Zulu and the Zulus will be a 90-minute feature documentary to be shot in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, about the making of the classic war film Zulu (1964).

Zulu Night is a fundraising event to help bring it to the screen. There will be an auction of film and other memorabilia, a screening of rare ‘making of’ footage and, of course, a screening of Zulu (1964).

The previously unseen ‘making of’ film contains 26 minutes of unique black and white footage, showing cast and crew at work and play. The original 16mm silent footage has been painstakingly restored in a top post-production house. This unique footage not only features the famous cast and crew on set, it also includes the building of key sets in KwaZulu-Natal as well as costume design, creation and fitting, stunt work, battle scenes and much more. But more importantly it is an historical record, detailing the extent of contribution from the local community in bringing Zulu to life.

Director Henry Coleman and producer Mark Tinkler will travel to KwaZulu-Natal. In remote areas they will show the footage to the Zulu people on a portable screen. They will film the audience, interview them and draw out their stories on the making of the film in 1963. The team will even interview some people who appeared in the original film as extras. Chief Buthelezi, who played his own great grandfather, Cetewayo, has agreed to participate in this project and given his full support.

They will also visit locations where the film was shot for a ‘then and now’ sequence, including the original battle site at Rorkes Drift (for historical reference – the film was not shot on the original battlefield).

Everyone knows the film, it’s iconic set pieces, and the lead European actors… but no-one has ever spoken to the hundreds of Zulu warriors who took part in the film. This is a unique opportunity to get their point of view on the classic film.

Read the article about this event in Cinema Retro.

Doors open at 18.00, for a 19.00 start.

Refreshments will be available in our licensed cafe/bar.

TICKETS & PRICING

Tickets £25.

Advance tickets may be purchased from Billetto, or direct from the Museum by calling 020 7840 2200 in office hours.