African Jim (U) + discussion

African Jim – also released as Jim Comes to Jo’burg - is an important milestone of Black South African cinematic history that lives on in cultural memory, and introduced the singular jazz singer and activist, Dolly Rathebe to the big screen.

The film is a light-hearted, jaunty tale of urban migration, and is significant as the first South African film made for Black audiences. Receiving a wide national release, with support from the ANC (African National Congress), and acting as a vehicle for popular South African musical talent including Rathebe and The African Inkspots – there is much to be celebrated about the film’s initial distribution, reception and most recent 4K restoration.

It must be noted, though, that African Jim is still not the easiest watch – with outdated language and a lack of real context as to why Jim and his friends struggle in this white majority and controlled city. Despite this, there are still transgressions from the tight, censor-approved script – and, wonderfully, ways in which we can engage with and reflect on the activism and Black culture of the time.

A 4K restoration by UK-based R3store Studios funded by the National Gallery of Canada with thanks to Villon Films. 
Part of Cinema Rediscovered on Tour: a Watershed project in association with Wiper & True and collaboration with principal sponsors Park Circus and StudioCanal. With support from BFI Audience Projects Fund awarding National Lottery funding.