No matter where you are in the world, former South African president Nelson Mandela’s words ignite hope, drive action, and foster resilience in the hearts of those who hear them. In 2013, the House of Mandela partnered with the Tribeca Film Institute to honor Madiba’s wisdom through the cinematic lens. The initiative, aptly named The Power of Words, brings together five filmmakers, each interpreting a different Mandela quote, to weave narratives as diverse as they are powerful into a unique short film.
The project began its journey in April 2013, with a short film lighting up New York’s Times Square every night for a month. This marked the start of an ambitious effort to immortalize Mandela’s philosophies on film. Pairing experienced filmmakers with Tribeca’s student film fellows, the initiative aims to bridge Mandela’s legacy with the dreams and struggles of today’s generation, creating a global connection through the power of storytelling.
Kweku Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela and co-founder of Out of Africa Entertainment, which aided in the production of The Power of Words series, expresses his pride in the diversity in the films. “I want people to watch them and hopefully celebrate with us what my grandfather was able to achieve, but also take away something they can use in their own lives,” he said at the inaugural launch in 2013.
The films, shot in locations ranging from the US to Jamaica and Uganda, delve into uplifting themes, including overcoming poverty, finding purpose, embracing freedom, and speaking the truth, offering a diverse representation of Mandela’s legacy.
The project’s significance can’t be understated in 2024, the 105th birthday of South Africa’s first democratically elected president and the 30th anniversary of South African democracy.
For July 2024, House of Mandela, in association with the Tribeca Film Institute, TimesLive, and more, will bring new life to this mercurial series focused on stimulating new generational dialogue around The Power of Words, framed by Nelson Mandela’s speech while on trial in 1964 for treason. The five films are Captureland; A Fork, Spoon and a Knight; Truth Booth; Lift You Up; and Of the Unknown. Each offers a unique perspective and a diverse representation of Mandela’s legacy.
From Jamaica to the World
One standout piece from this series is Captureland, which features renowned actor and performer Sheldon Shepherd, who plays Rastafarian Tocky in the film. Known for his multifaceted career in Jamaica and roles in Yardie and Bob Marley: One Love, Shepherd brings a unique vibrancy to his role, which was inspired by Mandela’s quote: “I am not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps trying.” His journey into this film began through a fortuitous casting process. “I went for the casting and started preparing my lines,” he said. “The director, Nabil Elderkin, sat me down and had me review some of the other auditions with him. I was confused. When the actor left the room, he said: ‘Do you think he could play alongside you?’ That’s when I knew I had the role, without even auditioning.”
Shepherd’s journey and impactful performance in Captureland are testaments to his talent, resilience, and unique perspective, inspiring and capturing audiences worldwide. “I’ve been acting and doing performing arts for many years,” Shepard shared. His established reputation in Jamaica paved the way for his involvement in Captureland, where his natural charisma and depth brought the character of Tocky to life. Reflecting on his experience, Shepherd said, “I was able to add vibrations of my natural life and my natural self into Tocky.”
Bringing Tocky to Life
The project’s collaborative spirit was evident throughout the filming process which took place in Port Royal, Jamaica. “We filmed over a few days, maybe four or five days,” Shepherd recalled.
The director’s openness allowed Shepherd to inject his nuances into the character, creating an authentic and compelling performance. “The director allowed the other actors and myself to add value to the story,” he said. This creative freedom fostered an environment in which Shepherd could organically explore and develop his character. “If the director admires a natural nuance within the actor, he’s going to want to steer the actor more towards that natural nuance,” he explained.
Discussing the film’s inspiration, Shepherd reflected on Mandela’s legacy and the concept of freedom. He emphasized the importance of seeing great individuals as human beings with their complexities and flaws. “I think we hold human beings in such high regard at times that we fail to identify ourselves in them,” he noted.
When asked about his own legacy, Shepherd shared a touching conversation he had with his son: “My son said, ‘I think you’re cool. You don’t answer to anyone. You do what you want to do. You make beautiful music, and you’re one of the best actors.’”
This heartfelt validation encapsulates the essence of Shepherd’s enduring impact. Through his work in Captureland and beyond, he continues to inspire and captivate audiences, embodying the spirit of Nelson Mandela’s enduring words: a sinner who keeps trying, transforming into a saint in the eyes of those who witness his efforts.
Ten years later, these films are available for public viewing. Visit www.thepowerofwords.tv to be inspired.