Watch Shield and Spear

Shield and Spear is a 2014 documentary film that takes a close look at the power of art in contemporary South Africa. Directed by Petter Ringbom, this film explores the role of visual artists, musicians, and poets in shaping the social and political landscape of South Africa. Floyd Avenue is among the artists whose work is featured in the film. As a street artist, Floyd uses his art as a means of social commentary on the issues that affect his community. His art is unapologetically political, and his murals and graffiti can be seen across the streets of Cape Town.

Charl Blignaut is a journalist who writes about the country's art scene. Through his perspective, we see how art plays a critical role in shaping the national dialogue, especially in relation to issues such as identity and race.

Milisuthando Bongela is a fashion blogger and activist who is passionate about celebrating and preserving South African culture. Her work is especially important in light of the country's history of cultural erasure and oppression during the apartheid era.

Throughout the film, we see how these artists and others like them are pushing the boundaries of what it means to be South African, using their creativity and artistic expression to challenge norms and promote change.

We see how musicians like Spoek Mathambo are incorporating traditional African sounds into their music to create a new kind of sound that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage. And we see how poets like Lesego Rampolokeng are using their words to create a new language that speaks directly to the experiences of contemporary South Africans.

At the heart of Shield and Spear is a message of hope. Despite the many challenges facing South Africa, these artists are using their creative talents to promote a vision of a more just and equitable society. Whether it's through street art or social media, music or poetry, these individuals are leading the charge for change.

The film also takes a critical look at the challenges facing these artists. We see how censorship and government interference can stifle free expression, and how artists are forced to navigate complex political and social structures in order to have their voices heard.

Still, despite these obstacles, Shield and Spear shows us that art has the power to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. By highlighting the work of these visionary artists, the film offers a glimpse into the creative energy that drives contemporary South African culture.

Overall, Shield and Spear is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the power of art as a means of social change. Through its exploration of the country's cultural landscape, the film shows how artists are leading the charge for a more just and equitable society, and how creativity and imagination can help to shape a brighter future for all South Africans.

Shield and Spear is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.