An Act of Defiance

“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if it need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” - Nelson Mandela’s impassioned speech to the prosecutor of “The Rivonia Trial”.

Apartheid is rampant in South Africa, 1963. When ten men are arrested on a farm in Rivonia for conspiring to commit sabotage and violent acts against the repressive S. African government, tenacious lawyer Bram Fisher steps up to the challenge as lead counsel. He soon finds that political leader Nelson Mandela is also on trial. Mandela urges his fellow defendants to plead not guilty and shine light on the systemic corruption against the African people. As the outcome of the trial looks bleak, Mandela gives his famous “I’m Prepared to Die” speech, discussing how the ANC’s resistance is justified. But will Mandela’s impassioned speech save these men’s lives?

  • Jean van de Velde
    Director
    THE SILENT ARMY, THE PRICE OF SUGAR
  • Jean van de Velde
    Writer
    THE SILENT ARMY, WILD ROMANCE, LEAK 2000
  • Richard Claus
    Producer
    The Silent Army, Black Butterflies, The Price of Sugar
  • Michael Auret
    Producer
    The Salvation, Young One
  • Hugh Rogers
    Producer
  • Peter Paul Muller
    Key Cast
    The Dinner Club
  • Sello Motloung
    Key Cast
    Man to Man
  • Gregg Viljoen
    Key Cast
    Cape of Good Hope
  • Antoinette Louw
    Key Cast
    A Million Colours
  • José Domingos
    Key Cast
    The Salvation
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Bram Fischer
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    2 hours 3 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 1, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    5,000,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Netherlands
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    Afrikaans, English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 2k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    DCP 2K FLAT
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Movies that Matter Film Festival

    Netherlands
    April 1, 2017
    Netherlands
    Audience Award
Distribution Information
  • First Run
    Country: Korea, Republic of
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
  • Cine Mundo
    Country: Portugal
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
  • Front Row
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
  • Twelve Entertainment
    Country: Italy
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Ship, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
    Country: San Marino
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Ship, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
  • Gakhal Entertainment
    Country: India
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
  • Shanghi Jushi
    Country: China
    Rights: Internet, Video on Demand, Pay Per View, Hotel, Theatrical, Video / Disc, Free TV, Paid TV, Console / Handheld Device
Director - Jean van de Velde