Antoine Fuqua’s ‘Troublemaker’ lets Nelson Mandela speak for himself

Antoine Fuqua’s New Documentary Reveals Mandela’s Revolutionary Spirit

PARK CITY, Utah — In a packed theater at the Sundance Film Festival, acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua unveiled his latest project, “Troublemaker,” a documentary that promises to transform public perception of Nelson Mandela from merely a global icon to a complex revolutionary who once embraced militant tactics in his fight against apartheid.

The film, which premiered Tuesday at Sundance, explores Mandela’s evolution from firebrand activist to the statesman revered worldwide. Fuqua’s journey into Mandela’s past began with a surprising revelation when he mistook a boxing photograph of Mandela for Muhammad Ali.

“He evolved into the Mandela that we all know and love,” Fuqua explained during a post-screening discussion. “The film allows you to see him not just as a mythical character or global icon, but as a fallible human being, someone who became a great leader but who began as a rebel willing to engage in violence, if necessary, for the greater good.”

Unlike previous Mandela documentaries, “Troublemaker” employs Mandela’s own voice throughout, drawing from over 70 hours of personal recordings. This approach gives audiences unprecedented access to Mandela’s thoughts and reflections in his own words.

Key to the project’s authenticity was Fuqua’s collaboration with Mac Maharaj, an anti-apartheid activist who was imprisoned alongside Mandela on Robben Island. Maharaj played a crucial role in smuggling out Mandela’s writings, which would later become the memoir “Long Walk to Freedom.”

The three-year production took Fuqua and his team across South Africa, visiting pivotal locations in Mandela’s life journey. They filmed at the University of Fort Hare, where Mandela studied before being expelled for protest activities, explored Robben Island where he spent 18 of his 27 imprisoned years, and visited Qunu, his birthplace and final resting place.

To fully immerse himself in the experience, Fuqua spent several nights on Robben Island, which he described as “very uncomfortable.” These evenings also provided intimate moments with Maharaj, who shared personal insights about Mandela, including his unexpected fondness for Tracy Chapman’s music.

Throughout their travels, the filmmakers encountered numerous veterans of the anti-apartheid struggle whose resilience left a profound impact on Fuqua. “One gentleman came in missing an arm and an eye. He looked like a character out of James Bond,” Fuqua recalled. “Yet he was so full of life and so matter-of-fact about what happened to him while fighting for justice. I learned so much about the spirit of these people.”

The documentary employs innovative storytelling techniques, blending archival footage, personal photographs, and first-hand accounts from Maharaj. South African artist Thabang Lehobye contributed original animations to visualize moments where historical footage doesn’t exist, particularly scenes from Robben Island where cameras were forbidden.

This documentary arrives at a critical moment in global politics, as questions of social justice, democratic values, and collective action dominate headlines worldwide. South Africa itself continues to grapple with economic inequality and political challenges three decades after apartheid’s end, making Mandela’s journey from revolutionary to reconciliation figure especially relevant.

“The lesson I learned was that meaningful change is never easy or comfortable,” Fuqua reflected. “The people in the moment were willing to do what was necessary, to take on the difficult job to make change happen.”

The director hopes “Troublemaker” will inspire audiences to reflect on the sacrifices required for social transformation. “I hope people take the lessons of great leaders like Mandela and Mac Maharaj… people who stood up for the right reasons.”

While distribution plans remain unannounced, the film’s Sundance premiere has already generated significant industry buzz, with several major streaming platforms reportedly expressing interest in acquiring the rights.

“Troublemaker” stands apart from previous Mandela documentaries by exploring the tension between his militant past and peaceful legacy, offering a nuanced portrait of a man whose journey from troublemaker to peacemaker continues to resonate in today’s politically divided world.