HOW LONG?

CLASSICAL FILM SELECTION

Set in apartheid South Africa, How Long? is a bold and emotionally charged township musical adapted from the banned stage play by legendary playwright Gibson Kente. The story follows Khulu, a resilient grandmother whose family is torn apart by a vindictive local policeman, turning personal tragedy into a powerful symbol of life under apartheid. Despite its dark themes, the film sparkles with Kente’s signature humour and musical satire, blending spirited songs and sharp comedy that highlight resilience and the enduring human spirit.
To evade the apartheid Censorship Board, production moved to King William’s Town, though Kente was arrested on the final day—a stark reminder of the risks artists took to tell the truth.

English title:

How Long?

Original title:

How Long?

Director:

Gibson Kente

Country:

South Africa

Genre:

fiction

Year:

1976

Length:

83’

Cast:

Mary Twala, Darlington Michaels, Ndaba Mhlongo, Peter Sephuma, and Armstrong Ngcobondwane

A quote for the film:

“Now my main worry is your uniform.”

Selective list of festivals and awards:

Director’s bio:

Gibson Mthuthuzeli Kente was a pioneering South African playwright, musician, and director, widely regarded as the “Father of Black South African theatre” and a founding figure of township theatre. His work brought to the stage the everyday realities of life in marginalized urban communities, giving voice to stories rarely seen in mainstream culture. Blending music, drama, and social commentary, Kente created vibrant productions rooted in township jazz and gospel, addressing themes such as love, crime, faith, and social injustice. During the apartheid era, his plays became a powerful form of artistic expression and resistance, engaging directly with the lived experiences of Black South Africans. Beyond his own work, Kente played a crucial role in shaping the country’s cultural landscape, launching the careers of major artists such as Brenda Fassie, Mbongeni Ngema, and Sello Maake ka Ncube. He also wrote songs for internationally acclaimed performers including Miriam Makeba and Letta Mbulu.