South Africa's extraordinary history has produced a wealth of stories. Among the heroic tales of sacrifice in the struggle against apartheid are the love stories of ordinary people, people with fascinating, hidden worlds that were often shattered by politics.

Now, from South Africa's leading documentary production company, and made by three different South African filmmakers, the LOVE STORIES series documents three remarkable love affairs. These stories are not sweet or sentimental - they are very much of the world. Although these stories aren't overtly 'political' or 'sociological,' while watching them we learn about South Africa past, and its heart.

The Moon in My Pocket
Directed by Kgomotso Matsunyane

Wilton Mkwayi, a senior ANC guerrilla commander, was convicted of treason during the Rivonia Trial in 1966. Every year for twenty years, he applied to the prison authorities for permission to marry his sweetheart Irene Khumalo, but was denied each time. In the 21st year of his term they were finally allowed to marry, but six months later she died of cancer. He was released from prison shortly thereafter.

Told through letters, interviews and reconstructions, THE MOON IN MY POCKET is a classic story about a love that almost survived against the odds. It reveals the "other side" of political history, the personal lives of people usually seen as soldiers and politicians, but seldom as lovers.

"Such an honestly touching tale of a man and a woman doomed to separation ... (told) gently and with such affection that there's no room for cliches." - Janet Smith, The Star Tonight (South Africa)

Bubbles and Me
Directed by Marie Human

The year was 1976. Bubbles, a model and part of the 'in crowd,' was a black woman who was unafraid of apartheid and the times she lived in. Jannie was a white Afrikaans body builder who owned a gym in Johannesburg, and was a member of the Nationalist Party. Jannie fell madly in love with Bubbles - Bubbles fell in love with Jannie, 'in her own peculiar way.'

BUBBLES AND ME tells the story of their fated relationship through the eyes of her daughter, Jackie Luthuli, and explores her journey of coming to terms with the mother she never knew. It is a story of love and danger, passion and apartheid.

White Girl in Search of The Party
Directed by Pat van Heerden

In 1943 Pauline Podberry, the daughter of Lithuanian immigrants in South Africa, fell in love with the dashing trade union hero, H.A. Naidoo. The events that followed, including his "listing" as a Communist, their exile in Hungary and London, and H.A.'s disillusionment with the Communist Party and subsequent isolation, tell a complex story.

Told through the eyes of Pauline, now living in Cape Town, and with the testimony of their daughters and friends, WHITE GIRL IN SEARCH OF THE PARTY is a film about history and heroes, and about how political passion and love are often intertwined.

"LOVE STORIES explores the universality of love in 20th century South Africa. This poignant series of short films displays how, like freedom, love can overcome any boundary, even those enforced by politics. These films serve as important reminders of the commonalities shared by citizens of all countries, despite racial or national boundaries."—Andrew Offenburger, Editor-in-Chief of Safundi: The Journal of South African and American Comparative Studies

"What makes this series important is that it reminds us of how racist attitudes and laws can destroy people and create abnormal societies. It should also remind us that while we celebrate the "miracle" of the peaceful transition from the "old apartheid South Africa" to the "new South Africa", we must remember the pain, suffering, humiliation and degradation that so many citizens of South Africa suffered, and the very high price paid for freedom."—Reviewed for H-SAfrica by Robert Vassen, English Language Center, Michigan State University


"A unique perspective on South African history ... Sensational!"—Sunday Times (South Africa)