Too White For Me

Too White for Me is a compelling documentary released in 1992, directed by Nick Broomfield, and features involvement from figures like Makie Motloung and Chicco Twala. Set during South Africa's transition from its notorious apartheid era, the film provides an intimate, raw, and often startling insight into the complex socio-political landscape of the time.

Broomfield, an acclaimed British filmmaker, excels in immersive, participatory documentaries. His unique narrative style allows his subjects to freely share their perspectives, as he adroitly captures the nuances and realities of their experience. Too White for Me is no exception, presenting a captivating ground view of a South Africa that was grappling with racial segregation and on the cusp of transformative change.

The documentary centres around the life of Makie Motloung, who at that time was South Africa's reigning beauty queen. Hailing from Johannesburg's townships, she permits Broomfield a window into her life, the lives of those around her, and paints an honest portrayal of life under apartheid. Motloung's role in the film makes it a highly personal journey that gives it an emotional weight, adding to its extensive historical and social commentary.

As a counterpoint to Motloung's story, the film also investigates the life of music mogul Chicco Twala, another important figure in South Africa at the time. Twala, known as the “Hitmaker” was one of the most controversial figures during the apartheid era, gaining both fame and notoriety with his music and activism. Broomfield adopts a critical and impartial lens that enables him to analyse Twala's life and actions in context without demonising or hero-worshipping him.

Through these two individuals, Broomfield succeeds in presenting a layered perspective on the conflicting realities of South Africa's Black community. The film lays bare the coercion, contrition, defiance, and resistance that characterised the everyday life for Black people living under apartheid.

Broomfield's directing style is noteworthy for its brave engagement with contentious and dangerous situations. He does not shy away from exposing himself to potentially hostile environments and acts with boldness and candor. His fearless approach to capturing reality lends the documentary a certain nerve, making it an extremely powerful and immersive experience for the viewers.

Through interviews, real-world footage, captivating montages, and candid discussions, Too White for Me portrays a broad tapestry of emotions, tensions, and conflicts. From the glamour of beauty pageants to the desolation of shantytowns, and the richness of music to the spiritual power of indigenous culture, the film captures the beauty, pain, resilience, and spirit of South Africa.

Despite its uncompromising depiction of the realities of apartheid, the documentary manages to maintain a sense of hope among the harshness. Instances of joy, love, music, and even humour serve to illuminate the resilient spirit of the South African people during this challenging time.

The score of the film deserves a special mention as well. The soundtrack comprises an eclectic mix of indigenous African rhythms, popular South African songs, and evocative instrumental tracks, contributing to the film's emotive power.

In conclusion, Too White for Me is a deep, insightful, and often uncomfortable exploration of the apartheid era in South Africa. It is an eye-opening portrayal of two distinct personalities of the era, Makie Motloung and Chicco Twala, caught at the intersection of politics, race, class, and gender, representing the multitude of experiences within the Black South African community during this historic period.

Masterfully directed by Nick Broomfield, this documentary inventively combines elements of anthropology, social commentary, personal narratives, and music to create a hard-hitting yet empathetic film. It is a poignant, sometimes painful, but always profound look into a time and place fraught with challenges but bursting with the vitality and spirit of its people.

Too White for Me offers a carefully observed, brutally honest, yet ultimately hopeful perspective on an important chapter in South African history. It remains a powerful testament to the resilience and spirit of the South African people of the time and an essential addition to the collection of any devoted fan of documentary cinema. This 1992 documentary still resonates with audiences today, showcasing the enduring impact of truly authentic, passionate, and well-crafted storytelling.