has criticized the delays in action against AIDS and has been involved in humanitarian issues.
In 2007, he announced his retirement from public life. But in 2008, he agreed to participate in a humanitarian campaign in the United Kingdom, 20 years on from the concert organized for his freedom in 1988.
"It is in your hands now."
Advisor — Zénine, Rafik, Audiovisual Director
Advisor — Emma d'Agonssa, Film Critic
Conseiller — Zénine, Rafik, directeur audiovisuel
Conseillère — Emma d'Agonssa, critique de film