A World of Strangers aka. Dilemma (Danish org. title)

: Zakes Mokae

A WORLD OF STRANGERS was shot “under cover” in Johannesburg, South Africa, 1962, meaning during the apartheid period. It is based on the novel by later Nobel Prize laureate (1991) Nadine Gordimer. Major roles are played by Zakes Mokae, Evelyn Frank, Ivan Jackson and Marijke Haakman. Gideon NxUmalo plays a composer in the story, but he also has composed the music being performed in the film by musicians like Makay Davashe and Kiepie Moeketsi and singers like Abigail Khubeka and Sophia Mcinga.

As background music you hear Max Roach (drums) and Abbey Lincoln (vocal) from their record "Freedom Now Suite" from 1960.

The film opened in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo October 4., 1962 with the title "Dilemma". As very few at the time were familiar with apartheid (it was before CNN) the film was quite a shock. Few weeks later the first anti-apartheid committees were established in the three Scandinavian countries.

Available on DVD in both PAL and NTSC.

Danish and English subtitles are available when needed both for film and features (the film is shot in English). One feature contains “Johannesburg revisited”, a tv-film by Anders Østergaard showing Henning Carlsen’s meeting in Johannesburg with the film's two major actors, Evelyn Frank and Zakes Mokae, 34 years later (1996). Another feature is the directors narration on the making of the film.

A WORLD OF STRANGERS was shown at Museum Of Modern Art in
New York from May 9th to May 15th in a series named JAZZ SCORE.

On this occasion the New York Times wrote, Sunday April 13th :
"The crown jewel on the schedule is Henning Carlsen’s 1962 neorealist-style "Dilemma" which contrasts the privileges of white South Africans with the deprivations blacks endured under apartheid. The score juxtaposes American and African musical styles and reflects the film’s hopes as well as its anxieties. The film’s music-driven opening – an extended, wordless montage of Johannesburg life – as a symphony of a city that makes life itself seem musical."

And Winner of Pullizer Price for Criticism (2005), film critic at Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern, wrote in a private letter June 8. 2008 on ”A World Of Strangers”, (aka. ”Dilemma”) :

Dear Henning,

More than a month ago I told you it would be another week before I looked at the DVD. I'll spare you the excuses. The main thing is I finally watched it all, and I can't tell you -- though I'll try -- what a moving experience it was. The film is a treasure. Sure, it's flawed dramatically, as you say in your interview, but invaluable as a historical document (and, of course, wonderful musically), as well as a testament to your clear-sightedness and courage. Not knowing what was to come in Johannesburg Revisited, I was enthralled by the luminous black-and-white footage of the city and society as they were, and, flaws notwithstanding, by the substance and dynamics of the plot, and by Zakes Mokae's performance. But then came the stunning reversals and ironies -- and heart-rending beauties -- of the return trip, with moments I'll never forget. You saying to the chirpy-cute and perfectly uncomprehending Avis girl that it was your first trip back to South Africa in 34 years. Mokae on the street where he lived, uncomprehending too as he stares at the ghastly, tidy little cottages with security warnings on the gates and tries to take in the full sweep of the changes. And, as if to personalize the paradox of a society turned upside down, the moment when Mokae chastises Evelyn Frank for an observation that, how did he put it, only whites would make.

The point-counterpoint of the film and the return speak eloquently of the passage of time, the limited abilities of people to learn and the human struggle. You achieved so much more than you originally set out to do, and that was a great undertaking in its own right. (Though a failure as a film about the place of refrigeration in South African life.) Thank you so much for sending -- and inscribing -- the DVD. We're very old friends by this time, but now I know you so much better.

Love to you both,

Joe

To order:
Contact: magic-lantern(at)magic-lantern.dk
(remember PAL or NTSC)
Euro 10

See ”the music driven opening”:

Internet Movie Database: Dilemma