In 1985 South Africa burns as the Apartheid regime crumbles. In the months leading up to this historic moment, a group of men holds secret talks to bring about peace and democracy to the nation. Under constant threat, fearful for their lives, a gathering of ANC “terrorists” led by the future president of South Africa, Thobo Mbeki, and key Afrikaner representatives meet in a manor house in South East England. Against all the odds, through volatile discussions, setbacks, and breakthroughs, the secret talks in Britain achieve a precious arena of frail trust between the two archenemies. While Mandela’s tense negotiations at Pollsmoor Prison and, later, in the heavily bugged warden’s villa at Victor Verster Prison prove fruitful, the courage of the unsung heroes at the crucial British talks begins to show results. But will they live to see the peace they are striving so hard for? In the climate of the “war on terror” in which we now live, this inspiring film, based on Robert Harvey’s acclaimed book, The Fall of Apartheid, is more relevant than ever. Starring William Hurt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jonny Lee Miller, and Mark Strong, the film was nominated for a 2009 Golden Globe Award. Admission is $6 for all University of Miami faculty, staff, and alumni; free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens on Friday, January 15 at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., and Saturday, January 16 at 2 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 6:20 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.

(This event has been cancelled. -eds. 12/02/09)

The University of Miami School of Communication, joined by The Online News Association (ONA), will host the school’s annual Beyond Bootcamp Multimedia Workshops from January 9 to January 16.

The intensive three-day workshops will be taught by leading faculty and internationally renowned multimedia professionals. Each workshop opens in the evening with a keynote speaker and features a daily luncheon with an award-wining multimedia producer and three full days of instruction.

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