Film Synopsis: Strike a Rock

After the massacre of 34 striking mineworkers shakes their poverty-stricken community, two grandmothers lead their community in a historic fight for justice.

The women of Marikana, many of whose men died demanding a living wage and better living standards, have been determined to force the mine owner, UK-based Lonmin, to meet its legal obligation to improve living conditions for the miners’ widows and children.

Two of them, Thumeka Magwangqana and Primrose Sonti, have their friendship tested when Primrose is elected to Parliament. Leaving Marikana behind to enter the political arena, Primrose becomes gradually disconnected from the grassroots movement she helped to start, while Thumeka must step into the vacuum and lead the community.

Tracking the uneasy line between the personal and the political, Strike a Rock also offers a damning exposé of the ties between the ANC government and the extractive industry – contrasting political expediency, corruption and corporate hypocrisy with the women of Marikana’s struggle for solidarity, healing, respect and justice.

This film received support from the IDFA Bertha Fund.