Featuring scenes shot in 1992, 1999 and 2006, this documentary follows the lives of South African children-rich and poor, black, white and "mixed race"-from all over the country, from the townships to the bushveldt. In the process 21 UP SOUTH AFRICA offers unique insights into the social and political changes occurring throughout the country since the fall of Apartheid.

First filmed as 7-year-olds in 1992, these 11 individuals are ordinary South Africans growing up at a time of enormous social change. We see them now at the age of 21 making their way in the new South Africa and, as we roll back time in this unique chronicle of their lives, we also see them aged 14 and 7. We see where they started-in township slums, old-school mansions and white suburbs-their world divided along racial lines, as the policy of Apartheid begins to crumble.

While the fall of Apartheid presented them with new opportunities, it also confronted them with new challenges. In successive interview sessions, characterized by disarming honesty, touches of humor and sadness, we see how their attitudes and experiences changed regarding many issues, from race relations and educational opportunities, crime and unemployment, to marriage and the AIDS crisis, which has already claimed the lives of several of the children.

"Powerful... an interesting and moving portrayal of how apartheid and its continuing influence affects the lives of young men and women of all races." —Arin Brenner, Feminist Review