An Act of Defiance

Jean van de Velde

Based on the true story of the Rivonia Trial in apartheid South Africa, An Act of Defiance is the story of Bram Fischer, the lawyer who chose to put his life and freedom at risk to defend Nelson Mandela.

DIRECTOR
Jean van de Velde
YEAR
2017
COUNTRY
Netherlands / South Africa
RUNTIME
123 minutes
LANGUAGE
English/Afrikaans with English subtitles

Q&As with director Jean van de Velde

Based on the true story of the Rivonia Trial in apartheid South Africa, which led to the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela and nine of his black and Jewish compatriots, An Act of Defiance is the story of Bram Fischer, the lawyer who chose to put his life and freedom at risk to defend Mandela. Peter Paul Muller’s performance as Fischer is exceptional, and captures his sympathetic and idealistic nature and his more conflicted, practical humanity, afraid that he’ll be implicated with the Rivonia Ten for his membership in the Communist Party. Jean van de Velde has crafted a film that is both a moving and powerful meditation on the sacrifices necessary to stand against injustice, and an exciting political thriller.

An Act of Defiance
An Act of Defiance
An Act of Defiance
An Act of Defiance
An Act of Defiance

Read More

Videos

On the latest episode of FLC Luminaries, our video series that spotlights talent at all levels of the filmmaking process who uplift the art and craft of cinema, Our Land (Nuestra Tierra) director Lucrecia Martel discusses her expansive and enlightening first feature documentary.

Post

This week we’re excited to present a conversation from the 63rd New York Film Festival with Romería director Carla Simón, moderated by NYFF Main Slate selection committee member Florence Almozini.

Announcements

The New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) and Film at Lincoln Center today unveil the second wave of programming for its landmark 25th edition, adding more than 40 films to an already wide-ranging lineup, with very special final titles still to come.

Make FLC Your Home for Cinema

Member Discount on All Tickets

NYFF Pre-Sale Access

Pre-sale Access to FLC Series and Festivals

Free Tickets

Exclusive Events

Members-only Newsletter

Film at Lincoln Center Logo

Walter Reade Theater + Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center

165 and 144 W 65th Street

New York, NY 10023


212.875.5825

Be the first to hear exciting news and announcements from FLC, including upcoming programming, special offers, added tickets, and more.