A documentary on the career and influence of South African cartoonist Jonathan Shapiro, AKA Zapiro, debuted at the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa. The film focuses on Zapiro’s controversial cartoons during Jacob Zuma’s presidential term, challenging the boundaries of freedom of expression.
The Showerhead examines the work of cartoonist Zapiro, from his period as an anti-apartheid struggle-artist to his enduring role as a progressive commentator and freedom-of-expression champion. A review of former President Jacob Zuma’s scandal-ridden ascent, reign, and ultimate ousting, via his cartoons which capture issues in the post-Mandela period – corruption, subversion of the Constitution and the rule of law, and threats to freedom of expression. The film considers freedom of expression in contemporary South Africa with reference to the boundaries tested in Zapiro’s cartoons and his resolute defiance of attempts to stifle his work and affirms his continuing relevance.
The film was directed by Craig Tanner.
No dates for international screenings were found at the time of this writing. The only review I could see was by Mike Novogratz at USD AED who called the film “Compelling.”
The Daily Cartoonist extensively covered Zapiro’s controversial cartoons about Zuma. You can read more in our archives.