Gibson Kente’s How Long? is a powerful, music-filled drama that brings township life under apartheid into sharp, human focus. At the heart of the story is Khulu, a much-loved grandmother doing her best to hold her family together. But when a petty, power-hungry local policeman tears the family apart, Khulu is left alone—vulnerable to a cold and uncaring system. Her death is both a deeply personal loss and a devastating reflection of the times.
Yet the film isn’t only about pain. Kente masterfully weaves in moments of sharp humour and vibrant song, reminding us of the joy and resilience that existed even in the darkest moments. The music doesn’t soften the story—it strengthens it, shining a light on how people resisted with spirit, laughter, and love.
To avoid apartheid censorship, the production moved to King William’s Town, but even that wasn’t enough to escape the regime’s reach. Kente was arrested on the final day of the shoot, and after one public screening at Eyethu Cinema in Soweto, the film was immediately banned.
Now, 49 years later, How Long? is being seen publicly again for the first time—restored and reintroduced to a new generation. With unforgettable performances by Mary Twala, Darlington Michaels, Ndaba Mhlongo, Peter Sephuma, and Armstrong Ngcobondwane, this screening is more than just a tribute. It’s a long-overdue homecoming.
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