Poppie Nongena ( 2019 )

Poppie Nongena: A Heartbreaking Chronicle of Apartheid's Impact

Poppie Nongena, a 2019 South African drama film directed by Christiaan Olwagen, is a powerful and deeply moving adaptation of Elsa Joubert's acclaimed 1978 novel, The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena. The film chronicles the arduous journey of Poppie, a Xhosa woman living under the oppressive apartheid regime, and her relentless struggle to keep her family together while battling the inhumane laws that sought to tear them apart. The film is not just a historical recount; it’s a raw and intimate portrayal of the human cost of systemic racism and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Synopsis

The story unfolds in the 1970s, during the height of apartheid in South Africa. Poppie Nongena, a domestic worker living in Langa, Cape Town, finds herself caught in the web of the Group Areas Act and other discriminatory legislation designed to control the movement and lives of black South Africans. Poppie, married to Stone, a factory worker, lives a relatively stable life with their children. However, their precarious existence is constantly threatened by the ever-present fear of forced removal to the Eastern Cape, the designated homeland for Xhosa people. Poppie desperately seeks to obtain permits that will allow her and her children to remain in Cape Town, believing that their only chance for a better future lies in staying close to work and education opportunities.

As the political situation intensifies and the Soweto Uprising erupts, Poppie's life becomes increasingly difficult. The police raids become more frequent, the pass laws more strictly enforced, and the pressure to conform to the apartheid system unbearable. The film poignantly depicts Poppie's relentless efforts to navigate the bureaucratic nightmare, enduring humiliation and exploitation along the way. She resorts to desperate measures, including feigning illness and pleading with white employers, all in an attempt to secure the necessary documentation to keep her family together. Ultimately, Poppie is faced with the agonizing choice of either sending her children to the Eastern Cape, where they will be separated from her but have a legal claim to residence, or risking arrest and potential permanent separation.

Historical Context: Apartheid in South Africa

Understanding the historical context of apartheid is crucial to appreciating the profound impact of Poppie Nongena. Apartheid, meaning separateness in Afrikaans, was a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994. It classified people into racial groups, with the white minority holding political and economic power while the black majority were systematically oppressed and denied basic human rights.

Key laws under apartheid included:

• The Population Registration Act (1950): Classified people based on race, leading to segregation and discrimination.
• The Group Areas Act (1950): Forced people of different racial groups to live in separate areas, leading to mass evictions and displacement.
• The Pass Laws Act (1952): Required black Africans to carry passbooks, controlling their movement and employment.
• The Bantu Education Act (1953): Segregated education and provided inferior schooling for black children.

These laws, and many others, created a system of profound inequality and injustice, profoundly affecting the lives of millions of South Africans. Poppie Nongena vividly brings to life the human cost of these policies, showing the daily struggles, humiliations, and heartbreak faced by those living under apartheid.

Themes Explored in the Film

Poppie Nongena delves into several significant themes that resonate deeply with viewers, both in South Africa and internationally:

• The Devastating Impact of Apartheid: The film serves as a powerful indictment of the apartheid regime, exposing the brutality and inhumanity of its policies. It highlights the systemic oppression, the denial of basic human rights, and the psychological toll on individuals and families.
• The Strength and Resilience of Women: Poppie is portrayed as an incredibly strong and resilient woman who faces immense challenges with unwavering determination. Her love for her children and her commitment to keeping her family together drive her actions, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. She represents the countless black women who endured hardship and fought for their families under apartheid.
• The Importance of Family: Family is central to Poppie's life and the film's narrative. The threat of separation from her children is her greatest fear, and her relentless efforts to keep them together highlight the importance of family bonds in the face of adversity. The film showcases the emotional and psychological impact of family separation caused by apartheid policies.
• The Loss of Identity and Displacement: The film explores the theme of displacement and the loss of cultural identity as black South Africans were forced to move to homelands or face constant threat of eviction. Poppie's longing for a sense of belonging and her struggle to maintain her cultural ties in the face of forced migration are powerfully portrayed.
• The Power of Hope and Resistance: Despite the oppressive circumstances, Poppie Nongena also offers a glimmer of hope and highlights the subtle forms of resistance that people employed to survive under apartheid. Poppie's unwavering determination to protect her family and her refusal to be completely broken by the system demonstrate the enduring human spirit.

Character Analysis

The film features compelling characters that effectively convey the emotional weight of the story:

• Poppie Nongena (played by Anna-Mart van der Merwe): The protagonist of the film, Poppie is a strong and resilient Xhosa woman who fights tirelessly to keep her family together. She is loving, determined, and resourceful, navigating the complexities of apartheid with unwavering courage. Anna-Mart van der Merwe delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, capturing the emotional depth of Poppie's character.
• Stone Nongena (played by Clementine Mosimane): Poppie's husband, Stone, is a factory worker who provides for his family but is often overwhelmed by the challenges they face. He is more resigned to the system than Poppie, sometimes leading to conflict between them.
• Ettie (played by Nomsa Nene): Poppie's mother, Ettie, is a strong and traditional woman who represents the older generation's connection to their cultural roots. She provides guidance and support to Poppie, reminding her of the importance of their heritage.
• The White Employers: The film also portrays the role of white employers in Poppie's life. While some offer limited support, they are ultimately complicit in the system of oppression, benefiting from the cheap labor of black domestic workers.

Cinematography and Direction

Christiaan Olwagen's direction is sensitive and nuanced, allowing the story to unfold naturally and authentically. The cinematography effectively captures the atmosphere of the time, using muted colors and realistic settings to create a sense of realism. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in Poppie's world and experience the emotional weight of her struggles. The use of Xhosa language, interspersed with Afrikaans and English, adds to the film's authenticity and cultural richness.

Critical Reception and Awards

Poppie Nongena received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, compelling performances, and its unflinching portrayal of apartheid. The film won numerous awards, including:

These awards recognize the film's artistic merit and its significant contribution to South African cinema. Reviewers praised the film for its emotional depth, its historical accuracy, and its ability to humanize the experiences of those who lived under apartheid.

The Book vs. the Film

Elsa Joubert's novel, The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena, is a seminal work of South African literature. The film adaptation remains largely faithful to the source material, capturing the essence of Poppie's story and the historical context of apartheid. However, there are some differences between the book and the film:

Despite these differences, both the book and the film serve as powerful testaments to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of apartheid. The film, however, makes Poppie's struggles accessible to a wider audience through its visual storytelling and emotional impact.

Legacy and Impact

Poppie Nongena is more than just a film; it is a cultural artifact that serves as a reminder of the injustices of the past and a call for continued vigilance against all forms of discrimination. The film has sparked important conversations about race, inequality, and the lasting impact of apartheid on South African society. It has also inspired viewers to reflect on their own roles in addressing social injustices and promoting equality. Furthermore, the film ensures that the stories of ordinary people like Poppie Nongena, who endured extraordinary hardships under apartheid, are not forgotten.

The film’s impact extends beyond South Africa, resonating with audiences worldwide who recognize the universal themes of resilience, family, and the fight for human dignity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and working towards a more just and equitable world. In a world still grappling with issues of racism and inequality, Poppie Nongena remains a timely and relevant work of art.

Conclusion

Poppie Nongena is a must-see film that offers a profound and moving portrayal of life under apartheid. Through its compelling characters, powerful storytelling, and historical accuracy, the film provides a valuable insight into the human cost of systemic racism and the enduring strength of the human spirit. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection, empathy, and a renewed commitment to fighting for a more just and equitable world. The film is a powerful and important contribution to South African cinema and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to shed light on the darkest chapters of human history.